Jazlyn Melnychuk

After hosting a week-long Model NATO conference, Dr. Moens, myself, and another student realized there was a severe lack of access to the heart of decision making and immersive learning in the field of international security for students in Canada. What started as a mere concept and a passion to help students quickly became what you know today as the NATO Field School.

Co-founding the field school is my proudest accomplishment as it has given exceptional personal and professional growth opportunities to over 150 students since 2017. During 2017 and 2018 I was co-manager of the Field School, where I developed exceptional logistical, analytical, and communications skills that could not be learned in a regular classroom.

Since founding the Field School I have worked at the U.S. Consulate General Vancouver, the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence in Latvia, and the Department of National Defence. I am currently working in Public Environment Analysis at the Department of National Defence and am concurrently pursuing a Masters of European, Russian and Eurasian Studies at Carleton University. 

I would not be where I am today without the friendships, skills, and contacts I gained throughout my time with the field school. I highly recommend the program not only as a springboard into a career in international relations, but also as an opportunity for immense personal growth and lifelong friendships around the world.