Background

American University, School of International Service, Washington, DC, USA
Executive Director, Online and Executive Programs, 2023-Present
» Spearhead the development of online and executive degrees focused on international relations, emphasizing global security and U.S. foreign policy. Conduct independent research to inform curriculum design and ensure academic rigor in alignment with current political challenges.
» Cultivate relationships with government agencies, research institutions, and international organizations to enhance collaboration and gather insights on global security dynamics.
» Leverage a strong network within the academic community to support research initiatives and workshops. Design and lead specialized workshops and training sessions, fostering dialogue among decision-makers and scholars.
» Outstanding Faculty Administrator Award (2024): Recognized for exceptional leadership and service in academic program administration, demonstrating outstanding performance and significant contributions over the previous two academic years.

German Council on Foreign Relations, Berlin, Germany
Associate Fellow, 2024
» Conduct in-depth research on security challenges posed by the international proliferation of spyware, specifically focusing on the threats from non-state actors and implications for Germany’s foreign and security policy.
» Facilitate connections between DGAP’s Geopolitics, Geoeconomics, and Technology team and key international networks, reinforcing transatlantic cooperation on emerging security issues.

Administrative Program Director, Comparative and Regional Studies Program (CRS), International Affairs Policy & Analysis Program (IAPA), and Master of International Service Program (MIS), 2021-2023
» Led the design and implementation of online and face-to-face curricula focused on comparative regional studies and international affairs. Collaborated with faculty to align course offerings with emerging policy issues, including global and transatlantic security.
» Conducted comprehensive assessments of program effectiveness, utilizing various social science research methodologies. Leveraged findings to inform curriculum reforms and enhance learning outcomes in alignment with current political and economic challenges.
» Established partnerships with relevant stakeholders in academia and international organizations, enhancing the program’s visibility and relevance in discussions on U.S. foreign policy and global affairs.
» Utilized prior research on non-traditional security challenges posed by armed groups to author an encyclopedia entry and deliver presentations on key findings.

Director, Master of International Service, 2013-2021
» Directed the Master of International Service program, preparing students for leadership roles in government, business, and civil society. Developed an interdisciplinary curriculum with a strong emphasis on global security, U.S. foreign policy, governance, and policy analysis, ensuring relevance to current global challenges.
» Designed and facilitated practice-oriented courses on international affairs, international policy analysis, and conflict resolution. Led executive graduate courses that equipped students with the skills needed for effective decision-making in complex political environments.
» Transformed the program from a niche offering to the second largest on campus, increasing student enrollment by 300%. Expanded the program’s reach by integrating online and blended learning models, launching partnerships with ten international universities to enhance global perspectives.
» Darrell Randall Award for Outstanding Service to the University Community (2020): Awarded for exemplary leadership in faculty governance and innovative service initiatives benefiting both the SIS and the broader university community over the preceding two years.
» Authored numerous policy papers and peer-reviewed academic articles on engaging armed actors through international instruments and foreign policy, the implications of drug policy on foreign affairs and security, and the role of NGOs in mediation and conflict management. Presented key findings at policy-oriented and academic conferences, as well as through blogs, invited talks, and media interviews.

The Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, London, UK
Associate Fellow, International Security Research Department, 2012-2019

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, DC, USA
Advisory Board Member, 2017-2018

Wikistrat, Washington, DC, USA/London, UK
Senior Analyst, International Crime Desk, 2013-2016

University of California, Washington Center, Washington, DC, USA
Visiting Faculty, 2013

The Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, London, UK
Visiting Fellow, International Security Research Department, 2012-2013

Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Washington, DC, USA
Visiting Scholar, Center of Transatlantic Relations, 2011-2013

United States Institute of Peace, Washington, DC, USA
Jennings Randolph Tapir Fellow, 2010-2011

University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
Researcher and Lecturer, 2009-2010

German Institute for International and Security Affairs, Berlin, Germany
Researcher, 2007-2010

Additional prior experience for the Working Group on Peace and Development (FriEnt); the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the German Development Institute, all in Bonn, Germany, and at the University of Cologne, Department of Comparative Politics, in Cologne, Germany.

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