Denisse Rojas Maldonado, Guarini ’26 (MALS, Globalization Studies), was awarded the 2026 Byam Shaw-Brownstone Thesis Excellence Award for her thesis, Anatomy of an A.I. Arms Race: The U.S. and China Technological Dispute for A.I. Leadership, an analysis of the strategic competition between the United States and China in artificial intelligence development, highlighting one of today’s defining geopolitical challenges.
What do you consider your hometown and how has it shaped who you are today?
I was born in El Progreso, Yoro, Honduras. A small tropical city full of life and incredible people. I grew up surrounded by a community that encouraged me to take risks and believe in myself, and that support has stayed with me ever since. I try to return at least once a year. It’s where I reconnect, recharge, and find inspiration.
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree and what was it in?
I earned my undergraduate degree from Universidad de Nebrija in Madrid, where I studied international relations and conflict resolution. During my final year, I had the opportunity to continue my studies at Washington College in Maryland, focusing on American politics and government.
This experience gave me a deeper understanding of how differently contemporary politics can be viewed depending on where you are and how those perspectives shape the way people engage with the world.
Tell us about your thesis. What is it about? What inspired you to pursue this research?
The ‘Anatomy of an AI arms race’ describes how two major powers, the United States and China, are competing in AI development and superiority, each trying to maintain an advantage while limiting the other’s progress.
After the AI boom in 2023, I realized how this wasn’t just about technological growth but about: new levels of productivity, scientific breakthroughs, and even evolving forms of warfare, echoing, in some ways, the dynamics of the Cold War.
In this thesis, I analyzed how control over AI is shaping national and foreign policy, driving innovation in both academia and the tech industry, and ultimately influencing the global balance of power. Understanding how AI fits into today’s world is critical. It’s already shaping how we live and will continue to define what the future looks like.
What does it mean to you to receive the MALS thesis award?
It is truly an honor to have my work recognized at this level. This achievement reflects not only many hours of research but also the guidance of my professors, who were an important part of it, and the support of those who encouraged and inspired me along the way.
On a personal level, it fills me with joy to be an example of hard work and to honor both God and my family through what I do.
Why did you choose Dartmouth to pursue your degree?
From the very beginning, Dartmouth stood out to me as a place where community really matters, where history is made, and where new great ideas are born. Experiencing it firsthand, I saw how true that was. It became more than just a place where I came to learn, it became a place where I truly felt a sense of belonging.
What’s one challenge you faced in graduate school, and how did you overcome it?
Being surrounded by highly intelligent and accomplished people can feel intimidating and, at times, even overwhelming. I’ve learned that the best way to navigate that is by staying grounded in my own goals.
When motivation fades, discipline becomes what carries me through, helping me push past self-doubt, stay focused on what matters, and something I still rely on every day to keep moving forward.
What’s next for you—and what are you most looking forward to in this new chapter?
For me, my journey to understand AI is just getting started. I’m actively pursuing a career in AI governance, with a focus on how to use these tools effectively and how to incorporate them across sectors like nonprofits, private industry, and government.
I also hope to stay connected to academia and continue contributing to that space. It’s something I’m genuinely excited about.
What is your favorite place or activity that you like best in the Hanover area?
My favorite place really depends on the season. In the summer, I loved spending time by the Connecticut River, it always gave me a sense of calm. In the winter, I’d find myself at the Sanborn Library working for hours, looking out over The Green and watching the snow fall. It’s an incredible view.
