Madeline Beyer is a senior at American University where she studies Economics and International Studies, focusing on international economics, public health, and environmental sustainability. Her research interests are in environmental and economic sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa. She has conducted research on sustainable housing in the region and ecotourism in Botswana, and she particularly likes to research economic models that are based on a sustainable use of resources with significant community input and a focus on local community wellbeing. Madeline is also interested in the role of the United States and other nations and international organizations in facilitating or hampering economic growth and development across the continent.

Emily Fennell studies at the George Washington University in the Elliott School of International Affairs and minoring in Russian. Her work with the Uplifting Africa program has been both rewarding and enlightening. As a research assistant, has contributed to the completion of four African country reports as well as two additional for the Eurasia program. Previously, she conducted research on Russia's current involvement in Africa. During the uncertain times of the Covid-19 quarantine, she has enjoyed working with the driven and dedicated Uplifting Africa team. Most recently, Her work has revolved around innovative solutions to work force housing in Africa and Eastern Europe, such research was presented at a UN Habitat Conference for UN Day 2020. She is excited to continue providing high-quality research publications for the betterment of Africa, with specific interests in development concerns and the effects of external international powers in specific African countries.

Stella Kim is a sophomore at Georgetown University studying Global Health and Chemistry on a Pre-Medical track. Her interest in public health affairs piqued from having lived in South Korea for a decade, observing firsthand the H1N1 epidemic and the country’s response. At the Eurasia Center, Stella is focused on humanitarian and environmental issues around the globe and is particularly interested in writing about successful public health interventions in African countries through the Uplifting Africa Program.

Leander Vergara is a senior at The George Washington University. He has a double major in International Affairs (concentrating in international development) and Philosophy with a focus on public policy. Leander has been with The Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa Program (UA) since January of 2019. Since then, Leander has conducted research for UA’s Environmental Program, which analyzes the environmental influences on international politics and relations. He is especially interested in countries whose economies depend on natural resources, such as the Gulf region, and is focusing his research on how those markets will shift and change with new environmental policies. Recently, he has published two reports, one on Chinese investments in Nigeria and another on Ethiopia’s new hydroelectric dam and its effects on the Nile River communities. Leander is a member of the Communications team and has helped to keep Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa’s subscribers up to date and connected with our mission.