Spencer Michaels

About Me

I'm an AI policy researcher working towards building a more secure future, currently conducting research at the Center for a New American Security. My research interests span the entire spectrum of AI policy, including compute governance, R&D, national security applications, and incident preparedness.

In my free time, I enjoy reading (see my bookshelf), practicing my Russian, doing the crossword, cooking, wandering the Mall, and playing the piano. Sometimes I write code for fun.

You can learn more about me on my LinkedIn and X.

Experience

December 2024 - Present

Contract Research Assistant (previously intern)

Center for a New American Security

Developing a report on pro-innovation policies in the U.S. to enable government preparedness and response to emerging AI national security risks. Previously conducted research on U.S. foreign policy and international security issues, contributing to policy recommendations and analysis.

2025

Analyst Intern

Obviant

Wrote data-driven content analyzing defense acquisition trends and program office innovations for Obviant, leveraging their platform and data to produce compelling narratives for the defense technology community.

2024

Program Associate

HFX

Managed communications and logistics for the Halifax International Security Forum, coordinating with over 300 high-level participants including ministers, military officials, and thought leaders from 70+ countries.

2023 — 2024

Thesis Research

Amherst College LJST Department

Analyzed the alignment and regulatory challenges posed by artificial intelligence and corporations through the lens of Thomas Hobbes' political philosophy, drawing parallels between AI, corporate personhood, and Hobbes' conception of the 'artificial person' of the state.

Summer 2023

Research Assistant

Hamilton Commission at Hudson Institute

Assisted former Deputy National Security Advisor and Senior Scholar at the Hamilton Commission to build policy recommendations in critical economic sectors for national security and defense innovation. Focused on U.S. – China competition in natural gas, AI, and next-generation weaponry.

Selected Publications

Five Objectives to Guide U.S. AI Diffusion: Comments on the Framework for AI Diffusion
2025
The Framework for AI Diffusion (the Framework) is an ambitious proposal to shape the global distribution of critical AI capabilities and maintain U.S. AI leadership. Nevertheless, the Framework’s complexity and broad use of export controls has generated concern among international partners. Regardless of whether the administration chooses to advance or modify the Framework, we urge policymakers to continue to pursue five core national security objectives.
Link
Securing America’s AI Future: Federal Research and Development Priorities
2025
Cutting-edge R&D is a pillar of America’s AI leadership. Although private capital is essential to maintaining America’s edge in AI R&D, it is insufficient. Certain categories of research will remain underfunded when guided solely by commercial incentives. This comment identifies areas where the federal government can pick up that slack.
Link
Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure on DOE Lands
2025
Maintaining America’s lead in AI data centers is critical for U.S. AI dominance. However, this dominance is at risk. Making DOE lands available offers a promising contribution to addressing this bottleneck, particularly if accompanied by streamlined permitting for AI facilities and energy infrastructure.
Link
Squaring the Circle: Of Artificial Automata and Intelligence
2024
Submitted to the LJST Department at Amherst College for magna cum laude honors. I exmplore the intersection of artificial intelligence, governance, and personhood through the lens of Thomas Hobbes' political philosophy.
Link

Bookshelf