Sharon Leigg

Biography I am a first-year International Education Management major at MIIS, and my language of focus is Japanese. My background is in secondary education, world language study, and creative writing. Areas of interest My interests lie in second language acquisition and creative writing as tools for academic resilience and success for at-risk students. Project description […]

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Gnanman Ange Armand Landry Dohou Bi

Biography I am an international student from Cote d’Ivoire currently pursuing a joint master’s in public administration and international policy and development focusing on the intersection of migration and disabilities. I have background experience in Private Law, Program Evaluation, and Disability work. Areas of interest I am interested in Disability Inclusive Peacebuilding processes. Project description […]

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Sherlin Benjamin

Biography The past 24 years have rewarded me with a BS in Psychology from the University of Houston, experience in the hospitality and coffee industries, 2 years in public health and eventually led me to MIIS’ Environmental Policy program. Non-academic interests include hiking, cooking, mixology and barre. Areas of interest My general areas of interest […]

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Elisabeth Ampthor

Biography Originally from Ohio, I earned my BA from the University of Cincinnati, then traveled to Turkey and Denmark, where I taught English and volunteered with refugees and asylum seekers. I worked for many years in immigration law in the San Francisco Bay Area before returning to language education. Areas of interest I am particularly […]

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Libby Mohn

Biography I am studying Ocean and Coastal Resource Management in my Environmental Masters program at MIIS. I will be working for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary creating a Climate Adaptation Plan and Kelp Plan as a 2024 CA Sea Grant Fellow. Areas of interest I am interested in marine protected areas, particularly in the […]

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Vanessa Wang

Biography I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Translation and Localization Management, focusing on Chinese (Simplified) and English translation. Before coming to MIIS, I’ve held various roles, including language instructor, cabin crew member, and freelance translator. Areas of interest I’m passionate about bridging cultural and linguistic gaps in translation and localization. Project description My project […]

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Kevin Heller

Biography I’m a bilingual English-Spanish professional dedicated to serving others through leadership, advocacy, teaching, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship. I am committed to unlocking our collective potential, bettering the environment, and embracing the 21st century with open arms. Areas of interest My areas of interest are education, environment, cultural exchange and community action/development. I am […]

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Aleksandra (Ola) Pozor

Biography I am a Polish-American IR scholar, educator, dancer, singer, aviation enthusiast, foodie, and life-long learner. I grew up in the Washington D.C. area and Poland, have traveled to 25 countries, and speak Polish, Spanish, and Russian. Areas of interest I am fired up about feminism, human rights, inclusive migration policy, and cross-cultural education/diplomacy for […]

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Jenny Moss

Biography Hi! My name is Jenny, I am a 2020 Middlebury College grad and MIIS Spring 2025 grad from White Plains, New York, but a Vermonter at heart. Areas of interest I focus on weapons proliferation, cyber, and geopolitical threats in East Asia. Project description I am writing an op-ed on the state of diplomacy […]

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YAN XU

Biography I’m in TESOL program here in MIIS. Areas of interest I have interest in the political economy of English language education and critical literacy. Project description I plan to delve into how the teaching of English helps to improve critical literacy. […]

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Yuxuan Lai

Biography I am a Translation and Localization Management student with passion about languages, dancing, and psychology. Areas of interest I’m interested in cross-disciplinary study between language and technology, including spoken and non-spoken languages (sign languages). Project description My project focuses on the technological advancement, especially AI, in the field of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting […]

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Hannah Harris

Biography From the mountains of Pennsylvania, I’m a scientist and scholar with a background in astrophysics, studying nuclear issues at MIIS. I’ve worked in Asia, Europe, and America in labs and observatories studying black holes and communicating science to everyone from kindergartners to parliamentarians. Areas of interest I’m broadly interested in the intersection of science […]

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Eda Ergun Binen

Biography I am a localization expert with extensive experience in the field, and currently pursuing a MA degree in Translation and Localization. I am passionate about bridging cultural and linguistic barriers through localization to create seamless communication. Areas of interest I believe in the transformative potential of language and its ability to open doors for […]

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Molly Ryan

Biography I am an International Environmental Policy student focusing on Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. I came to MIIS as an evacuated Peace Corps Volunteer with a background in climate policy. Areas of interest I am interested in the intersection of environmental policy, climate justice, ocean health and human rights. Project description I will be […]

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Katarina Zomer

Biography I am a Michigan native who was born in Hungary and lived overseas for the first half of my life. I am currently a fourth semester MPA/IPD graduate student with recent experience interning with UNICEF, the US Department of State, USAID, and the French Embassy in the US. Areas of interest My general areas […]

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Konstantin Larionov

Biography I am a fourth-semester Dual Degree Program in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies student with experience in policy research organizations dedicated to global security issues. I have a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Ural Federal University with a focus on Spanish. Areas of interest I specialize in WMD non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament at […]

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John Ciarico

Biography My undergraduate degree is in Comparative Religion, specifically Hinduism and Buddhism, and I did graduate work in South Asian Studies, with a focus on post-colonial and subaltern studies. I live in New York City and I am pursuing my International Environmental Policy degree at MIIS remotely. Areas of interest I am in the Natural […]

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Madeline Berzak

Biography I am a second-semester student in the Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies program, and I am also a graduate research assistant at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies where I work on the new tools team under Dr. Jeffrey Lewis. I have a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from American University in Washington D.C., and I […]

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Taylor Chin

Biography I am from California and am currently in the Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies department pursuing a specialization in Financial Crime. I hope to later work in the intelligence sector or in international security. Areas of interest While finishing my degree, I am a full-time yoga teacher and part-time educational consultant for Russian-speaking students. Project […]

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Karan Kunwar

Biography I am a student of environmental policy with experience in research, project design and implementation. Areas of interest I am interested in understanding messiness, brokering relationships and dabbling into finding sweet spots in designing solutions. Project description Our project, “Beyond Performativity in Inclusion: Land Acknowledgment at MIIS,” aims to provide documentation and analysis of […]

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Guiqiong Chen

Biography I got a BA in English Language and Literature from Zhejiang University (ZJU), China, in 2021. Currently, I am working toward the MA degrees in International Policy and Development in MIIS and International Organization and International Communication in ZJU. Areas of interest My main research interests lie in issues regarding international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) […]

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Cascade Kirst

Biography I am a second semester Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies student. Previous to attending MIIS I was a Peace Corps Morocco volunteer. I lived in the High Atlas Mountains two hours south of Marrakech where I worked with young girls and taught them English, etc. I attend MIIS because of the emphasis on language learning […]

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Alex Christodoulou

Biography I am an International Environmental Policy master’s candidate from the East Bay Area. I have previously worked at the U.S.-Mexico border coordinating humanitarian aid and as a field researcher in the Colombian Andes and Amazon Basin. Areas of interest I am primarily interested in environmental conflicts around extractive industries. Project description Alongside Dylan Moglen, […]

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Martin Juarez Manzano

Biography My upbringing as a son of immigrants and my community development background have framed my journey to engage in public service and work toward the common good. This pursuit has brought together my love for collaborative problem-solving and social action into my academic and professional life. Areas of interest My areas of interest involve […]

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Dayna Brown

Biography I am a Translation and Localization Management Master’s Degree candidate specializing in Mandarin Chinese and English. I am an avid reader and athlete in my free time. I owe my inspiration and success to the love and support of my family. Areas of interest I am interested in leaving the world better than I […]

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Lily Edelman-Gold

Biography I grew up in New York City, and I graduated from Bates College in 2021 with Bachelor’s Degrees in Sociology and Environmental Studies. Areas of interest I am a first-year International Environmental Policy student interested in transportation, the transition to a low-carbon economy, and environmental justice and equity. Project description My project explores the […]

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Shizuka Kuramitsu

Biography I am a second year Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies student originally from Hiroshima, Japan, and a current intern at United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research in Geneva. During my study at MIIS, I worked as a graduate research assistant for Critical Issues Forum at James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. Areas of interest My […]

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Alden “Eli” Horton

Biography I graduated from Middlebury College in May 2022 and am currently a Graduate Research Assistant at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) where I support nonproliferation education programs and will be contributing to CNS strategic export controls research in the spring of 2023. Areas of interest My areas of interest in nuclear […]

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Raina Carroll

Biography I am a Translation and Localization Management student here at MIIS with a background in sociolinguistics and education, specializing in African American English and cross-dialectal teaching and learning. In the future, I hope to enter the games localization field. Areas of interest In addition to games and linguistics, I am very passionate about art […]

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Dylan Souquet Moglen

Biography A Dual MAIPD/MPA Masters and conflict resolution certificate candidate, I have previously worked as a conflict analyst, policy researcher and field anthropologist bringing a variety of experiences to the fellowship. Areas of interest Areas of focus include conflict resolution, reconciliation and healing, and the intersection between peace-building and cultural sustainability. Project description Alongside fellow […]

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Giovana Rodrigues Manfrin

Biography Originally from Brazil, and currently pursuing my master’s in international security, I want to enable data-driven, inclusive, and innovative policy solutions to critical security threats. I joined MIIS after spending 6 years at the Harvard Kennedy School as an evidence-based policy researcher. Areas of interest Through a nonproliferation focus, I am primarily interested in […]

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Megan Spitzer

Biography I am a 4th semester MA Candidate in the International Environmental Policy program with a concentration in Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. I previously attended UC Santa Cruz where I studied International Politics and Marine Biology. Areas of interest Growing up on islands in Micronesia and the Caribbean, I became passionate about both the […]

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Marisa Jones

Biography I am an International Trade and Economic Diplomacy/International Policy Development joint major at MIIS focusing on trade relations between the United States and China, and my language of focus is Mandarin. Outside of MIIS I enjoy baking, hiking, and reading and studying folklore. Areas of interest I am interested in studying US-Chinese relations, specifically […]

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Hayle Siow

Biography As a localizer with almost a decade of project management experience in the advertising and publishing industries, I strive to solve problems by combining technical expertise with intercultural skill sets. I’m currently pursuing a MA degree in Translation and Localization Management, and hope to become a change maker in the industry. Areas of interest […]

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Nicole Irigoyen

Biography I am local to the Monterey/Salinas area and a graduate of CSUMB. Unwaveringly committed to equity for marginalized populations, I am described by my colleagues as equal parts fierce and compassionate. Areas of interest I am interested in upholding and promoting human rights, including gender justice, racial justice, and ending the school-to-prison pipeline. Project […]

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