Dr. Nicole Drumhiller
Associate Dean Professor, Security and Global Studies

Education
- Ph.D. in Political Science
- Washington State University
- M.A. in Political Science
- Washington State University
- B.A. in Criminal Justice
- Washington State University
- B.A. in Political Science
- Washington State University
Research Interests
The study of political behavior is a rapidly growing field that takes the behavior of groups, as well as individuals, into consideration. Attempting to understand the behavior of people and groups is not a new concept with some of the more sophisticated studies being traced back to the work of Sigmund Freud. Regardless of if we are looking domestically or internationally, groups as well as individuals, have the power to exact political change for the better, and for worse. My research focuses on looking at both groups and individuals in a variety of settings and covers the areas of political psychology, intelligence, security studies, and international relations. In particular, I am interested in research related to leadership personality and decision-making, and its impact on group behavior. One of my lines of research has focused on the characteristics of physicians who become political dictators or "doctators." A portion of this work was presented along-side a collaborator at the International Society of Political Psychology, and a paper on François Duvalier, doctator of Haiti, has been recently submitted for publication with a peer-reviewed journal. I plan to further expand this work by profiling another former "doctator" in 2017 with the goal of sending that article out for publication by 2018. Broadening my work to the group level, I'm also actively engaged in research that looks at the behavior of groups within the animal and environmental extremist movement. As part of this current grant supported research I will present my work, alongside a colleague collaborator at the 2017 Southwestern Social Science Association Annual Conference in Austin, TX and will follow-up and send this work out for peer-reviewed publication. Following this conference, I plan to carry this body of research forward by further exploring threatening combinations and the likelihood for follow-on violent behavior. To support this research, I will seek internal and external funding opportunism to help support field research and presentation in this area. In addition to my interest in extremist and terrorist organizations, I'm also interested in political and religious cult behavior, having previously published work within the American Intelligence Journal on cult formation and violence specific to the Soldiers of Heaven in Iraq. Finally, I have an interest in technological advancement specific to cyber, and weapons of mass destruction with a current co-edited book being prepared for submission in the first quarter of 2017 entitled Issues in Maritime Cyber Security.
Positions Held
2022 - Present
NKD Consulting, LLC
BioSecurity Consultant
2016 - Present
Center for the Study of Transnational Crime and Political Conflict
President
2018 - 2022
Washington State University Foundation
Research Consultant
2006 - 2013
Washington State University
Adjunct Faculty
2012 - 2012
Washington State University Foundation
Prospect Research Analyst
Intellectual Contributions
Intimate Partner Violence on Campus: A Victim-Centered Case Study
Nicole K Drumhiller
September 2022
Journal of Threat Assessment and Management
Religion and State Authority: Control of the Body
Kate Brannum, Nicole K Drumhiller
August 14, 2022
Journal of Coercion, Abuse, and Manipulation
Physician, then Political Dictator: Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria
Casey Skvorc, Nicole K Drumhiller
August 12, 2022
Global Security and Intelligence Studies
Advice, Decision Making, and Leadership in Security Crises
Nicole K Drumhiller
April (2nd Quarter/Spring) 27, 2022
Oxford Encyclopedia of Crisis Analysis. Oxford University Press.
Simulation and Game-Based Learning in Emergency and Disaster Management
Nicole K Drumhiller, Karen R Srba, Terri Wilkin
April (2nd Quarter/Spring) 14, 2021
IGI Global
Perceptions of Fear Among Targets of Radical Animal Rights Extremism
Nicole K Drumhiller, Jason M Roesler
December 14, 2018
Studies in Conflict and Terrorism
Women in Global Security and Intelligence
Nicole K Drumhiller, Kate Brannum
August 30, 2018
Journal of European and American Intelligence Studies
François Duvalier: Assessment of a 20th Century ‘Doctator’
Nicole K Drumhiller, Casey Skvorc
July (3rd Quarter/Summer) 1, 2018
Journal of Global Security and Intelligence Studies
Access to Information Doesn’t Have to Come with a Pretty Cover and a Price Tag
Kate Brannum, Nicole K Drumhiller
April (2nd Quarter/Spring) 25, 2018
Internet Learning Journal
Issues in Maritime Cyber Security
Joseph DiRenzo, Nicole K Drumhiller, Fred Roberts
July (3rd Quarter/Summer) 2017
APUS ePress in collaboration with PSO/Westphalia Press
Apocalyptic Opportunism: Cult Formation and Violence in an Unstable Nation State
Nicole K Drumhiller, Craig Whiteside
July (3rd Quarter/Summer) 2016
American Intelligence Journal
China, Culture, and the Perception of Intellectual Property and Cyber Espionage
Nicole K Drumhiller, Clay Wilson
January (1st Quarter/Winter) 2016
Review of Intelligence Communication in the Digital Era: Transforming Security, Defense and Business.
Nicole K Drumhiller
January (1st Quarter/Winter) 2015
Journal of Strategic Security
What's In a Flag? Identity, Symbols and Protests in Belfast
Elena M Mastors, Nicole K Drumhiller,
October (4th Quarter/Autumn) 2014
Peace & Change
Review of Dirty Entanglements: Corruption, Crime, and Terrorism by Louise I. Shelley
Nicole K Drumhiller
January (1st Quarter/Winter) 2014
Journal of Strategic Security
External Contracts, Fellowships, Grants and Sponsored Research
U.S. Fur Industry and Perception of Fear and Threat of Physical Violence
Joint Mink Research Committee
2016
Funded – In Progress
U.S. Fur Industry and Perception of Fear and Threat of Physical Violence
Olympic Fur Breeders
2016
Funded – In Progress
Presentations
Human Intelligence and Domestic Violent Extremism in the U.S.: Should We Prioritize Prevention Over Prosecution?
International Studies Association
April 6, 2024
Impacts of Emerging Technology on Human Intelligence
International Studies Association
April 6, 2024
Anticipating the Threat: Challenges of Warning Intelligence in Complex Threat Environments
International Studies Association
March 2023
Personnel Problems: Warning Intelligence Through Behavioral Screening in High Consequence Environments
International Studies Association
March 2023
Physician, then Political Dictator: Basar al-Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic
IAFIE 2022 Joint Conference
June 19, 2022
Navigating the Academic Pracitioner Divide in Intelligence
International Studies Association
March 31, 2022
Space Economic Policy Analysis
Space Education and Strategic Applications
September 24, 2021
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Space and STEM Careers
Space Education and Strategic Applications
September 23, 2021
ASIS International: Why Lifelong Learning Is Vital in Threat Management
ASIS International
November 6, 2019
Educating the Space Warriors: Partnering in the New Race for Space
35th Space Symposium
April 10, 2019
Experiential and Game-Based Learning at American Public University
OLC Innovate
April 4, 2019
Animal Rights and Environmental Extremism in Italy
École Universitaire Internationale - Rome, Italy
February 23, 2019
Social Identity and Non-State Actor Challenges to the State
École Universitaire Internationale - Rome, Italy
January 18, 2019
The Future of Intelligence
Address Before the Italian Senate.
January 17, 2019
Official Presentation of the Operative Intelligence Research Center
January 17, 2019
Religion and State Authority: 50 years of balancing constraint
50 Years of Change
November 10, 2018
Religion and State Authority: 50 Years of Balancing Constraint
Northeastern Political Science Association
November 10, 2018
Creating a Culture of Collaboration, Resilience, and Academic Rigor in Applied Doctorates
International Association for Intelligence Education Europe
September 12, 2018
Radical Animal Rights Extremism: Assessing the Nature of the Threat
Annual Stakeholders Summit
May 4, 2018
Challenges to State Authority and Control: A Comparison of the Twelve Tribes, Scientology, Reichsbürger, and the U.S. Patriot Movement.
International Studies Association Annual Conference
April 5, 2018
Is it 1 or 80? Classifying Radical Environmental and Animal Rights Based Crime and Terrorism
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Annual Meeting
February 15, 2018
United States and Canada Cross Border Challenges in Responding to Radical Environmental and Animal Rights Extremism
Pacific Northwest Political Science Association Annual Meeting
November 13, 2017
Technology and Forensics: The Future of Law Enforcement
AMU-VACCINE Webinar Series
April 21, 2017
Academic Conferences: Best Practices for Conference Discussants, Chairs, and Presenters
CTL BrownBag
April 19, 2017
Radical Animal Rights Extremism: Assessing the Nature of the Threat
Southwestern Social Science Association Meeting
April 14, 2017
Harnessing the Power of TEVUS
AMU-VACCINE Webinar Series
December 16, 2016
Social Media and its Many uses
AMU-VACCINE Webinar Series
December 16, 2016
Student-Faculty Research Collaboration
Graduate Studies Webinar Series
October 28, 2016
Conference Presentations: Best Practices
SSGS Webinar Series
September 28, 2016
Challenges in Profiling the Anonymous
USC/ARO Workshop on Cyber-Physical Security: Challenges and Approaches
February 4, 2016
Maritime Smuggling: How Technology Can Disrupt the Network
AMU-VACCINE Webinar Series
December 11, 2015
Visual Analytics: A Case for Ethical Decision Making
AMU-VACCINE Webinar Series
September 30, 2015
Decision-Making and Counter Terrorism: How the Visual Analytics of Data Can Help Save Lives
AMU-VACCINE Webinar Series
July 31, 2015
Doctators: A Survey of Physicians as Political Dictators in the 20th and 21st Centuries
International Society of Political Psychology
July 4, 2015
Doctators: A Brief Survey of Physicians as Political Dictators
The Psychology of Encounter and the Politics of Engagement
July 3, 2015
Conducting Scholarly Research: The Role of the Literature Review and Theory
Graduate Studies Webinar Series
May 14, 2015
Applying a Critical Thinking Framework to Improve Intelligence Analysis
Graduate Studies Webinar Series
April 9, 2015
The Challenges and Opportunities of Publishing: A Roundtable
Graduate Studies Webinar Series
March 12, 2015
Shock-Imagery: Good for the Cause or Counterproductive in the Animal Rights Movement?
International Studies Association
February 18, 2015
Conducting Field Research: What You Need!
Graduate Studies Webinar Series
November 20, 2014
What’s In a Flag? Identity, Symbols and Protests in Belfast
International Society of Political Psychology
July 2014
Social Cognition: Awareness of Biases
Washington State Fusion Center Analyst Conference
September 2013
Simulations and Applied Learning
Annual Conference - International Association for Intelligence Education
May 2013
Deterrence and Political Psychology: The Importance of Knowing Your Enemy
Maritime Risk Symposium
November 2012
Nonproliferation Efforts and the Increasing Spread of Cruise Missiles.
Annual Conference - Pacific Northwest Political Science Association
October 2011
Apocalyptic Opportunism: Cult Formation and Violence in an Unstable Nation-State.
Annual Conference - International Studies Association
March 2011
In the Shadow of the Red Queen: State Behavior and Participation in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime.
Annual Conference - Pacific Northwest Political Science Association.
October 2010
Forcing a Square Peg into a Round Hold: The Control Model as a Difficult Fit for the Biological Weapons Regime
Annual Conference - International Studies Association
February 2009
Bioregulator’s and Just War
Annual Conference - Southwest Political Science Association
March 2008
Media Contributions
How to Prepare Your Pets for Stressful Situations and Natural Disasters
APU Edge
May 25, 2023
Social Media - Podcast
Where Are All the Cybersecurity Workers?
AMUEdge
January 10, 2023
Social Media - Podcast
ASIS International: Why Lifelong Learning Is Vital in Threat Management
Inhomelandsecurity
November 6, 2019
Social Media - Blog
How Threat Assessment Teams Can Help Prevent Violence on Campus
July 11, 2019
Social Media - Blog
Internships Available for Security and Global Studies Students
InHomelandSecurity
April 22, 2019
Social Media - Blog
Education, Space and Employment: The Expanding Frontiers
InSpaceNews
April 15, 2019
Social Media - Blog
Podcast: Dr. Nicole Drumhiller interviews Executive Director Chris Costa of the International Spy Museum
Podcast
May 3, 2018
Social Media - Podcast
Podcast: Experts Describe New APUS Doctoral Degree Programs
In Homeland Security
July 12, 2017
Social Media - Podcast
Officers Need Community Support Daily, Not Just After Tragedy
InPublicSafety Blog.
March 2016
Social Media - Blog
Sharpening Scholarly Skills Can Enhance Professional Performance
InPublicSafety Blog.
February 2016
Social Media - Blog
Explore Your Intellectual Curiosity as an Academic Researcher
InPublicSafety Blog.
November 2015
Social Media - Blog
The Path to Strengthening Your Academic Writing Skills
InHomelandSecurity Blog
August 2015
Social Media - Blog
Intelligence Career Options: What Degree Should You Consider?
InHomelandSecurity Blog
June 2015
Social Media - Blog
Is the Use of Shock Imagery Effective for Drawing Public Attention to an Issue?
In Public Safety
August 18, 2014
Social Media - Blog
Domestic Terrorism: Determining the Scope of Localized Threats
Scholar of the Week
March 2013
Social Media - Blog
Certifications and Licensure
September 8, 2021
Certified Leadership and Resilience Coach (CLRC)
BlueRio Institute
December 3, 2020
Certified Professional Coach
American Public University SYstems
January 2015
eMETT 3.0 Expert Level
Paul Ekman Group
January 2015
eSETT 3.0 Expert Level
Paul Ekman Group
October 5, 2022
CITI - Social & Behavioral Research - Basic/Refresher
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)
February 22, 2022
Certified Threat Manager
Association of Threat Assessment Professionals
August 26, 2019
CITI - Social and Behavioral Research Basic/Refresher
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program)
August 2018
Certified Threat Manager (CTM)
Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP)
March 29, 2016
CITI - Social & Behavioral Research - Basic/Refresher
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)
August 26, 2016
Certified Threat Manager (CTM)
Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP)
Awards & Honors
July 27, 2021
Learning Award
APUS
For those who promote knowledge and understanding among students, faculty, or staff.
July 27, 2021
Quality Award
APUS
For those who lead by promoting distinction, excellence, and continuous improvement in serving students, faculty, or staff.
July 27, 2021
Vision Award
APUS
For those who provide a transformative experience, creating learning experiences, student interfaces, degree programs, communities of learning, ease transfer credit, enhance affordability, build partnerships, and offer thought leadership to change higher education.
June 16, 2021
2020 University Strategic Initiative – Catalyst – Learning Management System Migration
APUS
During 2020, the earner of this badge made significant contributions to the migration of courses to a new online classroom to improve user experience, promote student-to-student and faculty-to-student interaction, enable a robust mobile classroom, and further differentiate APUS as a leader in online learning.
June 2013
First Place
International Association for Intelligence Education
First Place in the Professional Category of the IAFIE Essay Contest. Paper with Elena Mastors. "Complex Analysis and Foreign Leaders: The Obligation for Intelligence Education."
June 15, 2013
APUS Outstanding New Faculty Member of the Year Award
American Public University System
2010
APSA Teaching Award Recognition
2010
Faculty Excellence Award
Naval ROTC battalion at Washington State University and the University of Idaho.