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Liesl Himmelberger | Newburgh, NY, USA
M.A. Candidate (BC10)
A West Point honors graduate, Capt. Liesl Himmelberger chose SAIS to achieve a career goal. "I am driven not only to serve as an active duty Army officer, but also to make an impact as an academic and a scholar," Liesl says. After SAIS, she plans to return to West Point to teach economics.
Liesl came to Bologna from Korea, where she served as the Commander of B Company, 524th Military Intelligence Battalion. Under her leadership, Liesl's company successfully conducted its armistice intelligence and training mission in support of U.S. Forces Korea and Combined Forces Command to deter war in Korea. Liesl's company also ran a Good Neighbor Program, volunteering at a local Korean orphanage to enrich community relations.
Service to country, commitment to volunteerism, and dedication are hallmarks of Liesl's career. She interned for then Senator Hillary Clinton, served on bases in Germany, Iraq, and South Korea, and volunteered at a women's NGO in Ghana and with a Boy Scout troop in Arizona.
Although trained and proven successful in military intelligence, Liesl says that she sought a career shift to strategic planning and policy. "Based on my understanding and appreciation of world history and affairs, I decided that an advanced degree specializing in political economy could support my career goals." With a SAIS degree, she says, she can make a significant contribution teaching future leaders at West Point. "I also want to be a part of the team that influences Army planning and decision-making at higher levels, advancing prudent and insightful strategies and developing mutually beneficial policies with our allies.
"Teaching economics at West Point, facilitated by the political education I hope to receive at SAIS, will help achieve these long-term goals. In turn, I hope to benefit the graduate program through my international experience and my passion, dedication, and hard work as a student."
Degree: United States Military Academy
Major: International Relations and International/Strategic History
Languages: Spanish, German (Novice)
SAIS area of concentration: International Economics and Strategic Studies
Interests: Music, Travel, Running Marathons, and Strategy Games
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