CMDR COE Internship Programme: Young Talent, Fresh Ideas and Meaningful Research
Date: (31-07-2026)
The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence continues to invest in the next generation of security, crisis management and disaster response professionals through its Internship Programme.
In the past few months, CMDR COE has had the pleasure of working with two highly motivated interns – Dzuliana Dobrancheva and Joshua Witthuhn – whose research projects brought fresh perspectives to topics directly related to the Centre’s portfolio and the wider contemporary security environment.
During her internship, Dzuliana developed a research project titled “Crisis Communication in Disaster Relief Operations: The Role of Public Affairs and the Challenges It Faces.” Her work explored the critical role of strategic communication in disaster response, particularly in engaging with affected populations and supporting operational effectiveness. The research also examined the growing impact of misinformation, disinformation and AI-generated content during crises, highlighting the importance of resilience, media literacy and cooperation among public institutions, private organisations and civil society.
Reflecting on her experience, Dzuliana emphasised the value of participating in CMDR COE courses, which enhanced her understanding of a broad spectrum of topics relevant to today’s complex security challenges. In her words, the internship provided both “practical insights and a broader understanding of the complex environment in which disaster response and crisis communication take place.”
Joshua focused his research on the growing impact of climate change on the environment, resilience, conflict dynamics and humanitarian conditions. His work examined how climate change and conflict can jointly degrade infrastructure, increase stress on communities and reduce resilience in already vulnerable environments. A particular focus of his research was the role of surveillance, data and interoperable systems in supporting timely, informed decision-making by key actors.
For Joshua, the internship was also a valuable learning and networking experience. He described his time at the Centre as “nothing short of amazing” and highlighted the expert support he received while developing his research project, as well as the opportunity to attend CMDR COE courses and meet professionals working across different areas of crisis management and disaster response.
Both interns actively contributed to the intellectual environment of the Centre. Their research addressed issues that are increasingly relevant to NATO, Allies and partners: crisis communication, information resilience, climate-related security risks, environmental stress, critical infrastructure, interoperability and the use of data for decision support.
The CMDR COE Internship Programme is more than a professional placement; it is a two-way exchange. Interns gain practical experience, access to expert knowledge and insight into the work of a NATO-accredited Centre of Excellence, while the Centre benefits from their curiosity, academic discipline, fresh thinking and innovative perspectives.
CMDR COE thanks Dzuliana and Joshua for their dedication, professionalism and valuable contribution. Their work once again demonstrates why young professionals are an important part of the Centre’s community, bringing energy, ideas and commitment to the shared mission of strengthening crisis management and disaster response expertise.
We wish them continued success and look forward to seeing how their knowledge, motivation and experience will support their future professional paths.
News
CMDR COE Hosted a Meeting on Space Weather Data Processing for Improving Resilience ModelsCMDR COE successfully hosted a virtual meeting on 11-12 February 2025, as part of the NATO Modeling and Simulation Group-235 initiative on Space Weather Data Processing for Improving Resilience Models.
» read more
The Spring Iteration of the CMDR COE Internship Programme commencedNew interns were welcomed in CMDR COE looking forward for opportunities provided by the Centre.
» read more
Analysis and Lessons Learned Training in the CMDR COEThe JALLC Advisory and Training Team (JATT) conducted an Analysis and Lessons Learned Training of the CMDR COE staff from 03 to 05 FEB 2025.
» read more
CMDR COE hosted Coordination Board Meeting of MCCEOn 28 and 29 JAN 2025, the CMDR COE hosted Coordination Board Meeting of the Movement Coordination Centre Europe (MCCE).
» read more
Pioneering Partnerships in Crisis Management and Aviation MeteorologyCMDR COE and BULATSA Explore Synergies to Address Climate Challenges and Enhance Flight Operations Safety
» read more
Strengthening Crisis Preparedness: Insights from "Darb al-Aman 4"A National Emergency Exercise in Jordan Unites Over 3,500 Participants to Tackle Traditional and Modern Threats
» read more
Fruitful cooperation with the Bulgarian National Defence CollegeCMDR COE’s expert participated in the annual visit of the NATO Defense College′s Senior Course.
» read more
A strategic thinking for crisis responseCourse on Strategic Decision-Making for CRO, 25-29 Nov 2024
» read more
27th Environmental protection (EP) Working GroupCMDR COE representatives took part in the 27th EPWG, conducted from 20 to 22 November 2024 in the NATO HQ in Brussels.
» read more
NITEC and IPB conferencesFrom 19–21 November 2024, the Education Training Programmes and Plans (ETPP) division of the Multi-Domain Force Development Directorate (MDFD/ACT) successfully organized and conducted the annual NATO Individual Training and Education Conference (NITEC) and the NATO ITEP Planning Board (IPB) Conference.
» read more
World Geographic Information Systems (GIS) DayCMDR COE representatives participated to the largest GIS event.
» read more
Online conduct of the GFP courseThe CMDR COE welcomed virtually a group of military and civilian learners to the NATO-approved Gender Focal Point course (GFPC).
» read more
Strategic Leadership Workshop Enhances Moldova′s Border SecurityInternational Collaboration and Crisis Management Strategies Foster Regional Stability and EU Integration Efforts
» read more
Playing largest CAX/CPX of 2024Steadfast Duel 2024 computer-assisted command post exercise
» read more
CMDR COE Steering Committee (SC) meetingThe 12th CMDR COE SC was conducted from 30 to 31 October 2024.
» read more
CMDR COE Academic Advisory Board (AAB) meetingOn 29 October 2024 in Sofia was held the 5th CMDR COE Academic Advisory Board meeting.
» read more
Participation to the Planning Conference of Exercise SEVEN STARS 2025On 24 and 25 October 2024, CMDR COE representatives Colonel Lazarov and Lieutenant Colonel Aleksandrov visited South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG).
» read more
25th World GIS DayNATO and leading international experts arrive in Sofia for the 25th World GIS Day.
» read more
Completed NATO-Approved CMDR courseWe are thrilled to announce the successful completion of our NATO-Approved Crisis Management and Disaster Response course!
» read more
Hosted Staff Officers Meeting of the National Reserve Forces CommitteeFrom 15 to 17 October 2024 CMDR COE, in coordination with the Human Resources Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria, co-hosted the Staff Officers Meeting of the National Reserve Forces Committee (NRFC).
» read more
Successful Completion of the "Enhancing Organizational Resilience" CourseCMDR COE and the National Center for Security and Crises Management in Jordan, empower 15 Ministries with Essential Risk Management Skills
» read more
Preliminary Planning Meeting for Emergency Management ExerciseUpcoming in next year Ex Bulgaria 25
» read more
Workshop on assessing and monitoring CSDP military training requirements for a discipline
» read more
Sportive spirit and motivation at the Ekiden MarathonCMDR COE Team led by Colonel Kamen Ivanov traditionally attended the annual Ekiden Marathon, held on the 6th September in Sofia.
» read more
