During the Spring of 2019, I was afforded the Research Assistant and Intern position at The Institute of World Politics (IWP) in Washington, D.C. As a sophomore undergraduate at The Catholic University of America, I was given the ability to audit a graduate course titled Intelligence and Law taught by Professor Paul Schilling and perform independent research under his guidance to explore the legislative history of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, formally known as FISA.
My research describes the history, and development over time, of this piece of legislation that was introduced as a bill before the U.S. Congress and approved for implementation. Further, it explores some of its more controversial implementations like its utilization against the current U.S. President, Donald J. Trump, and his administration. The opportunity to work directly under the guidance of a professor who is an expert in the Intelligence Community was a unique and challenging experience that allowed me to foster my critical thinking and research skills.
The Institute of World Politics is a welcoming and supportive environment that provides countless opportunities for professional growth and development. Regardless of whether I was working on my independent research assignment or attending networking events, there was always something new and exciting to be learned.
Thus, the experience gained through my internship with IWP and the impact it has made on my academic career has been twofold. It not only provided me with the ability to gain new insight into issues related to national security but to further my undergraduate achievements. Lastly, this program has been a milestone by which I will be able to apply the skills I have learned in my future career path.
Christine Fitzgibbon
Spring 2019
