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 provides 12 weeks on-line course for the students from the University of California, Irvin.The CMDR COE continues to spare no effort in establishing cooperative partnerships.
» read more
On-line discussion on “COVID-19 Biological Threat-Military Medical Challenges”CMDR COE continues to explore the different aspects of the pandemic situation
» read more
Internship Programme Trainees PresentedClosing an internship period (22 June – 3 July 2020 )
» read more
CMDR course delivered in Advanced Distributed Learning Format The first edition of 5-day course delivered in Advanced Distributed Learning Format
» read more
A Talk on NATO, Cooperative Security and the YouthCMDR COE Director responds to the inquiries of NATO’s Youth Ambassadors on crisis management
» read more
Framework Collaboration Agreement SignedThe CMDR COE and the Bulgarian Academy of Science (BAS) join forces under a Framework Collaboration Agreement.
» read more
CMDR COE support COVID-19 Survey on citizens′ perceptions in EU and UKCMDR COE encoureged our partners to support the European Commission′s Joint Research Centre, in cooperation with University College London, who has recently launched a European-wide study to understand perceptions, needs and priorities of the public affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency.
» read more
On-line CMDR COE Conference 2020Adapting to the requirements of а global pandemic, the CMDR COE leveraged on modern technology to transfer its annual Conference on Interagency Interaction in Crisis Management and Disaster Response to an online environment
» read more
Transatlantic Security Jam: Securing the Post-COVID19 FutureVirtual conference from Tuesday (May 12) continuously until Thursday, (May 14).
» read more
Combating COVID 19In this grafic National Health Commission of PR China, tell readers how to protect themselves against novel pneumonia, update them on latest developments in the worldwide fights against the pandemic, and provide insights how thevirus is spread
Source: http://en.nhc.gov.cn/2020-03/28/c_78799.htm
» read more
CMDR COE Annual Conference will be on-line, May 14, 2020For first time the 2020 Annual CMDR COE Conference will be conducted on-line.
» read more
CMDR COE with original definitions - CRISIS and DISASTERSoon publish newly elaborated definitions
» read more
CMDR COE measures in light of Corona virus
Prevention and containment: CMDR COE cancelling public activities, continuing daily business under strict measures
» read more
Modelling & Simulation Group 147 Final Report Development WorkshopA fruitful process concentrated to the outcome of the project concept
» read more
Initial Planning Conference for the JACKAL STONE’20 ExerciseCMDR COE hosted the Initial Planning Conference of the exercise JACKAL STONE 2020.
» read more
Project NMSG-147 CompletionSuccessful conduction of the last practical experiment of NMSG-147
» read more
Building Resilience - A Workshop in Jordan.The National Center for Security and Crisis Management in Amman, Jordan hosted a CMDR COE Mobile Education and Training Team which conducted the first of series event, part of NATO Defense Capability Building project for Jordan.
» read more
Successful Pilot Course On Resilience Deliberating on resilience in military contexts - the CMDR COE and the CCOE conducted a joint pilot course on RtCP
» read more
2019 Strategic Decision-Making for CRO successfully conductedA challenging and constructive 2019 iteration
» read more
CMDR COE Supports International GIS Day′2019GIS Day is an annual event celebrating the technology of geographic information systems (GIS) that was initiated by spatial analytics world-leader Esri
» read more
Intensive CMDR Course Week From 14 to 18 October 2019 the CMDR Exercise Planners Training (CMDREPT) Course was conducted
» read more
Assembly of CMDR COE Governing BodyThe 7th meeting of CMDR COE Steering Committee (CMDR COE SC) was held in Sofia.
» read more
Cooperation ContinuesCollaboration Agreement has been signed between the War Studies University Warsaw and CMDR COE
» read more
MSG-147 Prepares Limited Object Experiment (LOE3)Preparation of the Limited Object Experiment (LOE 3) is in progress
» read more
CMDR COE Welcomes New Deputy DirectorFrom October 7, 2019, a new Deputy Director has commenced term of service in the Centre.
» read more
CMDR COE Assisted Balkan Bridges′2019 ExecutionApparent participation of CMDR COE in the biggest multinational CAX for 2019
» read more
