Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Politics and International Affairs, 2029 (Expected)
Major: International Relations - Minor: Comparative Politics
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Affairs, 2025 (Expected)
Concentration: Security and Diplomacy
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Master of Science (M.S.) in Internet Technology, 2012
Concentration: Information Security and Assurance
Pace University, White Plains, NY
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Information Technology, 2009
Honors: magna cum laude
Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, NJ
Teaching
Graduate Teaching Assistant, 2024 - Present
Spring 2025: Empirical Political Analysis (R Programming)
Fall 2024: Environmental Political Theory, American Foreign Policy
Spring 2024: Politics of the Middle East, Politics of Modern Iran
Publications
Schnaufer, Tad II and Hermida, Yoan. “GNSI Decision Brief: Keeping Allies in the Fight: Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq” (2025). GNSI Decision Briefs. 15. DOI https://doi.org/10.5038/RMJS9902
Presentations
Conference Paper, "The Quest for Cyber Hegemony: How China's Cyber Posture Converged with its Grand Strategy."
GNSI Tampa Summit 5, Global and National Security Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, March 2025.
Panelist, Next Generation - Perspectives on the Future, YPO Florida Gold 2024 Security Summit, MacDill Air Force Base, February 2024.
Honors
Selectee, Paid Student Internship Program, US Department of State, Summer 2024
Interests
International relations with a focus on security and authoritarianism.
Cyber conflict and the weaponization of technology.
Great power cyber competition in Ibero-America.
Affiliations
American Political Science Association
Florida Political Science Association
Graduate Assistants United
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Non-Academic
I worked in technology for 16 years. My most recent position was Senior Manager of Quality Engineering at a software company, where I led an international team of 15 test engineers.
Military
Combat Engineer, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, United States Army
Army Commendation Medal
GWOT Expeditionary Medal
Languages
English (Level 5), Spanish (Level 5), Portuguese (S2, L2+, R3), French (Level 1)
Technical
Python, R, SQL, HTML, LaTeX, Linux, Excel (Advanced), Word, PowerPoint, Visio
Personal
When not pursuing my passion for politics and international affairs, I enjoy spending time with my wife, working out, and traveling.
Contact Information
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