Please meet your most helpful resources on campus:

Claudia Hofmann, Program Director

Amy Newell, Academic Advisor

Shaine Cunningham, Career Advisor

Kyle Lucchese, Program Coordinator

International Student & Scholar Services Office

Feel free to reach out to our faculty and make appointments at any time throughout the semester!


Claudia Hofmann, Program Director

Dr. Claudia Hofmann is the Director of the Master in International Service (MIS) program at the School of International Service at American University in Washington, DC. She is also an Associate Fellow at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, and a Senior Analyst for Wikistrat Inc.

Dr. Hofmann’s research addresses the role of non-state actors in world politics, with a particular emphasis on rebels, insurgents, and organized criminal groups as a challenge to foreign and security policy. Her recent research focuses on societal resilience and the interplay between drugs and organized criminal groups and national security.

She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Cologne, Germany, an M.A. in International Conflict Analysis from the Brussels School of International Studies at the University of Kent, Belgium, and a B.A.(Hons) in Politics & Government and History from the University of Kent, UK.

Visit her office hours, or reach out to her at hofmann@american.edu.

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Headshot of smiling Amy in a black shirt

Amy Newell, Academic Advisor

As your Academic Advisor, Amy assists students with course selection and registration and explains graduation requirements and academic regulations. She also advises on overall program of study, including integrating academic and professional goals. In addition, she serves as a resource guide and University “navigator” to connect students to other campus offices and suggests relevant faculty and opportunities.

Before joining the MIS support team, Amy served as the Advising Assistant for the Graduate Advising office in SIS through which she was able to build many strong relationships with SIS faculty, staff, and students.

Amy holds an M.A. in International Development from the School of International Service, and a B.A. in International Political Economy and Policy Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Make an academic advising appointment with Amy here, or reach out to her at 202-885-6522 and newell@american.edu.

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headshot of smiling Shaine wearing a blue shirt

Shaine Cunningham, Director, Career Ed & Employer Relations

Shaine Melnick is a career strategist and coach with over 10 years’ experience supporting university students through all stages of career development. As Director of Career Education and Employer Relations for the School of International Service, Shaine leads the strategic direction and management of the Office of Career Development to ensure comprehensive career support for over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students and recent alumni pursuing careers in international affairs. In this role, Shaine also coordinates employer relations and career events for the school and coaches online graduate students and career changers through challenges related to career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, personal branding, networking, interview preparation, job search strategy, and offer negotiation.

Book a career advising appointment here

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Kyle Lucchese is the Program Coordinator for the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) and Master of International Service (MIS) programs. In that capacity, they coordinate outreach, recruitment, marketing, retention, student support, communications, event planning, and interoffice and external partner liaising. Kyle’s ongoing work with the research team of Dr. Sophia McClennen and Mr. Srdja Popovic examines the use of dilemma actions and laughtivism and their implications for nonviolent movements. An effective altruist, Kyle has pledged to donate at least 10% of their income to effective charities. For more information and to sign a pledge, visit The Life You Can Save and Giving What We Can.

Reach out to them at kylel@america.edu.

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12 international flags on the american university quad

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)

The ISSS Office is one of your most important campus resources. They are responsible for processing your immigration documents and answering your questions to ensure that you stay ‘in status’ of your visa while studying at American University. They are also responsible for a number of programs and services including academic counseling and cross-cultural training.  You will become very familiar with this office while you are on campus and will meet their staff during the International Student Orientation.

Website: http://www.american.edu/ocl/isss/
Phone: 202-885-3350
Fax: 202-885-3354
Email: isss@american.edu
Office: Butler Pavilion, 4th Floor (Office of Campus Life)

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