Nicole (Peterson) Omundson is a Senior Analyst at NSI, Inc. She conducts qualitative research and strategic analysis in support of US Joint Staff Strategic Multi-Layer Assessment (SMA) efforts, primarily focused on national security issues relevant to US Combatant Commands and Services. Since joining NSI, Nicole has contributed research and written reports on topics as varied as gray zone activities; terrorism in the Middle East and North Africa; commercial and government activities in outer space; great power competition; key actor interests in the Indo-Pacific; and competing narratives in the African media space. She coordinated and hosted SMA’s Speaker Series for over 6 years and started SMA’s Weekly Newsletter. Nicole began her career at NSI as an undergraduate intern supporting its private sector clients and was subsequently promoted to a full-time associate analyst supporting its government clients in 2016. She graduated with honors from the University of San Diego, where she received her BA in Applied Mathematics and a Minor in Accountancy.