Initiative for U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues

Spencer Kaplan, from Rye Brook, New York, is a senior at Duke University, double majoring in public policy and political science with a minor in earth and ocean sciences. Passionate about the convergence of space and security, Kaplan plans to pursue a career in space strategy and sustainability. At Duke, he researched space-based nuclear generators for NASA and the risks of the Mission to Mars. During summer 2020 he interned for the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Ultimately, Kaplan hopes to write the constitution for an international settlement on Mars.