Ryan Costello joined NIAC in April 2013 as a Policy Fellow and currently serves as Policy Director.  In this role, Ryan directs NIAC’s policy team in its work to influence policymakers, monitor legislation, conduct research and writing, and coordinate advocacy efforts. Prior to joining NIAC, Ryan served as a Program Associate at the Connect U.S. Fund where he focused on nuclear non-proliferation policy.  In that role, he coordinated the Fissile Materials Working Group, a coalition of 70 domestic and international organizations dedicated to preventing nuclear terrorism.  Ryan graduated from American University’s School of International Service with a Master of Arts in U.S. Foreign Policy, and from Ursinus College where he majored in history and international relations. Ryan’s work has been published in The National Interest, Defense One, The Huffington Post, The Hill, Roll Call, Lobelog and many other outlets.