Velocity Fellowship Program

Empowering the next generation of leaders in advocacy

How to Apply

Applications for the 2025 Summer Fellowship are now closed.

Any questions please email our Fellowship Coordinator, Jack Meloling, at jack@velocitygr.com.

What is the Velocity Fellowship?

Our Fellowship Program offers a dynamic opportunity for emerging leaders to gain hands-on experience in government relations, policy development, and the fast-evolving worlds of space, defense, and emerging technology, making it a premier opportunity for ambitious individuals seeking an immersive experience in these sectors. As a Fellow you will take a deep dive into the world of government relations, gaining insights in to working with the Legislative and Executive branches, and what it takes to achieve results in the competitive and complex national security and civil environments. Whether you are attending a congressional hearing or writing a policy memo, this program provides unmatched exposure to the critical intersections of tech, innovation, and public policy. Our Fellows work closely across our entire team, gaining professional experience while meaningfully contributing to projects that will influence the future of space, defense, and emerging tech.

Key Details

  • Program length: Typically, 3-4 months

  • Time commitment: Minimum 15 hours per week, however, we are always flexible. We do expect Fellows to come in-person as we have found they gain the most from the experience this way.

  • Compensation: Fellows are paid hourly and commensurate with experience (more details provided when applying).

  • Attend events: Represent Velocity at key congressional hearings and think tank events in and around Washington, DC related to space, technology, and national security and create concise executive-level notes for clients as well as key government and industry leaders.

  • Policy Tracking: Assist in monitoring legislative and administrative actions pertaining to client needs.

  • Weekly newsletter: Contribute to the Velocity Weekly newsletter, published at the end of every week.

  • Business Development: Assist in new client research and help grow Velocity’s brand through social media and networking.

  • Team Collaboration: Attend weekly strategy and staff meetings, contributing to discussions and assisting with special projects as needed.

What You Will Do As a Fellow

Who Are We Looking For?

  • Be enrolled as a senior undergraduate or graduate student, with a preference for those studying space policy, international affairs, public policy, security studies, or related fields.

  • Have a strong interest in government relations, national security, and legislative affairs.

  • Possess excellent research, writing, and communication skills.

  • Be detail-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

  • Previous government or corporate experience is a plus but not required.

Meet Our Current Fellows

  • Renee Katz

    Renee is a graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. She is currently completing her master’s degree in international security at George Mason University, with a specialization in the role of rapidly advancing technology in great-power competition. Driven by a passion for understanding the forces that shape global power, she brings intellectual curiosity and a forward-looking perspective to her work. Her research centers on the strategic and policy challenges posed by emerging technologies within the evolving landscape of global security dynamics.

  • Nicole Gilbert

    Nicole joined Velocity as a Fellow in October 2024 after completing an internship with the Stimson Center’s Reimagining U.S. Grand Strategy Program and graduating from the University of Iowa in December 2023 with a B.A. in History and Psychology, a minor in International Relations, and a certificate in Public Health. She has significant experience in national security and foreign policy analysis, including research on drone warfare in Libya, the critical minerals supply chain, U.S. airpower, the nuclear triad, and energy security, along with experience in congressional and public affairs.

  • Kayden Green

    Kayden is a rising senior at the University of Texas at Austin where she studies government with minors in international business and national security. She writes legal analyses on national security and regulatory law with the Texas Undergraduate Law Journal while pursuing her paralegal certification. Prior to joining VGR, she worked as a research assistant for UT analyzing international legislative behavior and as a professor assistant for the McCombs School of Business. Kayden’s work focuses on the legal and policy implications of global trade, emerging technologies, and international relations for U.S. national security.

  • Alex Doyle

    Alex Doyle is a graduate of the George Washington University with a B.A. in International Affairs, minor in Arabic Studies, and concentration in Security Policy. During her time at GW, she conducted research on arms control in outer space as a part of GW’s Space Policy Institute. Her broader interests include space governance and Middle Eastern affairs. Prior to joining Velocity, Alex worked at the National Defense University’s Center for Applied and Strategic Learning where she assisted in the design and execution of wargames for senior military and interagency students.

  • Chris Cao

    Chris Cao is a graduate student in Georgetown’s MSFS program, focused on U.S. national security and congressional relations. He recently interned with the House Homeland Security Committee on maritime security, border enforcement, and disaster response. His prior experience spans the House, Senate, USAID, and the Wilson Center’s CEO office. Active in the AANHPI community, he was a 2023 Civic Fellow with the International Leadership Foundation. A Baltimore native, Chris graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from American University in 2024 with an accelerated B.A. in International Studies.