David Zikusoka
“During my time in the federal government, I was fortunate enough to receive a great deal of practical experience in national security. What I lacked, however, was a firm grounding in the theories that undergird national security policy and grand strategy. The MPP program, from the scope of its curriculum to the carefully composed makeup of its cohort, had by far the best offering of the world’s leading international affairs programs. Also, both my fiancée and one of my best friends are proud graduates of the School!” (Hometown: Princeton Junction, New Jersey)
Biography
Dave hails from Princeton Junction, New Jersey, an unincorporated community largely known for being a train stop on the way to Princeton. He is currently a Battlespace Awareness Portfolio Analysis contractor with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). He previously worked at OSD as a political appointee in the roles of special assistant for Battlespace Awareness and special assistant for Global Force Planning. Prior to his Pentagon experience, Dave worked for Vice President Joe Biden as his senior advisor for Weapons of Mass Destruction and Non-proliferation and, earlier, as special assistant to the national security advisor to the vice president. During his time in government, Dave has worked on everything from space warfare and Guantanamo transfers to basing agreements and artificial intelligence. He graduated from Harvard University in 2006 with an A.B. in History. In his free-time, he pretends at being a D.J., music blogger, chef, and cyclist.