BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NATIONAL SECURITY & DEFENSE POLICY

Morgan Stromski ’28, who is a dual-degree student studying to receive her B.S. in Security and Defense Policy and an M.A. in Security Studies, is passionate about self-improvement to prepare for the demanding military life that awaits her upon graduation. She discusses how the Army ROTC program is enabling her to reach her full potential. Below, she shares some of her experiences in the Army ROTC program and her time at the University.

When I was applying to college, I didn’t initially think of joining the University of New Haven’s Army ROTC program. However, after attending an Open House and speaking with some of the cadets in the company, I soon knew that this would be my home. The company atmosphere, which encourages pushing each other to be the best and strengthening ourselves both mentally and physically, drew me in. I view attending college as a way to move past my limits and really step into the image of myself I want the world to see, and Army ROTC helps me do just that.

Through perseverance, self-reflection, and support from others, Michael Mannino ’27 learned that the path to the right career isn’t always straight and that changing direction can lead to unexpected growth.

The hardest decision in life is often choosing a career path. For many of us, that journey begins with selecting a field of study in college. Coming into college, I thought that I wanted to study Criminal Justice with the goal of becoming a detective. I had always been drawn to problem solving and the idea of helping others, inspired in large part by family members who were successful police officers. That inspiration built up tons of excitement, so much so that this was the very first time throughout my academic career that I looked forward to school. Unlike grade school, where classes felt like a chore and the topics were forced, I believed these new courses would finally connect to my passions. In spite of that, as I began attending classes, I struggled with the material and found myself uninterested in the topics. Professors felt distant, the work felt overwhelming, and the pressure to succeed grew heavier by the day. I quickly realized that the field of study that I had chosen was unsuitable for me.

For Maverick Melchiore ’25, choosing the University of New Haven meant unlocking opportunities that reached beyond the classroom. From interning with the FBI to studying abroad across Europe, Maverick made the most of every moment.

Throughout his time as a Charger, he gained real-world experience through internships, developed leadership skills, and deepened his global understanding through study abroad experiences. Below, he reflects on his last four years as a Charger.

My name is Maverick Melchiore, and my four years at the University of New Haven have provided me with invaluable knowledge, relationships, and experiences that will last a lifetime. During my undergraduate studies, I pursued a degree in National Security with a concentration in Intelligence Analysis and a minor in Russian Language and Area Studies. The classes I completed equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed within the United States’ National Security Enterprise.

My education at the University helped me land an Intelligence Analyst internship at SafeAbroad during the Summer of 2023, which subsequently led to my role as Team Lead of the Intelligence Innovation Team at SafeAbroad the following fall semester. My greatest achievement was interning at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) during the summer of 2024 and into the following academic year. This experience was both challenging and exceptionally rewarding.