Sophie Mayo is bringing Australia’s voice to security studies at Georgetown University

In Washington DC, just a few weeks into her Master in Security Studies at Georgetown University, Sophie Mayo (2025 Zelman Cowen John Monash Scholar) has already had one of those pinch-me moments.  

“I’m only four weeks in and have already had the opportunity to meet a number of my career role models.”    

For Sophie, a former professional ballerina turned national security professional, the appeal of Georgetown is clear.  

“Georgetown has an ethos of caring for the whole person, which you really feel studying here,” she says.  

“Professors aren’t just interested in your performance in the classroom, they want to help you achieve all your goals in any way that they can.” 

Her program is designed for practitioners, taught by people who are still shaping policy and industry at the highest levels. 

“As a result, they bring the syllabus to life, connecting it to real world experience.” 

“It’s such an inspiring academic model and brings me great comfort that I am learning from those working at the highest levels across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.” 

One surprise, though, was finding out she’s the only Australian in her cohort.  

“Meeting all the other international and American students made me feel incredibly proud to be Australian and to be a John Monash Scholar.” 

“It also lit an even greater fire under my belly to represent ‘team Australia’ and ‘team John Monash’ to the absolute best of my ability.” 

Her specialisation is technology and national security, including subjects such as: AI and national security, cyber operations, entrepreneurial finance and venture capital.  

“I’m focused on taking as many classes as I can within this cluster, with a particular focus on the application layer of strategic technologies,” she says.  

Not one to waste time, Sophie is also co-founding a Defence Innovation and Friendshoring club, creating a space for students to network and learn from each other.  

“I’m really looking forward to paying it forward and helping younger students find their feet in this industry.” 

After graduating, Sophie plans to work at the intersection of national security and emerging technology policy and development across government and industry. Her focus is on cooperation with allies and Australia’s sovereign innovation ecosystem.  

“I started my career in think tanks, so would also love to give back to Australia’s public policy ecosystem later on in my career.” 

Sophie is completing her Master in Security Studies at Georgetown University on the 2025 Zelman Cowen John Monash Scholarship.