Staff

Dylan Nicholls joined the UVA Batten School’s National Security Policy Center at the start of 2025, bringing years of experience from a wide variety of communications roles. He began his career as a member of the media, becoming news director of the Shenandoah Valley’s The River 95.3 radio station soon after his graduation from James Madison University in 2017. He later went on to work as a producer and reporter for the national politics podcast The Purple Principle, interviewing current and former politicians including Sen. Doug Jones, Sen. Bob Corker, and Rep. Will Hurd on policy issues feeding polarization and creating gridlock in our modern political system. Dylan transitioned to the world of nonprofit communications in 2023 and has worked within two refugee resettlement agencies since then, including the International Rescue Committee in Charlottesville. His experience in media relations and internationally focused communications make him a pivotal member of both the National Security Policy Center and the National Security Data and Policy Institute. 

Jennifer Ludovici is the NSPC Director of Operations for National Security Initiatives. She has over 20 years of experience in higher education administration in both the public and private sector. In her role at the NSPC, she focuses on faculty research collaboration, project coordination and program development as well as general operations and communications. Jennifer holds a post-graduate certificate in project management from UVA, and a BA/MEd in history and education from James Madison University.

John Robinson is the NSPC’s Director of Academic Programs. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses focused on national security, including Innovating for Defense, an experiential course that pairs student teams with sponsors from the Department of Defense (DoD) to solve real-world national security problems. His research interests include international security and naval affairs. John holds a Ph.D. in Politics from the University of Virginia, and a M.A. from the U.S. Naval War College.