On September 5, Perry Center Academic Dean Luis Bitencourt presided over an internal farewell event recognizing the contributions of three departing members of the Perry Center team. Drs. Evan Ellis and Luis Kun from the faculty and Ms. Yamile Kahn from the staff received Distinguished Member Emeritus commendations, and will remain members of the Perry Center family as they move on to new endeavors.

Dr. Luis Kun (left), Ms. Yamile Kahn (center), and Dr. Evan Ellis (right) receive their commendations

Dr. Ellis has been one of the Center’s most prominent experts in modeling, simulations, security studies, and studies in external regional actors like China, Russia, and Iran. His research and teaching on these timely and evolving topics remains highly sought after among regional security and defense professionals, and his writing has appeared in many prestigious international publications.

Dr. Kun, who holds a BS, MS, and PhD in biomedical engineering, has been the epitome of the word “interdisciplinary” during his time at the Center. As a teacher, researcher, and prolific author, he expertly wove together the seemingly distinct strands of natural sciences, homeland security, infrastructure protection, food security, and cybersecurity, among many others, to pull together courses and research projects with cutting-edge material.

Ms. Kahn, as managing editor, professionalized the publications program in the three years she spent at the Perry Center. It would not be an exaggeration to say that every piece of writing (including web articles, publications, reports, event materials, and more) produced during this period has been immensely improved by her contributions as managing editor. Ms. Kahn executed sophisticated products with minimal resources, laying the foundation for a streamlined publications program that may continue even as the Center continues to face resourcing challenges.