Erica B.

Cottingham
2400 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW #306 Washington, DC 20037 | E: cottinghamerica@gmail.com | C: (214) 926-2253
Security Clearance: Active Secret
EDUCATION
Texas A&M University, Bush School of Government & Public Service Four-Year Joint Degree Program
GPA: 3.8
Master of Public Service & Administration, Emphasis in Public Policy Analysis
May 2016
Concentrations: 1) Security Policy & Management; 2) Intelligence; 3) Energy Security
Bachelor of Science in Economics with University Honors
May 2016
Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, Emphasis in National Security Policy & Management
May 2016
Graduate Practicum in the Art and Science of Intelligence Analysis
Oct 2015
5-week training on evaluating intelligence sources, providing intelligence assessments, and conducting briefings.
Relevant Coursework
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Domestic Intelligence Operations
Role of Intelligence
Homeland Security
WORK EXPERIENCE
U.S. Department of State; Washington, D.C.
Jan-May 2016
Intern, Office of Policy Analysis & Public Diplomacy, Bureau of Energy Resources
Assisting in economic policy analysis, public diplomacy, and advancing private sector outreach; Handling classified materials.
Working on analysis and briefs on issues such as ISIL combat in terms of oil infrastructure, LNG exports, fossil fuel subsidies
reform, and oil markets, highlighting skill to analyze a spectrum of energy security issues.
Graduate Assistantship for Research; Texas A&M University; College Station, TX
Sept-Dec 2015
Assisted Professor Johanna Lahey on statistical research and experimentation with extensive use of Stata software.
Supported Mosbacher Institute and Director Lori Taylor with speaker events and writing takeaways on U.S. education policy.
U.S. Department of Energy; Washington, D.C.
June-Aug 2015
Fellow, Office of Oil & Natural Gas, Office of Fossil Energy
Assisted with internal/external agency & public reporting of macroeconomic study on impact of increased U.S. LNG exports.
Coordinated technical committee of a research program on unconventional oil & gas practices between DOE, DOI & EPA.
Wrote a report on the economic dynamics that affect future projections of natural gas imports by China and India.
Twin City Mission; Pioneered Texas A&M Undergraduate Service Scholar Program; Bryan, TX
Sept 2013-April 2014
Identified the break in efficiency by performing a needs based analysis of the target population.
Collected, analyzed data for proposal of position of Client Service Coordinator; Position implemented by Mission.
PROFESSIONAL POLICY PROJECTS
Graduate Capstone; Client: CSC in Germany
Sept 2015-May 2016
Evaluating security cooperation & economic dynamism on the issues of data protection, intelligence, and surveillance.
Recommending policies that seek to improve relations between U.S. and Germany after the Snowden revelations.
National Economics Insider Symposium; Third Place Finalist; Youngest Contestant in Competition History, Age 16 June 2011
Selected as one of twelve undergraduate/graduate finalists nationwide to present in front of a panel of economic experts.
Researched and analyzed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to create a set of reforms.
GRADUATE POLICY PROJECTS
INTA 685: Intelligence Directed Study with Jim Olson, Former CIA NCS Officer; Spy Report; College Station, TX Fall 2015
Individually worked with former CIA NCS Officer to enhance my intelligence analysis techniques and briefing skills.
Analyzed, wrote, and gave intelligence briefs on key tradecraft techniques and lessons learned from 14 spies.
PSAA 611: Public Policy Formation; Fighting al-Shabaab in Kenya Presentation; College Station, TX
Spring 2015
Examined impact of al-Shabaab terrorist acts in Kenya and the key stakeholders involved.
Gave presentation to discuss this issue and defend recommendations, emphasizing my public speaking and briefing skills.
PSAA 604: Homeland Security; Cybersecurity: Target Corporation Breach Analysis; College Station, TX
Fall 2014
Assessed Targets response through the FEMA frameworks to analyze the errors that led to the breach and its aftermath.
Provided innovative solutions on how the corporation and the nation can learn from the breach and its consequences.
VOLUNTEER WORK
Executive Chair of Public Service Organization; Bush School of Government & Public Service; College Station, TX Fall 2015
Executive Chairwoman of community service organization that facilitates finding, promoting, and executing volunteering.
Reorganized and strategized the overall organization after the previous faltering year, increasing coordination/participation.
REVELEVANT SKILLS

Beginner Spanish

Stata Software

Proficient in MS Office