Skip to content

The National Security Law Journal is thrilled to announce its Editorial Board for the 2026–2027 academic year!

Hala Shabaneh, Editor-in-Chief

Hala is a third-year law student at Antonin Scalia Law School. Originally from Lubbock, Texas, she graduated summa cum laude from Texas Tech University with a B.A. in Political Science. Prior to law school, Hala worked as a civil and family law mediator at the Lubbock County Dispute Resolution Office. She most recently interned with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the General Counsel. Hala is passionate about national security law and is excited to support the Journal’s mission of publishing innovative scholarship and fostering meaningful dialogue on pressing national security issues.

Keagan Pendergrass, Executive Editor

Keagan is a third-year law student from Nashville, Tennessee. She graduated from Lipscomb University with bachelor’s degrees in Law, Justice, and Society and Psychology. Since graduating from college, she has worked in the national security and cyber space while pursuing her J.D. During her time at Scalia Law, Keagan participated in the National Security Institute’s Summer Program on Separation of Powers in Prague, Czech Republic, and has served as a member of the Jessup International Law Moot Court Team and Scalia Law’s Moot Court Board.

Selena "Lena" Kuhlman, Managing Editor

Lena is a third-year law student at George Mason University Scalia Law. She is from Orlando, Florida, and graduated summa cum laude Florida State University. She has worked in various legal practice areas, from community association to environmental and water to trusts and estates law. Lena previously served as the National Security Law Journal’s Assistant Public Relations Editor and is excited to continue serving the journal in her new role as Managing Editor.

Anja Meier, Senior Research Editor

Anja is a third-year law student at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. Anja graduated summa cum laude from Virginia Tech in 2024 where she earned a dual degree in Political Science (concentration in National Security Studies) and German. For the past two summers, Anja worked at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the General Counsel. 

Matthew Kroscher, Senior Articles Editor

Matthew is a third-year law student hailing from the Chicago suburbs. He studied political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before moving to DC, and he is especially interested in constitutional law and the separation of powers. Matthew was a competitive gymnast for much of his life, and he enjoys jogging around DC, rock music, and a good amber ale (when in season). 

Ana Miravete, Senior Notes Editor

Ana is a third-year student at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School and a legal intern at Ayuda, supporting immigration services and advocacy. She previously interned with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Onslow County District Attorney’s Office. Before law school, Ana worked in cybersecurity, incident response, and digital forensics at KPMG and the St. Joseph County Cyber Crimes Unit. She holds degrees in Economics and Russian from Notre Dame and focuses on law, cybersecurity, and international affairs. 

Amanda Chok, Notes Editor

Amanda is a third-year law student from Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Public Policy and Leadership and a minor in Chinese Language. During law school, Amanda serves as Vice President of Communications for the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA). Her academic interests include emerging technology, privacy, and national security law, particularly the legal challenges presented by rapidly evolving technologies. Outside of school, she works on commercial real estate and affordable housing transactions.