Class of 2012 Student Profiles

Leonard Kosinski , 2012, United States

Why I chose Fletcher: Having completed my MA at Fletcher several years ago, there was no question on where I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. when I received a 3-year doctoral fellowship earlier this year. As a career military officer, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of the Fletcher education and experience. Whether working on bilateral negotiations with Japan or working on national security policy issues in the interagency, the Fletcher network is strong and alumni are playing critical roles in national decision making. As a C-17 transport pilot, I have travelled the world and I can't remember ever going to a location where I couldn't coordinate an impromptu Fletcher reunion or get-together. The Fletcher faculty is amazing and very accessible for both students and alumni. I've discovered that this type of relationship and access is very rare at graduate institutions. I am very happy to be back at Fletcher. I am looking forward to another 3 years of the Fletcher experience and working toward a multidisciplinary degree that will best prepare me for future military leadership endeavors.

How I plan to use my experience at Fletcher to make a difference in the world: Senior United States Air Force leaders decided to send a select group of officers to top tier institutions for advanced degrees in security studies. As a recipient of one of these fellowships, I am committed to utilizing the knowledge, network and other tools from my Fletcher experience to help build the international relationships and internal capabilities to transform our Air Force to meet the challenges of the future. I am convinced that Fletcher provides an outstanding academic experience, and I am further convinced that the friendships and connections forged here during the non-stop activity of classes, study groups, student organizations, internationally acclaimed guest speakers, and innumerable social events, will enable me to best make a difference in the world.