Anas Al-Darsani graduated from The American University. He has obtained a Master's in International Relations with an emphasis on U.S Foreign Policy and National Security. Anas is particularly interested in U.S. foreign policy, particularly the Middle East and North Africa. At the America-Eurasia Center, he research and wrote articles on issues pertaining to the Middle East, as he was part of the Middle Eastern Program. He began as a research assistant in the Spring of 2021 and became an assistant to the Director of the Middle East Program. His numerous articles have covered Syria, the Abrahamic Accords, and the whole realignment of relations that was occurring in the Middle East and North Africa before the Israeli-Hamas conflict. 

Morgan Lima was raised in Lacey, New Jersey and graduated from American University in May of 2022 with a bachelor's degree in International Relations. Her regional focus was on the Middle East & North Africa while studying Foreign Policy & National Security and Peace & Conflict resolution. She minored in Arabic while at American University where she was able to showcase her knowledge when studying abroad in Jordan and abiding by a full-time language pledge both inside and outside of the classroom. During her time there, she interned with the National Association for Family Empowerment where she researched about women in politics within Jordan. For her senior capstone, she worked with the Department of State TIP Office researching Human Trafficking in India and wrote a final deliverable that her and her team presented to the TIP Office. Morgan wrote an excellent article regarding the role of women in Jordan’s political institutions. 

Robert Shugart is a first-year graduate student at American University studying Public Administration with a concentration in environmental policy analysis. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in International Studies at Florida State University alongside a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. His research interests include international development, East Asian affairs, clean energy, and environmental security. Robert has also interned with the Sindhi American Political Action Committee (SAPAC), an organization that advocates for Sindhi rights in South Pakistan. He hopes to continue fostering his interest in international developments as they relate to the U.S. policy process. Robert wrote a great article which tracked the new recruitment of African nations of Ethiopia and Egypt within the BRICS. 

Rahi Shah is an undergraduate student at George Washington University double majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Security Policy and Political Science and minoring in Criminal Justice. She is interested in conflict resolution and the intersection of ethics and national security. She hopes to attend law school in the future. Rahi has helped with the communications team in organizing the Embassies of the World event at The Ven Hotel in 2023. She wrote updates on the war in Sudan and was instrumental in helping to organize the Communications team at The Uplifting Africa Program. 

Li Zhi Rieken is currently an undergraduate junior at George Washington University—majoring in both political science and religion. Prior to university, Li Zhi spent his time volunteering at the Broomfield Depot Museum where he acted as a docent and assisted with the museum’s special events/programs from 2019-2021. Li Zhi also spent time exploring a multitude of professional fields through a job shadow with the Boulder District Attorney’s Office in 2019 and an internship with Colorado State Representative Shannon Bird’s re-election campaign in 2020. During the summer of 2023, Li Zhi worked with Schuyler Van Valkenburg’s Virginia State Senate campaign as an intern—gaining further experience working on a high-profile campaign race. Li Zhi currently does freelance work (2022-present) for Africa Elects, a news and media website that specializes in poll aggregation and election analysis for various African elections. As the correspondent for South Africa, he creates charts to visualize election results and drafts social media posts for over 16 thousand combined followers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Li wrote a number of articles for The Center including Russia’s Long War in Ukraine. 

Camila Guerrero is a rising junior at the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service, majoring in International Politics with a concentration in International Law, Institutions, and Ethics and minoring in French and Arabic. Fluent in multiple languages, Camila has developed her linguistic abilities and gained regional political insight while living and working in various countries, including Mozambique, where she interned for the U.S. Embassy. Although she is from Albania and Bolivia, Camila’s interests span Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. She is eager to develop her knowledge in these regions and explore other areas as a research assistant at the America-Eurasia Center’s Middle East and Uplifting Africa Programs.

Temitope Emokpae is a SUNY Oswego State University senior majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Information Science. Her interests lie in website design and development, and she is excited to intern with the American-Eurasia Center and the Uplifting Africa Program. Temitope has written several articles about Africa for the website and completed a number of Country Reports as well. 

Otsile Phirie is a rising senior at the George Washington University, double majoring in Political Science and Criminal Justice. She was born and raised in Botswana. Her interests in international politics, global affairs and female empowerment are aimed to explore new developmental models and strategies for Africa, specifically Southern Africa, through feminist framework and analysis.  Otsile is currently the president of the George Washington African Development Initiative, a youth-led professional organization that uses various projects to empower youth to take initiative and adopt creative ways to work towards African development as well as spreading awareness through academia and interdisciplinary research.

Peter Sussman is currently an undergraduate student at George Washington University. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Business and upon the completion of his bachelor’s, plans on obtaining a master’s in IB.  Through his coursework, he has gained extensive knowledge in analyzing diverse African countries, of which he has focused primarily on human rights, infrastructure, and the environment. Through his work at the Eurasia Center, Peter strives to utilize his experiences in order to address international challenges and provoke meaningful change.

Anas Al-Darsani is a graduate student at American University. He is obtaining a Master's in International Relations with an emphasis on U.S Foreign Policy and National Security. Anas is particularly interested in U.S foreign policy, particularly the Middle East. At the America-Eurasia Center, he researches and writes articles on issues pertaining to the Middle East, as he is part of the Middle Eastern Program. He has been working with The America-Eurasia Center since September 2021 as a research assistant.

Kaitlyn Hill is a graduate student at American University. She is pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations with an emphasis on Global Governance, Politics, and Security. Her particular areas of interest are peace and conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction, public policy, and human rights. She has been a Research Assistant at the America-Eurasia Center since September 2022 working on the Uplifting Africa project. Her work has included writing articles about the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the Iranian Women’s Protests. She has also facilitated communications with foreign embassies and with the organization’s supporters. Lastly, she assisted with hosting the Embassies of the World event at The Ven at Embassy Row in October.

Nadiira Haybe majored in political science and International Relations at SUNY Buffalo State University I have been part of the America-Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa program since Spring 2023, and I am eager to explore issue areas such as business, commerce, and trade. I am very much interested in the intersection of public policy and business, and I hope to pursue this interest with my research at America-Eurasia Center.  Nadiira She has also helped organize two extraordinary events – Washington Educational and Cultural Attaché Association (WECAA) and passport DC Belarus event. 

Dinia Abduljelil majored in Government with a minor in Economics and an African Studies Certificate at Georgetown University. I have been part of the Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa program since Spring 2022, and I am eager to explore issue areas such as business, commerce, and trade. I am very much interested in the intersection of public policy and business, and I hope to pursue this interest with my research at Eurasia Center.  Dinia is a member of the COMM Group. She has also helped organize two extraordinary events – Embassies of the World and Washington Connections this year.

Bailey Schiff is a sophomore at American University’s School of International Service studying international affairs with concentrations in National Security, Foreign Policy, and Middle Eastern Studies. She is particularly interested in nuclear nonproliferation, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and civil rights in Iran. She speaks three languages: Arabic, French, and English. Outside class, she holds leadership positions on the Model G20 team and student government. She looks forward to starting as a research assistant in the Middle East Program.

Renata Gladkikh is an Associate and a rising junior at Barnard College majoring in Political Science and Economics, after having previously attended The George Washington University where she gained an interest in interning at the America-Eurasia Center. She is from both Russia and Kazakhstan which is why she is passionate about learning about the Eurasia region.  Renata is attentive to the dynamics between all these regions, including business, trade and international relations, and would like to continue researching these issues. At the Center, she focused on the Central Asian region having worked on a publication and country report on Kazakhstan and has also been running the Instagram page.

Arona Dijeng is a senior graduating this May 2023, in International Studies with focuses on international development and international governance with a regional focus in Sub-Saharan Africa. She has been a part of The America-Eurasia Center's Uplifting Africa Program since the start of Spring 2023 and is eager to adhere to my growing interest in African Diplomacy and Economic Development. She has also been a part of the Center’s Communication Group. 

Sydney Blair is a third-year undergraduate student at the George Washington University, where she is majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Security Policy and is pursuing a minor in Political Science. During her time with the America-Eurasia Center, Sydney primarily worked with the Uplifting Africa Program, often collaborating with the Eurasia programs as well. In addition to her role as a publications editor, Sydney authored numerous articles and country reports, engaged in grant research, and helped facilitate networking events. Sydney is thrilled to have had the opportunity to expand upon her repertoire of professional and academic skills at the America-Eurasia Center and looks forward to further developing her interests in international security and conflict resolution in her future endeavors.

Kaitlyn Hill is a graduate student at American University. She is pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations with an emphasis on Global Governance, Politics, and Security. Her particular areas of interest are peace and conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction, public policy, and human rights. She has been a Research Assistant at the America-Eurasia Center since September 2022 working on the Uplifting Africa project. Her work has included writing articles about the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the Iranian Women’s Protests. She has also facilitated communications with foreign embassies and with the organization’s supporters. Lastly, she assisted with hosting the Embassies of the World event at The Ven at Embassy Row in October.

Riana Amin is a sophomore at George Washington University studying International Affairs with a specialization in international development and a minor in French. She has previously researched education systems in Asia and the Middle East and is interested in poverty alleviation through increased access to education. Most recently, she has been researching how leaders of different countries handled the Covid-19 Pandemic, with one of those countries being Egypt. At the America-Eurasia Center, she is working as a research intern for the Middle East Program and the Uplifting Africa Program. Riana updated a number of Country Reports. Riana is excited to be a part of the team and assist in developing expertise and research on Africa and is a member of the COMM Group. She has also helped organize two extraordinary events – Embassies of the World and Washington Connections this year.

Dinia Abduljelil majored in Government with a minor in Economics and an African Studies Certificate at Georgetown University. I have been part of the Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa program since Spring 2022, and I am eager to explore issue areas such as business, commerce, and trade. I am very much interested in the intersection of public policy and business, and I hope to pursue this interest with my research at Eurasia Center.  Dinia is a member of the COMM Group. She has also helped organize two extraordinary events – Embassies of the World and Washington Connections this year.

Annalee Fenton is a third-year student at George Washington University and pursing a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with a concentration in International Politics. Her previous research has focused on politics regarding the European Union and Middle Eastern Affairs. Through the Uplifting Africa Program, she is looking to enhance her understanding of cultural differences between countries, historical interactions between countries, and on social issues facing the people of Africa. Annalee wrote an interesting analysis of Russia’s Wagner Group activities in Africa for The Uplifting Africa website. Annalee was a member of the COMM Group at The America-Eurasia Center and has also helped organize two extraordinary events – Embassies of the World and Washington Connections this year.

Yukiho Semimoto is a junior at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, pursuing a major in Regional Comparative Studies (Middle East/ Asia), a minor in French, and a Certificate in African Studies. Through her major, she primarily focuses on security and diplomacy issues in the Middle East and East Asian region. Yukiho is a member of the COMM Group at The America-Eurasia Center and has also helped organize two extraordinary events – Embassies of the World and Washington Connections this year.

Jiner Fan is a senior at The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in international affairs with concentration in Security Policy and a minor in French. Jiner has explored a wide array of international topics and regions, in which she has a particular interest in unconventional security challenges such as Gender-Based Violence, refugee, climate change. Her previous research focuses on GBVs in Somalia and Burkina Faso. Through participating in the Uplifting Africa Program, she continued to explore security challenges in Africa with focus on gender, peace and security. Jiner is a member of the COMM Group at The America-Eurasia Center and has also helped organize two extraordinary events – Embassies of the World and Washington Connections this year.

Camryn Allen is a first-year graduate student at American University’s School of International Service, earning her Master’s in Global Governance, Politics, and Security. Camryn contributed to the America-Eurasia programming via event and communications promotion. In addition to learning more U.S.-Africa relations while working with the Uplifting Africa Program, she updated Country Reports relative to East Africa, attended a keynote networking event, and made connections with Ambassadors, fellow interns, and other D.C. professionals. In addition to learning about U.S.-Africa relations, she is excited to delve into the impacts of international trade policy on migration and displacement within East Africa, Central Africa, and from Africa to the U.S.

Leila Akinwumiju is a junior at American University majoring in International Studies with a concentration in Peace, Global Security & Conflict Resolution. Exploring intersections between African development, migration and human security is a primary research interest for her. Through the Uplifting Africa Program, she is investigating the role of African diasporas in peacebuilding and peacemaking processes. Leila wrote a great article on Uganda’s Refugee Policy and DRC Refugees. She also wrote a news story on the Grand Ethiopian Dam Project. In addition, Leila updated the Uganda Country Report. 

Micayla Billouin is a junior at American University working towards a major in International Service with a minor in Economics. She is passionate about studying peace, global security and conflict resolution. Interning with the Eurasia Center, she hopes to be able to conduct comprehensive and thought-provoking research into securing peace and security in war-torn societies. As part of the Uplifting Africa program, she wishes to help develop ways of promoting peaceful social and economic developments and infrastructure in African nations, while respecting the sovereignty of the people who would be impacted. Micayla is committed to embodying the principles of the Uplifting Africa program, by collaborating and sharing knowledge and innovation in her research. Micayla wrote an excellent article on Uplifting Africa’s Youth. She also completed the Country Reports of Kenya, Gambia, and Burkina Faso.

Claire Gale is a sophomore at The George Washington University, pursuing a double major in International Affairs and Religion. She is particularly interested in peace studies, conflict resolution, and addressing social issues such as education and child marriage. As a Summer 2022 research intern with the Uplifting Africa program, Claire increased her knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural complexities informing Africa today. She wrote an excellent analysis of Africa’s Teacher Shortage. 

Soumaya Hassan is a senior majoring in International Relations with a peace and conflict resolution concentration at SUNY At Buffalo State University. Born and raised in Djibouti, Africa, her interest in her major started with her origins. Through The America-Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa Program, she used her abilities to research, use her languages skills, bring the knowledge learned in the classroom to the real world, and find a solution to the many conflicts arising in the continent of Africa, mainly in the region of the East and Sub-Saharan to the goal of shaping a better Africa. She finalized the Country Report of Djibouti and also assisted the Uplifting Africa Program by doing Embassy Research. 

Shintaro Watanabe is a Junior at The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs with a concentration in conflict resolution. He is interested in inter-ethnic conflicts and their resolution in Africa. He is also interested in gender issues in Africa. Shintaro completed the Country Reports of Mali, Sierra Leone, Niger, and Rwanda. He also composed a Memorial to Shinzo Abe, Japan’s former Prime Minister. Shintaro also wrote and excellent research article regarding  “IWOSS” - Factors Leading to Improve Youth Employment in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Caitlyn Higgins is a junior pursuing a degree in International Studies and French at SUNY Oneonta. At the Eurasia Center, Caitlyn works in the Uplifting Africa Program writing articles and research pertaining to Africa. She has written about the current events and political climate of African countries. She joined the Eurasia Center as an intern in order to progress her skills in research and writing, and to gain a new worldly perspective. She hopes to further develop these skills in a post graduate degree after gaining her bachelors. Caitlyn has been working on a project with the United Nations Association Washington, DC and the Uplifting Africa Program.

Dinia Abduljelil is currently a fourth-year undergraduate student at Georgetown University studying Government, with a minor in Economics and an African Studies Certificate. Prior to interning at the Eurasia Center, she has had previous professional experiences related to work centered at the intersection of policy and business. Most recently, Dinia spent a summer as an International Trade intern at the US Department of Commerce. At the Eurasia Center she is working as a research intern for the Uplifting Africa program. She carries out research and writes articles on topics concerning economic issues and business initiatives in Africa. Dinia is eager to join the Eurasia Center and assist with building out resources and expertise on Africa.  

Todi K. Fundi is a junior at Buffalo State College. She is majoring in International Relations with a Public Administration Minor. She is interested in diplomacy, foreign affairs, and law. She is interested in finding solutions to the Congo war as well as the problems of the African continent. She currently interns with the Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa Program.

Nicolas Gardner is an undergraduate student at Georgetown University pursuing International Politics and Mandarin Chinese. Nicolas concentrates on International Law, Institutions, and Ethics, as well as Economics. Nicolas works as a research intern at the Uplifting Africa Program at the Eurasia Center, and focuses on issues of business, diplomacy, and climate change. He recently finished an article that discusses the upcoming climate change conference (COP27) due to be held in Egypt in November 2022 and is involved in efforts to raise funds for the Eurasian-American art museum, a venture that seeks to promote peace through the collection and appreciation of foreign artwork. Nicolas is excited to join the Uplifting Africa Program team to bring to light the influence of African culture, diplomacy, and business.

John O’Connell is a native of Long Island, New York. He is currently a second-year undergraduate student at American University. John studies International Affairs with a focus on Latin America and is also minoring in Spanish. Before his internship with the Eurasia Center, John interned at the Department of State, and is currently working at the Eurasia Center as a research intern for the Middle East Research Group and is also a member of the Communication Team. He writes articles for the organization’s website about developments in the Middle East and sends emails to government and business officials about global news developments as a whole. Outside of his internship, John is focused on his academics and is working towards his Peace Corps certification. He is very excited to be working with the Eurasia Center to learn more about international affairs and prepare for his future career in the field.

Alise Ndacayisaba is a junior at The George Washington University majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in development. Alise grew up in the refugee camp of Tanzania, and her family immigrated to the U.S in 2007. She is interested in examining how displacement and gender impact the design and the methodological application of development aid and poverty alleviation in Sub Saharan Africa. At the Center, she researches and writes about energy and economics in Africa.

Olivia Loibner is a senior studying international relations at American University with a specialization in global comparative governance and conflict resolution. She has previously focused her undergraduate research on far right populist movements in Europe, and democratic backsliding in both Europe and Africa. Her research on far right extremism in Germany was accepted to the 2020 National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Olivia's work at the Eurasia Center's Uplifting Africa Program has focused on understanding the legacies of colonialism and how it affects security conflicts and democratization in various African nations. 

Sage Coates-Farley is a current junior at American University. Sage is double majoring in International Studies and Arab World Studies with a focus on human rights and international development, and she has studied Arabic for three years. Sage is an intern for Uplifting Africa’s Middle East Program and her research interests include social issues and refugee policy in the Middle East and North Africa. Through her internship, Sage is researching the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the most vulnerable refugee populations from the Middle East. 

Mason is a graduating senior at American University where he studies Economics with a focus in economic development, economic dignity, and environmental sustainability. He is interested in African environmental policy and economic policy and how it can be beneficial for the African economy and its movement towards a better future. It is also important to Mason on how global trade and demand have affected the developing world and how raw material extraction impacts development, sovereignty and international integrity, and how the history of colonialism has affected international trade. I hope to help spread information about African geopolitics and how Africa can lead the way in new economic and environmental developments.  

Oluseyi Koya is a graduate of Economics from Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from American University, Washington DC. His policy interests in social issues and energy with the Uplifting Africa program stem from prior working experience with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, as well as being a Nigerian citizen with over a decade spent residing in the country. Oluseyi's ambitions as a policy practitioner include the pursuit of a career path that enables him the opportunity to be actively involved in the creation and implementation of policies that have a direct and positive impact on society, primarily through personal interaction and collaboration with those who stand to be more affected by policy solutions.

Cheikhou Mbodj is a rising sophomore at American University studying Public Health and Mathematics. His interest in public health cultivated when he first handily witnessed the racial healthcare disparities in the U.S. At the Eurasia Center, Cheikhou is focused on social and humanitarian issues in West Africa. As a research intern, he plans to get to the social-historical roots of many of the health and social issues affecting West Africa. However, Cheikhou will also showcase the positive and preexisting political, social, and economic institutions in his briefs. In the future, Cheikhou hopes to work with domestic institutions in African countries to develop multifaceted solutions. 

Sarah Neumann is a Senior at George Washington University where she studies International Affairs, with a concentration in International Politics, and she has a minor in sustainability. She is a research assistant for The Uplifting Africa Program. Sarah is interested in the politics of European and African countries and the interactions between these two regions. Additionally, she focuses her research on environmental policy and the impact the governments of these regions have on these policies. Sarah analyzes the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals created by the United Nations.

Ian Mentz is currently a Junior at George Washington University where he studies at the Elliot School of International Affairs. More specifically, he is concentrating in International Development and African Studies. His research work at the Eurasia Center examines the education systems of Western Africa and analyzes how improving education may fuel economic growth within the region. 

Jake Powell is a current sophomore at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service with an interest in Middle Eastern security policy. Someday, he hopes to work on Middle Eastern issues with a governmental or non-governmental organization. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Jake loves all things Boston sports, especially the Red Sox and Patriots.

Gursimran Singh is a current senior at the George Washington University, double majoring in Political Science and Economics. He has a focus on the intersection of the two fields, political economy, as well as international security politics. Singh is an intern for the Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa Program for the 2020 fall semester, focusing on humanitarian problems and economic security and development.

Elsha Aemero is a junior at the George Washington University majoring in Political Science and minoring in Journalism and Mass Communications. She is focusing her efforts on supporting the Eurasia Center’s civil society and international security programs as well as Uplifting Africa’s social issues and economic issues programs. Elsha is from Ethiopia and publisher an Uplifting Africa brief on the impact of Ethiopia’s progressive new government under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the nation. She hopes to gain a deeper understanding of individual state challenges and diplomatic relations within countries in Eurasia and Africa. 

I am a rising senior at American University where I study Economics and International Studies with a focus in international economics, public health, and environmental sustainability. I am interested in Sub-Saharan Africa and the ways in which economic growth and environmental sustainability intersect in the local and global sphere. I am also interested in the relationships between the United States and other nations and how these relationships facilitate economic growth and environmental cooperation. I hope to develop a fuller understanding of the most demanding international issues.

I am a rising junior at Georgetown University studying Science, Technology, and International Affairs with a minor in Economics. I am especially interested in sustainable international development, international trade, and clean energy initiatives. I hope to study the most challenging puzzles facing developing African countries through my work in the Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa Program. 

Keely Dion is a senior at The George Washington University, double majoring in French and International Affairs, with a concentration in Conflict Resolution and a minor in Peace Studies. She speaks English and French fluently. Having previously studied in Morocco and Senegal, Keely is motivated to support the Uplifting Africa program. As a research assistant, she is interested in researching topics related to African security, particularly in West and Central Africa. She is particularly interested in peace operations led by the African Union.

I am a Senior at Georgetown University double majoring in Government and Spanish. During my Sophomore year, I took a course on civil conflicts in developing countries, which sparked an interest in the complex legacy of colonialism and its impact on the development of African nations. Through my work at the Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa Program, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the political, social, and economic issues that threaten stability and well-being on the continent. As an Uplifting Africa Intern, I have completed research and written publications on security and social issues in the Sub-Saharan region. I am particularly interested in exploring the ways in which addressing social and public health issues can promote peace and prosperity. After graduation, I hope to continue on to law school and someday pursue a career in human rights law. 

Emily 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. She has contributed to the completion of 4 African country reports as well as two additional for the Eurasia program. Additionally, she has conducted research on Russia's current involvements in Africa. During the uncertain times of the Covid-19 quarantine she has enjoyed working with the driven and dedicated Uplifting Africa team.

I am a rising senior at American University where I am pursuing dual degrees in International Studies with a focus in National Security and Foreign Policy and Justice & Law with a focus in Terrorism and Security Studies. I am also earning a minor in Data Science. At the Eurasia Center, I have been working on updating country reports for Slovakia, Taiwan and Burkina Faso. Excitingly, this internship is also facilitating my original research on the topic of security in Somalia during the pandemic. Being at the Eurasia Center is expanding my research skills in a professional setting and providing meaningful connections that will help me build a career in the national security field.

My name is Brianna Gist and I am a senior at Georgetown University studying Linguistics, Government and French. My interests lie in studying Africa and the Middle East with a focus on issues pertaining to peace, security, and conflict resolution. As an intern with the Uplifting Africa Program, I research present-day security challenges facing Mali and have completed reports that highlight new ventures to promote peace, economic prosperity, and cultural exchange. I speak English, Spanish, French and some Arabic, and I greatly look forward to pursuing an honors thesis this year focused on examining terrorism from a sociolinguistic lens.

I am a junior at Georgetown University majoring Global Business and minoring in French. I am interested in economic development within emerging markets, with specific interest in Sub-Saharan Africa. As a research intern at Uplifting Africa, I hope to learn more on the different models of development within Sub-Saharan Africa and which unique problems can act as the biggest obstacle to achieving that goal. I am also interested in learning how the indigenous cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa have interacted and will continue to interact with an increasingly globalized world. 

Alissa Indeck is a recent graduate of the George Washington University, where she studied International Affairs with a concentration in Security Policy, and a minor in Music. Alissa was also a Presidential Scholar of the Arts at GWU. Alissa speaks French fluently and has elementary experience in Arabic. As an intern for the Uplifting Africa Program, she is interested in conducting research on security and migratory issues in the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa. She hopes that through her experience at the Eurasia Center she will gain greater insight to the progress made throughout the African continent on human rights, governance, and security. 

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.

I am a rising sophomore at Georgetown University majoring in Science, Technology, and International Affairs. Through my work at the Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa Program, I have a greater appreciation for the security, economic, and political trends in different African nations. As an intern, I have completed research and written publications on security and social issues in countries like Madagascar and South Africa. As someone who has always been invested in environmental reform and protection, I have especially focused my research on how different nations address climate crises and maintain the balance of natural resources in their communities.

Sankara Olama-Yai is a Junior at American University majoring in International Relations with a concentration in Development and Security, a regional focus on Sub-Saharan Africa and Minors in Literature and Afro-Diasporic studies. As a research assistant for the Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa program, they have broadened their Afro-political literacy, conducting research on social and security issues concerning the Sub-Saharan region of the continent, producing up-to-date country reports and briefs on African nations. While supporting the Uplifting Africa program’s research in the realms of peace, security and social justice, Sankara looks to expand and deepen their expertise in conflict, sustainable development, and in particular women’s rights issues, hoping in the future to work with NGO’s and international institutions that tackle such issues. 

Naya Fallouh is a freshman at the George Washington University studying international affairs with a concentration on conflict resolution and the Middle East. Growing up in New York City, she has seen a myriad of cultures and backgrounds and have realized how someone’s ethnic background can have a monumental effect on the way they view the world. Through research at the Eurasia Center, she is gaining deeper insight into other countries and cultures, so that she can better understand the perspectives of others. This is crucial to her major since many of things she will be studying wars and international conflicts in depth and will have to take into consideration different ethnic perspectives and how they are involved in international conflict. She is interested in the Gulf States, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa. Naya has conducted research for the Uplifting Africa Program. 

Matthew Hanna is a sophomore at The George Washington University studying International Affairs with a concentration in International Environmental Studies, with minors in Spanish and French. Last semester he took a class called Ethnic and Religious Conflict in Africa, which focused on conflicts in the Sahel that contributed to crisis across Africa. This class was his first in-depth study into African politics, conflicts, and issues. He has been focusing on studying conflict resolution, security policy, environmental regulations through the Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa Program (UPA), as well as sustainable development for women and minorities in Africa. Matthew has just finished an important research brief on Nigeria effort to move to a greener energy grid.

Gabrielle Lehotay is a senior at the George Washington University majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in National Security Policy and a minor in History. She is fluent in English and French. While interning at the Eurasia Center, she hopes to gain experience in understanding the dynamics involved in operating a non-profit organizations, and also in how modern organizations stay up to date and react to world events. After graduating, she hopes to go on to law school to pursue a career in international law. She hopes to one day specialize in international treaty law. She focused on supporting the Uplifting Africa Program. 

Khady Kane is a senior at the George Washington University with a major in International Affairs focusing on International Development and a minor in Political Science. Khady is interested in Europe and Asia (Eurasia). As an intern for The Eurasia Center’s Uplifting Africa Program, she is interested in conducting research for the African continent. Khady is from Senegal and hopes to do research on areas that will help promote the economic growth throughout Africa. She also is interested in researching how international organizations support and uplift Africa in a positive way.  Khady completed research on how the Boko Haram has violently targeted females in Nigeria and bordering regions.

Tara Rahmani is a graduate student at American University studying International Affairs. As an Iranian native, Tara has been interested in bridging cultural gaps growing up. Her focus is primarily on Central Asian countries and their diplomatic relations with the United States. She speaks Farsi (Persian) fluently and has interests in learning more about different cultural backgrounds. At the Eurasia Center, Tara is focused on Cultural Diplomacy, International Security, Development issues. Tara is also interested in assisting the Uplifting Africa Program researching development & security issues.

Matthew Stauder is a Sophomore at George Washington University majoring in Economics and International Affairs with a concentration in International Development. He is focused on studying humanitarianism/economic development, and the role that countries in Eurasia have in terms of foreign aid and diplomacy to further bring economic prosperity and peace to the African continent. He has field experience in humanitarian efforts outside of the mainland United States in Puerto Rico and Honduras. He has studied Spanish for seven years and am currently studying French. He focuses his research on West, Sub-Sahara, and southern Africa. He has recently completed an Uplifting Africa Report on the State of the Environmental Issues in Africa.

Shriya Tripathi is a junior at the George Washington University. She has a double major in International Affairs (concentrating in Global Public Health) and Public Health. She has a strong interest in disease and humanitarian efforts is also interested in doing research on gender equality and public health efforts in other parts of the world. She is fluent in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Urdu. She is interested in Eurasia and Africa is supporting the Eurasia Center and Uplifting Africa Program’s Charitable and Women’s Programs.

Leander Vergara is a junior at The George Washington University. He has a double major in International Affairs (concentrating in environmental studies) and Philosophy with a focus on public policy. Leander has recently studied abroad in Paris in the Fall of 2019. Leander is supporting The Eurasia Center’s Environmental Program and how the environment influences 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.  Leander is also supporting the Uplifting Africa Program and has done research on Chinese investments in Nigeria and Ethiopia’s new dam and how it will affect the Nile River. 

Ifeoluwamayowa Akinmade is a Junior at the Elliot School of International Affairs. He is majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in International Politics and a specific emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa and the Latin American hemisphere. He is a Nigerian-American who was born in the United States but has lived in Nigeria for a substantial part of his life. He has carried out relevant research projects in relation to the aforementioned region such as drafting a policy memo for Human Intervention in South Sudan and also in relation to Post-War Democracy in Africa. Ife is very much interested in the African Diaspora that he is the incumbent President of the African Students Association (A.S.A.) at the George Washington University. He hopes to be a future International Attorney. 

Lucas Crampton graduated from the George Washington University in May 2017 with a degree in International Affairs.  He spent a semester studying in Gaborone, Botswana and traveling around southern Africa. He looks forward to conducting meaningful work in the charitable and Africa programs, as well as utilizing his events experience to enhance the Eurasia Center’s programming

Devyani is sophomore at the George Washington University. She is majoring in International Affairs and Peace Studies with a concentration in Africa. Devyani is particularly interested in how colonialism has affected the civil society development in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Devyani has been learning French for five years and hopes to conduct field research pertaining to refugee camp economic and social development. 

Noah Evans is a sophomore at George Washington University majoring in Political Science with a concentration in environmental policy and civil disobedience. Before attending George Washington, Noah took a gap year and travelled parts of Africa while hiking (very slowly) across national parks in Tanzania, building orphanages for those on the margins of society, and getting lost (literally) in Addis Ababa.  More than any of this Noah is proud to be seen as a spiritual gangster, a citizen of the world, and a bonafide sports fanatic, while having a strong interest in Middle Eastern affairs and Human Rights in South Eastern Africa. 

Molly Joyce is a first-year graduate student at The George Washington University in the International Education Program. She graduated from Dickinson College in 2015 with a degree in International Studies and a minor in Italian Language. During her junior year, she studied in Bologna, Italy. It was there that she took a class about Italian colonialism in Africa. That class sparked her interest in the subject, which has inspired her academic work since. Her undergraduate senior research focused on humanitarian crises in post-colonial African countries. As a graduate student, Molly is expanding that research to include educational access for women and children in post-conflict African countries. 

Nneka Onyekwuluje is currently a sophomore at The George Washington University double majoring in International Affairs and Africana Studies with a minor in history. Nneka's family comes from Nigeria and as such she is particularly passionate about the sustainable development and socioeconomic policies of the region. Outside of the classroom Nneka is a member of the GW Cheerleading Team and Vice President of the Black Student Union. She hopes to one day become an ambassador for the African Union and serve in the overall quest for unity.

Dakota Morrow is a senior majoring in Peace studies and Sustainability. His focus in school centers around refugee rights, and ongoing sustainability issues. Growing up in South Africa, Dakota has a vested interest in post-apartheid struggle in South Africa, and the ongoing human rights issues faced in sub-Saharan Africa. A lover of the outdoors, Dakota is a part of the outdoor group at GW and is involved with GW Radio. 

Léocadia Tchouaffé is a senior from Atlanta, Georgia at the George Washington University majoring in Political Science. Interested in human rights and immigration, she spent her junior year in Strasbourg, France studying migration and human rights as well as having the opportunity to intern at the Council of Europe. In addition, she spent five weeks volunteering with refugees in the North of France in the summer of 2018. She has a great interest in focusing on immigration and politics and development in Africa, particularly in her family’s country of Cameroon.