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The Critical Mass is an international security Do & Think Tank. We implement results-focused projects & sustainable security solutions by championing diverse expertise & innovation. I #TCMSustainableSecurity by, with, & through the right partners, at the right time, with the right expectations. Earth Month 2026 NSROC Collage 2025 In November, TCM’s CEO Elizabeth Jordan Wilhelm and Operations Manager Mariya Chukhnova visited Wallops Flight Facility to meet with the extraordinary team of technicians, engineers, and mechanics who build and launch sounding rockets in support of scientific and research missions around the world. TCM accepted into #GS10KSB The Critical Mass is proud to announce that we've been accepted into the "Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses" National Cohort 19. Earth Month 2026 1/14 CAPABILITIES Our team offers security and defense assistance policy, program, and project professional and technical support to the US and other donor Government sponsors, implementing stakeholders, foreign assistance coordinators and recipients. Learn More PROJECTS The Critical Mass is the chosen implementing partner for projects across the globe on behalf of the US Government and partner nation senior officials Learn More PARTNERS The Critical Mass is proud to support several US Government, partner nation governments, universities, non-profits, and security practitioners. Learn More ABOUT US The Critical Mass (TCM), LLC is an established Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Woman-Owned (WOSB) based in Alexandria, Virginia. We are an international security Do and Think tank and implement results-focused projects and sustainable security solutions by championing diverse expertise and innovation. TCM is a trusted advisor and partner to sponsors and allies, and a builder of an inclusive global community of security-focused professionals. Current service areas include: CBRNE Security & Counterproliferation; Science Diplomacy; Process Hazard Analysis (OSHA) / Ammunition Depot Risk Mitigation; Risk Mitigation of Emerging Technologies (incl. AI); Integrated Program Design, Management & Compliance; Vendor Threat Mitigation and Third Party Due Diligence; Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning; Women, Peace and Security; Staff Augmentation. We support a number of important initiatives with the US Department of State and other international partners. Key recent projects include: Support and training for the Ukrainian scientific community in Ukraine, Poland, and Central Europe; Dual-use goods and border security initiatives in Iraq and Panama; WMD crime scene and evidence investigation in Morocco; Identifying and mitigating Russian public health disinformation in Georgia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan; Countering cyberbullying and strengthening media literacy in Georgia; Aviation security and chemical response initiatives in Kurdistan. Meet Our Team See Our Work LANGUAGES TCM's team collectively speaks 14 languages, which enhances our reach in international communication and project implementation. Our linguistic proficiency also enables us to establish effective partnerships with local stakeholders across the globe. Partners PARTNERS U.S. Department of Defense Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA ) Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR ) Directorate Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP) Proliferation Prevention Program (PPP) Global Nuclear Security (GNS) Chemical Security and Elimination (CSE) U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN ) Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism (WMDT) Office of Export Control Cooperation (ECC) Export Control and Related Border Security Program (EXBS) NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization Public Diplomacy Division Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR ) Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism (WMDT ) Office of Export Control Cooperation (ECC ) Export Control and Related Border Security Program (EXBS ) Partner With Us Deliberate Destruction of Ukrainian Scientific Infrastructure by Russia: The Urgency of Its Protection and Restoration The Critical Mass (TCM) and The Institute of General Energy of the NAS of Ukraine Sign Agreement TCM Welcomes Shakib Noori as Program Operations Manager TCM Thoughts on Ukrainian Science and Innovation - Challenges in Days of War The Critical Mass and Local Alexandria, VA Partners Raise $4,500 for Razom for Ukraine TCM Thoughts on Female Leaders in Security and Government Contracting TCM Blog Contact

The Critical Mass has partnered with CRDF Global to offer Ukrainian Scientists tailored support Support to Ukraine Support to Ukrainian Scientists Read More TCM Thoughts on Ukrainian Science and Innovation - Challenges in Days of War Read More The Critical Mass (TCM) and The Institute of General Energy of the NAS of Ukraine Sign Agreement / The Critical Mass та Інститут загальної енергетики НАН України підписали договір про співпрацю Read More The Critical Mass and Local Alexandria, VA Partners Raise $4,500 for Razom for Ukraine Read More

Shakib Noori serves as Manager of Program Operations at The Critical Mass. He comes with over 15 years of work experience in Project Management, Program Design, and Business Development. He previously worked as Director for International Capture at AMS, CEO of Roshan Telecom's owned Mobile Services, M-Paisa, Consultant at World Bank HQ’s IEG, and Economic Counselor at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, DC. Shakib Noori Title: Senior Business Development Manager Email: shakib.noori@thecriticalmass.com Shakib Noori serves as Senior Business Development Manager at The Critical Mass. He comes with over 15 years of work experience in business development and business growth, project management and program design. He previously worked as Director for International Capture at AMS, CEO of Roshan Telecom's owned Mobile Services, M Paisa, Consultant at World Bank HQ’s IEG, and Economic Counselor at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington DC. Shakib’s academic record combines economics, international relations, and policy management, through a Master’s (M.P.A) in International Economic Policy and Management from Columbia University (New York City). Early on in his career, Shakib assumed high-responsibility appointments, beginning with his role as Director of Investment Promotion for the newly established Afghanistan Investment Support Agency in 2005. This position was of particular significance as it coincided with Afghanistan's efforts to welcome international investors, after enduring 30 years of civil strife. From 2007 to 2011, Shakib was employed as a Trade and Investment Policy Advisor at Adam Smith International.

Dr. Timothy Snyder < Back “Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin” Dr. Timothy Snyder Eastern and Central Europe’s political, social, economic and security ecosystem remains tinged with the blood spilled on its soil by the tyrants of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Dr. Timothy Snyder’s analysis of the contexts, actions, and interactions of the two powers unveils the exponential violence inflicted on the countries and people of the region, leaving curses and scars that yet remain crucial to an understanding of Europe. https://timothysnyder.org/ https://www.amazon.com/Bloodlands-Europe-Between-Hitler-Stalin/dp/0465031471 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodlands Previous Next

Nidal Abu Sammour serves as the MENA (Middle East North Africa) Liaison. For The Critical Mass and clients he serves as a non-proliferation professional with over a decade of experience implementing CBRNE-related USG programs in the MENA region and high-risk countries. Nidal Abu Sammour Title: EXBS External Liaison Email: nidal.abusammour@thecriticalmass.com Nidal Abu Sammour serves as the EXBS External Liaison with a current focus on the MENA region. For The Critical Mass and clients he serves as a non-proliferation professional with over a decade of experience implementing CBRNE-related USG programs in the MENA region and high-risk countries. With extensive experience in program management, project management and operations, Nidal managed numerous projects mainly focusing on building USG partners capacities to counter proliferation of WMDs and dual-use commodities by establishing and improving in-country systems and regulations, and developing organizational and individual capacities. Before joining The Critical Mass, Nidal served as a program manager at CRDF Global , exclusively managing border security related programs and projects for the U.S. Department of State Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Program in the MENA region. Prior to that, Nidal served as a senior project manager and managed chemical security related projects for the Chemical Security Program (CSP), Office of Corporate Threat Reduction (CTR) in the MENA region. He has a particular focus on Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Jordan. His projects varied between grants, workshops, conferences and technical/field trainings for a diverse audience from public and private sectors. Nidal holds a bachelor degree in Computer Science from Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq , and has substantial experience in logistics and administrative support.

Ethiana serves as Junior Project Coordinator at The Critical Mass, bringing over her experience as a student to the company and aiding in ad hoc tasks, writing reports, data analysis, and project management help on current projects. Ethiana Hacsh Title: Junior Project Coordinator Email: ethiana.hacsh@thecriticalmass.com Ethiana serves as Junior Project Coordinator at The Critical Mass, bringing over her experience as a student to the company and aiding in ad hoc tasks, writing reports, data analysis, and project management help on current projects. Prior to and during her time at The Critical Mass, Ethiana is an undergraduate student at the College of William in Mary in Williamsburg, VA where she studies Government and Data Science. Her immediate interests lie in security studies and using data and data visualizations to communicate effective information for policy analysis and implementation. Ethiana’s skills include basic programming (Python, R-Studio), Research Proposal Writing and proficiency in the languages of English and Spanish. She hopes to continue building her professional skillset throughout the remaining years of her undergrad education at William and Mary.

Chris Stotts serves as CBRNE Planning and Operations Lead. He brings extensive multidisciplinary experience, specializing in critically examining, analyzing, and engaging with complex issues surrounding the intersection of scientific and technological developments with international relations and policies, and the relevance to the evolving international security agenda. Chris Stotts Title: Training and Development Manager and Senior CBRNE SME Email: chris.stotts@thecriticalmass.com Chris Stotts serves as Training and Development Manager and Senior CBRNE SME . He brings extensive multidisciplinary experience, specializing in critically examining, analyzing, and engaging with complex issues surrounding the intersection of scientific and technological developments with international relations and policies, and the relevance to the evolving international security agenda. Chris adds extensive subject matter experience to the team through his history as a team leader-certified Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal professional with 19+ years of both tactical and strategic operational experience. During this period, he served as a technical authority recommending and implementing policy guidance for the direction, integration, and management of international programs and activities related to countering Chemical Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive (CBRNE) threats, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) operations, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations, and counterterrorism support operations including Irregular Warfare Threat Analysis, and Training Support Packages. He also supported the Theater Security Cooperation Program by fostering lasting reciprocal partnerships with both military and civilian law enforcement and intelligence agencies of regional partners in the Asia-Pacific region. Chris's global mindset on International Affairs was significantly influenced through his travels to 22 different nation-states throughout the world and his graduate education in The United Kingdom. Chris’s formal education build upon his experience and includes a Bachelor’s degree (suma cum laude) from Florida International University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) , and a Master’s degree with merit from King’s College London’s Center for Science and Security located within their war studies department. He is also a graduate of the Army’s Senior Leaders Course and the Naval School for Explosive Ordnance Disposal .

Alan serves as Program Manager and brings a decade of foreign policy and international security experience. Before graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University with a degree in international relations, his eight-year military service took him to twenty-one different countries. Alan Spadone Title: Lead Program Manager Email: alan.spadone@thecriticalmass.com Alan serves as Lead Program Manager and brings a decade of foreign policy and international security experience. Before graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University with a degree in international relations, his eight-year military service took him to twenty-one different countries. At Columbia University, he was the sole undergraduate on the Journal of International Affairs editorial staff, a leading peer-reviewed journal published by the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University . As a senior editor, he was responsible for the framing and flow of the issue and worked closely with the rest of the editorial team to ensure the quality and profile of solicited articles. In addition, he cultivated and maintained relationships with contributing authors and provided stylistic and grammatical feedback when required. Throughout his academic career, he has presented research papers at international conferences sponsored by Georgetown University, the Ivy League, and the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. While completing his studies, he also interned with the U.S. Mission to NATO in Brussels and in the Secretary of State’s Office in Washington D.C.

TCM is excited to share information on strategic partners to support client and sponsor global security and development objectives. Strategic Partners The Critical Mass LLC (TCM) is proud to establish strategic partnerhips with industry's leading organizations. Partner with TCM Joint Venture - TCM-KIS TCM-Kira Integrated Services LLC The Critical Mass LLC (TCM) is proud to partner with the Tlingit Haida Business Corporation (THTBC) to create a Joint Venture in order to support our client's global security and development needs. Learn More

Sustainable Security by, with, and through the right partners, at the right time, with the right expectations. I #TCMSustainableSecurity I The Critical Mass (TCM), LLC is an established SDVWOSB based in Alexandria, VA. We are an international security Do and Think tank and implement results-focused projects and sustainable security solutions by championing diverse expertise and innovation. ABOUT TCM The Critical Mass (TCM), LLC is an established Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Woman-Owned (WOSB) based in Alexandria, Virginia. We are an international security Do and Think tank and implement results-focused projects and sustainable security solutions by championing diverse expertise and innovation. TCM is a trusted advisor and partner to sponsors and allies, and a builder of an inclusive global community of security-focused professionals. Current service areas include: CBRNE Security & Counterproliferation; Remediation Services; Cybersecurity; Integrated Program Design & Management; Quality Framework; Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning. We support a number of important initiatives with the US Department of State and other international partners. Key recent projects include: Support and training for the Ukrainian scientific community in Ukraine, Poland, and Central Europe; Dual-use goods and border security initiatives in Iraq and Panama; WMD crime scene and evidence investigation in Morocco; Identifying and mitigating Russian public health disinformation in Georgia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan; Countering cyberbullying and strengthening media literacy in Georgia; Aviation security and chemical response initiatives in Kurdistan. Jordan Wilhelm Chris Stotts MEET THE CORE TEAM Anne Teppel Neil Singh Shakib Noori Ethiana Hacsh Mariya Chukhnova Alexandria Alamprese Keily Yemm PUBLICATIONS Contaminated Trust: Public Health Disinformation and its Societal Impacts in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine Iraq 5th International CBRN Safety and Security Conference (#CBRNIraq2020) Magazine TCM Blog UPDATES & NEWS Deliberate Destruction of Ukrainian Scientific Infrastructure by Russia: The Urgency of Its Protection and Restoration The Critical Mass (TCM) and The Institute of General Energy of the NAS of Ukraine Sign Agreement #TCMPress TCM Welcomes Shakib Noori as Program Operations Manager #TCMTeamNews TCM Thoughts on Ukrainian Science and Innovation - Challenges in Days of War #TCMGovConInsights

Scott Eshom serves as Director of Programs at The Critical Mass, bringing over 15 years of multidisciplinary experience combining program management, International Development, Counter-Terrorism, Special Operations, Finance, National Politics, and Consulting. Irene Jang Title: Business Development Analyst Email: irene.jang@thecriticalmass.com Irene Jang serves as Business Development Analyst at The Critical Mass. Prior to joining TCM, Irene gained extensive experiences in research, human rights, and business development. In her most recent position as business development intern at SIMPLi , Irene acquired critical skillsets in the business development world, learning the significance of understanding company goal and mission when seeking to expand the firm’s capabilities. This was especially crucial as Irene undertook many of SIMPLi’s new projects to strengthen the company’s presence in the industry. She quantified their impact by researching standardized metrics used in the field for their inaugural impact report and conducted due diligence on potential business partnerships. Before entering the business development world, Irene had, and continues to gain, formative experiences in the human rights field. Her position as communication and media intern with Human Rights Watch provided her extensive opportunities in utilizing data via media monitoring platforms to determine how to maximize media sources for audience outreach. Her data analysis during 2020 culminated in a data analysis report for the executives of HRW. Currently, Irene is an undergraduate student at Barnard College of Columbia University , studying political science and Russian studies. She continues to cultivate her analytical and research skills as a research assistant with Columbia’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) organization, African American Redress Network, where she helps communities that face economic and ecological genocide build capacity for legislative change. Furthermore, she is a policy analyst for the Columbia Political Review , focusing particularly in China and Russian relations. Irene speaks Korean, but hopes to expand her linguistic and regional expertise of the Slavic and Eastern European region during her studies.

Tinatin Japaridze serves as Director of Policy and Strategy, bringing 15 years of International Relations and media and communications experience in the international security domain to the enterprise. Tinatin Japaridze Title: Vice President of Business Development & Strategy Email: tinatin.japaridze@thecriticalmass.com Tinatin Japaridze serves as Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, bringing 15 years of International Relations and media and communications experience in the international security domain to the enterprise. Prior to work at The Critical Mass, Tinatin worked for the City of New York , first as the Field and Digital Community Engagement Specialist at the NYC Census, a Mayoral initiative, and later as the Press Secretary for New York’s COVID-19 Response at NYC Health & Hospitals. Previously, she was the United Nations Bureau Chief for Eastern European media outlets and U.N. Radio host and producer of her own radio show on current affairs and security in the international arena. Her work has been widely published by various media outlets, including The Moscow Times , The Washington Post , and The Atlantic . In 2019, she became a Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs Student Ambassador on Cyber Ethics and Digital Leadership. Tinatin also serves as a mentor at Girl Security , a non-profit that aims to close the gender gap in the security sector, focusing on national security and information security-related matters. Over this past year, she also worked as a "Go Big" Officer at the European Leadership Network (ELN) , crafting a digital campaign to extend the New START between Russia and the US. In 2021, she became a member of the ELN’s Younger Generation Leaders Network and a fellow of the National Endowment for Democracy-funded Eurasia Democratic Security Network. Tinatin holds a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University’s School of General Studies , and a Master’s Degree in Russian Regional Studies with focus on cybersecurity and digital diplomacy from Columbia University’s Harriman Institute . Her debut non-fiction book, Stalin’s Millennials: Nostalgia, Trauma, and Nationalism was published to critical acclaim in 2022 by Lexington Books/Rowman & Littlefield.

We are agile by design – leveraging our compliant, flexible infrastructure to rapidly plan, source, and manage teams to support partner-focused security capacity-building programs. Jordan Wilhelm Chris Stotts MEET THE CORE TEAM Anne Teppel Shakib Noori Neil Singh Ethiana Hacsh Mariya Chukhnova Alexandria Alamprese Keily Yemm ABOUT TCM The Critical Mass (TCM), LLC is a fast-growing, Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business (SDVOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned (EDWOSB) based in Alexandria, Virginia. We support a number of important initiatives with the US Department of State and other international partners. Key recent projects include identifying and mitigating Russian disinformation in Georgia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan; dual-use goods and border security projects in Iraq and Panama; WMD crime scene and evidence investigation in Morocco; and aviation security and chemical response initiatives in Kurdistan. We enable clients to demonstrate responsiveness, commitment, and innovation to international counterparts while achieving tangible and enduring progress toward objectives. PUBLICATIONS Contaminated Trust: Public Health Disinformation and its Societal Impacts in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine Iraq 5th International CBRN Safety and Security Conference (#CBRNIraq2020) Magazine TCM Blog UPDATES & NEWS Deliberate Destruction of Ukrainian Scientific Infrastructure by Russia: The Urgency of Its Protection and Restoration Jan 18, 2024 The Critical Mass (TCM) and The Institute of General Energy of the NAS of Ukraine Sign Agreement #TCMPress May 22, 2023 TCM Welcomes Shakib Noori as Program Operations Manager #TCMTeamNews May 21, 2023 TCM Thoughts on Ukrainian Science and Innovation - Challenges in Days of War #TCMGovConInsights May 17, 2023

Join our growing team! The Critical Mass (TCM) LLC Subject Matter Expert (SME) recruitment strategy begins with our global network of professionals with demonstrated success in their competency or specialization. We are a trusted advisor and partner to sponsors and allies, and a builder of an inclusive global community of security-focused professionals.​ RECRUITING Continuity and talent sustainment in threat reduction capacity building. **No open positions at this time. Please check back and also consider filling out our interest form below as TCM continues to expand so we can reach out** TCM Recruitment Strategy The Critical Mass (TCM) LLC Subject Matter Expert (SME) recruitment strategy begins with our global network of professionals with demonstrated success in their competency or specialization. Since 2006, TCM staff have been part of U.S. Government security and defense assistance programming that put them in proximity to policy, military, law enforcement, incident response, industry, academia and R&D, health, agriculture, and environment communities. During this time, TCM staff seized the opportunity to build and maintain a close connection with a diverse cadre of SMEs who are at the top of their profession in their respective specializations. TCM SMEs have demonstrated passion, commitment to cause, and a proven ability to achieve transformational and multifaceted mission objectives requiring a whole-of-team, cooperative approach. The TCM SME repository represents geographic, cultural, and linguistic fluency, science and technology competencies such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE), information technology, and cyber security, and includes global thought leaders and policy architects who have been on the front lines of shaping and implementing national and international security and defense legislative and strategic frameworks. TCM will coalesce the right SME team with the right combination of skills, expertise, required to shape, inform, and accomplish assistance objectives no matter the scope or complexity. SMEs We Need TCM continuously seeks Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the following areas: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Safety and Security Hazardous Waste Management Explosive Ordnance Disposal Improvised Hazards and Dispersal Devices Weapons Removal and Abatement Supply Chain/Materials Life Cycle Security Incident Response, and Command and Control Cybersecurity Critical Infrastructure Security Nonproliferation/Counterproliferation and Counter-WMD Leadership and Organizational Development Organizational and Geographic Cultural Competence Interested in Joining Our Team? Fill out our interest fields below. We are continuously searching for SMEs that possess the skills, training, and expertise to achieve our mission. If we have an opportunity that matches your skillsets, we will be in contact with you. Come Work With Us First Name Last Name Email Countries for Project Focus Key Interest Area Link to CV/LinkedIn Code Phone Tell Us About You Submit Thank you! We’ll be in touch.

Jordan Wilhelm is a founding member and serves as CEO of The Critical Mass, bringing over 15 years of program management and International Post Conflict Stabilization and Hazard-Reduction experience to the sustainability enterprise. Keily Yemm Title: Research Analyst/Operations Support Email: keily.yemm@thecriticalmass.com Keily Yemm is a Research Analyst at The Critical Mass, providing analytical and operational support for projects involving process hazard analysis, regulatory research, and technical documentation. Her work focuses on synthesizing complex regulatory requirements, including OSHA, DoD, Army, NFPA, and EPA standards, into clear, actionable materials that support project teams and stakeholders. She brings a background in explosive ordnance disposal and emergency management, with experience supporting hazard mitigation, training, and operational planning in both military and civilian environments. Keily served as a U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, including a deployment to Iraq in support of counter-mobility and force protection operations. Following her military service, she worked in state emergency management and related roles, contributing to preparedness, mitigation, and interagency coordination efforts. At The Critical Mass, Keily supports regulatory research, scenario analysis, site visit preparation, documentation and reporting, stakeholder coordination, training support, and project coordination. She also assists with internal processes and administrative systems that help streamline project execution and improve organizational efficiency. She remains actively engaged in the military and veteran community, supporting initiatives that help service members and their families navigate complex transitions. Keily is known for her collaborative approach, attention to detail, and commitment to supporting teams working in complex, high-consequence environments.

Arielle Mattes serves as the Program Design & Research Manager at The Critical Mass. Before joining TCM, Arielle worked as a Technical Graduate Intern with the International Safeguards and Engagements teams at Sandia National Laboratories. Arielle Mattes Title: Program Design & Research Manager Email: arielle.mattes@thecriticalmass.com Arielle Mattes serves as the Program Design & Research Manager at The Critical Mass. Before joining TCM, Arielle worked as a Technical Graduate Intern with the International Safeguards and Engagements teams at Sandia National Laboratories . At Sandia, she conducted research for a Cognitive Informed Safeguards Booklet for the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards practitioners (published in European Safeguards Research and Development Association Bulletin 61). Arielle closely collaborated with Sandia’s colleagues on project deliverables for NNSA’s Office of Counterterrorism, translating documents and meeting notes from French to English, and collecting data for ongoing research. Prior to joining Sandia, Arielle worked with Global Santa Fe , where she assisted with communications for the annual 2019 Journalism Under Fire conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She interviewed Ambassador Chris Hill in front of a 500+ audience for the Council’s annual Gala. Arielle is a graduate from the University of New Mexico’s Global and National Security Policy Institute . She graduated in December 2020 with her Master of Science, and in May 2019 with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She holds professional certificates in Policy and Technical Fundamentals of International Nuclear Safeguards (Texas A&M), Nonproliferation and International Safeguards (PNNL), and National Security and Strategic Analysis (UNM). Arielle is multi-lingual in French and English, and holds dual citizenship with Belgium. Her travels in 15 different countries have contributed to her global mindset and continues to inspire her to follow international affairs. In her spare time, Arielle enjoys doing yoga, rock climbing, and making art.

< Back The Critical Mass (TCM) and The Institute of General Energy of the NAS of Ukraine Sign Agreement / The Critical Mass та Інститут загальної енергетики НАН України підписали договір про співпрацю The Critical Mass LLC , a leading security and consulting firm, is pleased to announce a cooperation agreement signed with The Institute of General Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine . This partnership seeks to support the activities of domestic scientists and create opportunities for the implementation of joint scientific projects at the international level. News of this partnership is shared in Ukrainian on the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine website. Learn more Project Gallery Previous Next

Mariya Chukhnova serves as Project Coordinator at The Critical Mass. Before joining TCM, Mariya worked as Project Manager at Sovereign Ventures, a management consulting company that specializes in fighting systemic corruption in developing democracies by using innovative solutions. Mariya is a tri-lingual Ukraine-native professional with strong regional expertise. She was born and raised in Lutsk, Ukraine, and immigrated to the United States in 2007. Mariya Chukhnova Title: International Security Specialist and Operations Manager Email: mariya.chukhnova@thecriticalmass.com Mariya joined The Critical Mass in 2022 and currently serves as International Security Specialist and Operations Manager. She is responsible for a variety of tasks, including offering her expertise on international relations, anti-corruption strategies, and practical/research-backed strategies and recommendations to achieve project objectives; conducting in-depth research and analysis of international security issues, such as geopolitical conflicts, terrorism, cyber threats, and regional stability; overseeing day-to-day operations, monitoring progress, and addressing issues as they arise. Mariya is a trilingual (Ukrainian, Russian, English) expert in international security and regional knowledge, specializing in Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine and Russia. With a diverse background in cybersecurity, rule of law, anti-corruption, and international security, Mariya possesses a distinctive skill set that is instrumental in formulating and executing programs and seeking solutions for complex global challenges. Mariya also acts as a United Nations representative for the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations (WFUWO), advocating for Ukrainian women and promoting their rights. Since August 2020, Mariya has been actively involved in instructing the course "Systemic Corruption in Eurasia: Competition, Conflict, and War" at Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs/Harriman Institute, where she conducts a seminar, " Ukraine on the Eve of War and the Fight for Independence and Sovereignty,” that covers deoligarchization and other important initiatives to reform the system in Ukraine. Mariya earned her bachelor's degree in Slavic Studies from Columbia University School of General Studies and a master's degree in Regional Studies with a focus on Ukraine-Russia relations from The Harriman Institute at Columbia University. Mariya was born and raised in Lutsk, Ukraine, and immigrated to the United States in her early twenties.