Sierra Nota

Dr. Sierra Nota is an Assistant Professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School. Her work bridges historical analysis and contemporary security policy, with a focus on Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia.

• Ph.D. in History from Stanford University
• B.A. in History from Harvard University

Her research explores autocratic regime security, military history and policy, and great power competition. Current projects examine how Russian and Eurasian rulers have re-established legitimacy over contested territories since the 18th century, including archival research on Nazi-occupied Ukraine and postwar legacies.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in Ukrainian studies and Eurasian border disputes. She received a pre-doctoral fellowship at Stanford's Center for Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law.

• Recipient of the Stanford pre-doctoral fellowship

Dr. Nota previously coordinated the Stanford U.S.-Russia Forum (SURF) and has conducted extensive field research in Russia and Eurasia.