Zach Einolf is a faculty research specialist supporting the Cognitive Security mission area at ARLIS. Einolf began as a RISC Intern in 2023, where he analyzed civilian perceptions of private security company growth and influence across areas of conflict. He has since moved on to support research on competition within contested information environments. Prior to ARLIS, he worked as a research intern for the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), where he synthesized and classified terrorist attacks into the Global Terrorism Database.
Einolf graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland in May 2023 with a BA in Government and Politics: International Relations and a minor in Global Terrorism Studies. As a member of the College Park Scholars International Studies program, he conducted research on how public perceptions towards American Muslims and terrorism shifted in the wake of 9/11. His expertise centers on terrorism, private security policy, and target audience analysis, while his other research interests include civil conflicts, asymmetric threats, wargaming, and information operations.
RISC Intern, Civilian perceptions of private and paramilitary groups in contested areas (2023)
Target Classification Intern for the Global Terrorism Database, National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) (2023)
College Park Scholars Academic Achievement Award, University of Maryland (2022)
Distinguished Dean’s List, University of Maryland (2020-2023)