Biography - Kimberly S Ruff

Kimberly graduated with a Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University. She has research and development experience in both the public and private sectors. She co-authored a publication entitled Apocalyptic Terrorism for the Department of Defense, Threat Reduction Agency in 2003. She designed and implemented conflict analysis and resolution skill building programs and conducted peace research for the International Peace Research Association (IPRA) in the Ukraine. She has co-authored two journal articles entitled "Seguridad del Canal de Panama: Una Decada Despues de la Salida de Estados Unidos,” (Security of the Panama Canal: One Decade after US Departure), published in the Air and Space Power Journal, Spanish ed. and “The US and Panama: The Evolution of an Asymmetric Relationship,” published in the Delaware Review of Latin American Studies. Kimberly has been awarded four research grants from APUS and continues research in Panama with her colleagues. Kimberly was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award for the School of Security and Global Studies in 2009. In a more personal endeavor, Kimberly published a children’s book entitled Brave Just Like Me in 2011.

Previously, Kimberly served four years as a program director for a national non-profit organization, where she managed research, training, and development projects for state Medicaid and other government officials across the United States. In 2000, Kimberly was awarded a one year fellowship to work in the United States Senate, where she developed aging and health care policy for Senator Jay D. Rockefeller, IV. She served as the state designated Elder Rights Advocate and Legal Service Developer for the State of Montana for two years. Prior to this time, she spent five years working for indigent criminal defendants as a mitigation investigator and paralegal, specializing in complex felony and death penalty cases.