INCM PhD Program Student Biographies
Cohort 1 (2010)
Senai Abraha
Academics: MA in International Development, University of Bradford, UK, 2006; BA in Management, Mekelle
University, Ethiopia, 2003.
Professional Experience: Principal Researcher, Ethiopian International Institute of Peace and Development,
2007-2010; Lecturer of Management, Royal University College, Ethiopia, 2007-2009.
Research Interests: the role of democracy in Africa's economic development, the effectiveness of the United
Nations in managing International Conflict after the Cold War, preserving national unity and regional autonomy
in multiethnic federal states, climate change and resource conflict in Africa, the role of private sector
development in poverty reduction.
Language Skills: Amharic & Tigrigna (native)
Joseph Kingsley Adjei
Academics: M.Phil in Sociology, 2005, University of Cape Coast; B.A. (Hons) and Diploma in
Education, 1998, University of Cape Coast.
Professional Experience: Teaching Assistant and Senior Research Assistant, 2000-2007; Lecturer in Sociology
and Peace Studies, University of Cape Coast, 2007-2010. Research Interests: Intrastate Conflict Dynamics,
Emerging Democracies in Africa and the Democratic Peace Theory; Rural-Urban Dichotomy in Development
and Implications for Conflict, Chieftaincy and Peace in Ghana.
Language Skills: Twi, Fante, Nzema (Native).
Edoh Agbehonou
Academics: MS in Conflict Management, Kennesaw State University, 2009; BA in International
Affairs, Kennesaw State University, 2007; BA in Literature and Foreign Languages, Université du
Benin, Togo, 1999.
Professional Experience: External Program Evaluator, Hands Along the Nile
Development Services, 2010-Present; Research Intern for Conflict Resolution, The Carter Center,
Atlanta, GA, 2009; Headmaster of a middle school, Lomé, Togo, 1999-2003.
Research Interests: Tactics of non-violent conflict resolution; rule of law, human rights, and democratic
transformation in Middle-East and Africa.
Language Skills: Ewe, Mina, and Watchi (native); French (advanced);
Portuguese (intermediate).
Haluk Baran Bingol
Academics: BAC in Business Administration from Galatasaray University (Turkey) and MBA from Université
Catholique de Louvain, Louvain School of Management (Belgium). U.S. Department of State: The Study of the
U.S. Institute for Future Leaders Program in Nazareth College of Rochester (USA).
Professional Experience: Research Fellow TUSIAD (Turkish Industrialists` and Businessmen`s Association)
Brussels Representation to EU. Project Development Consultant to the Capital Mayor in Diyarbakir
Metropolitan Municipality. Market Research Assistant in Michelin Co. Turkey Headquarters Marketing and
Communications Department. Journalist-Editor in Zaman English Newspaper for a year in Turkey. National
Founder of IEESN (Int` Exchange and Erasmus Student Network), Member of Board of Directors, Founder &
Former Director of Galatasaray Exchange Community, Financial Auditor of IEESN International AGM 2008 in
Besançon.
Research Interests: International Affairs, Sustainable Development and Political Economy, Near Eastern
History, Anthropology and Political Economy.
Language Skills: French (advanced), Turkish (advanced), Kurdish (functional oral), German (pre-intermediate).
Mackenzie Duelge
Academics: Emory University School of Law, J.D., 2009, The Catholic University of America,
M.A. International Affairs, 2006, Emory University, B.A. Political Science, 2004, Emory
University, B.A. History, 2004.
Professional Experience: Georgia Bar Certified practicing attorney in contracts and trademarks; worked as a
research assistant on tort reform and judicial decision making projects; served as a paid intern for Hon. Rep.
Gary Miller (R-CA-42); extensive commercial teaching and educational counseling experience.
Research Interests: U.S. National Security, Counterterrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Proliferation,
Educational Standards and Development, Central Asia Security and Development
Language Skills: Fluent in Spanish, Elementary grasp of Chinese.
Kimberly Fletcher
Academics: MA in Sociology, Western Kentucky University, 2008; BA in Anthropology and
Computer Applications, University of Notre Dame, 2004.
Professional Experience: High school science teacher, U.S. Peace Corps, Essau, The Gambia, 2004-2006;
Marketing Coordinator, Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Atlanta, GA, 2009-2010.
Research Interests: Education and pedagogyin sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in former British colonies; the
roles of health and education in development; agrarian reform and land rights in Latin America.
Language Skills: Wolof (functional oral)
Chux Ibekwe
Academics: MS in Conflict Management, Kennesaw State University, 2009; Postgraduate Diploma
in Business Management, Benue State University, Nigeria, 2000; BE in Education and Political
Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, 1993.
Professional Experience: Graduate Assistant, Institute for Global Initiatives, Kennesaw State University, Fall,
2009; Graduate Assistant, Center for Conflict Management, Kennesaw State University, Summer 2009;
Research Associate, Early Childhood Education, Kennesaw State University, Spring 2009. President, Friperi
Retail, Port Gentil, Gabon, 2002-2008; Founding President and Executive Director, Nigerian Youth’s Against
Violence, 1995-2002; Dean of Student Affairs and Lecturer in Public Administration, Institute of Christian and
Management Studies, Benue, Nigeria, 1998-2002.
Research Interests: National Security and Resource Control Conflicts in Developing Countries; Group Identity
and Conflict Escalations in Developing Countries; Negotiating Peace with War Lords in Ethnic Conflicts; Postborder Dispute Management in Africa.
Language Skills: Igbo (native); Tiv (fluent); Efik (fluent); Ikwere (fluent);
Igede (fluent); Etche (fluent); French (intermediate).
Eliza M. Markley
Academics: MA in Sociology, Spiru Haret University, Bucharest-Romania, 2008; BA in Sociology,
University of Bucharest, Romania, 1995;
Professional Experience: Adjunct Faculty, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Kennesaw State
University, 2008 - 2010. Romanian Army Public Affairs Officer, State Department of Defense, Bucharest,
Romania, 1995-2006; Public Affairs Officer and spokesperson for the Coalition, US Central Command, Tampa,
Fl., 2004-2005.
Research Interests: sociology of violence and peace, terrorism and religion, immigration, religious
and ethnic conflict and hate crimes. Language Skills: Romanian (native).
Makda T. Maru
Academics: LLB, in Mekelle University, Ethiopia, 2005; MA in Gender and Peacebuilding,
University for Peace, Costa Rica, 2007.
Professional Experience: National Peace Advisor, House of Federation, Ethiopian Parliament, 2008-2010;
Program Coordinator, Ministry of Federal Affairs, 2007; Lecturer of Law, Royal University College, Ethiopia,
2006, 2008; Volunteer Legal Aid, Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association, 2005-2006; Director of Programs,
African Rally for Peace and Development,2005-2010.
Research Interests: human security; small arms and light weapons; peacebuilding operations; public
international law; gender and security.
Language Skills: Tigrigna (native); Amharic (native)
Edward Mienie
Academics: BA in Law, University of South Africa, 1984; LLB Courses, University of Cape Town, 1985;
International Relations, Trade, Finance & Law Courses, School of Diplomacy in South Africa, 1987-1989;
Courses in Conflict Resolution & Negotiation, World Trade Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 1996;
SAP & ASAP Certification (Walldorf, Germany), Enterprise Resource Planning, 1998
Professional Experience: SAP Software Consultant, 1999-2010; Diplomat, South Africa, 1987-1998: DeputyAmbassador to Switzerland, Bern, 1994-1998; Personal Political Advisor, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Pretoria, South Africa, 1992-1994; Personal Political Advisor to Ambassador & US Government/
Congressional Liaison, Washington, D.C., 1989-1992; Mediator, Trade Union and Employer Association
of the Furniture Industrial Council, Western Cape, South Africa, 1986; Active Military Conscript
(Angolan War), Infantry, 1980-1982.
Research Interests: Role of Public Diplomacy in Conflict Management; South Africa’s National Security;
Counter-Terrorism; Nuclear Non-Proliferation.
Language Skills: Afrikaans (fluent); German (fluent); Dutch (fluent); Flemish (fluent).
Sunil Kumar Pokhrel
Academics: MA in Coexistence & Conflict, Brandeis University, 2008; MA in Agricultural & Rural
Development, Institute of Social Studies, Netherlands, 1999; Post- graduate in Geographic
Information System, Institute of Aerospace and Earth Science, Netherlands, 1995; BE in Civil
Engineering, The Institution of Engineers, India, 1987.
Professional Experience: Senior Consultant, National Peace Campaign, Nepal, 2008-Present; Deputy Manager,
Nepal Telecomm, 1989-Present; Advisor, Forum for Development and Awareness, Nepal, 2000-2006; Program
Coordinator, Group for International Solidarity, Nepal, 1995-1998; Member, Board of Directors, Nepal
Telecom 2005-2007; Member, Board of Directors, Kantipur, Nepal, Engineering College and Acme
Engineering College, 1998-Present; Advisor, National Planning Commission, Nepal, 1997; Board of Directors,
Asia Publication, 2006-Present; Chairman, Inter-Corporation Employees’ Association, National Committee
Nepal, 1990-1994.
Research Interests: Rural development & conflict in third world; resource conflict.
Language Skills: Nepali (native); Hindi (advanced), Maithali (advanced), Urdu
(intermediate).
Claudia Stura
Academics: Masters degree in Sports Marketing from the German Sports University Cologne,
Germany, 2004; BS in Sports Science from the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, 1999.
Certified Trainer and coach for cross-cultural competence, artop Institute at Humboldt University
Berlin, Germany, 2008.
Professional Experience: Manager Marketing and Communications, International Council of Sport Science and
Physical Education, 2008-2009; Overall Coordinator Communications, Euroschools 2008, Germany and
Austria, 2007-2008, Project Manager, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, 2006-2007; Senate Department for
the Interior and Sport Berlin, Germany, FIFA World Cup 2006 Marketing/Communications Manager, 20052006; Project Coordinator International Relations, German Olympic Sports Confederation, 2004.
Research Interests: conflict management in international top level sport teams; the use of sport and
physical activities as a tool for conflict reconciliation.
Language Skills: German (native), French (intermediate)
Cohort 2 (2011)
Maureen Erinne
Academics: M.A. in Political Science (International Relations), Mississippi State University,
Starkville, MS (2010); B.A. in Political Science, Mississippi Valley State University,
Itta-Bena, MS (2008).
Professional Experience: Adjunct Faculty, Department of Social
Science, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, 2010; Graduate Research Assistant,
Mississippi State University 2008-2010; Volunteer Staff (Assistant Director- African Union,
Director- African Development Bank, National Model United Nations, NMUN, sponsored by the
National Collegiate Conference Association, New York, 2009-2011; Research Assistant,
Mississippi Valley State University, 2007-2008.
Research Interests: Sino-African relations, diplomacy, conflict resolution, ethnicity and economic development
in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Language Skills: Yoruba (fluent), Igbo (intermediate), French (elementary)
David Gethings
Academics: MA in Comparative Politics, Graduate Certificate in Peacebuilding and Human Rights,
American University, 2008; BA in Philosophy, History, and Political Science, Felician College, 2007.
Professional Experience: Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy and Political Science at Felician
College, 2010-2011; Director of Special Projects and main representative to the United Nations at
the Foundation for Post Conflict Development, 2007-Current; Program Coordinator for the United
Nations Second Annual Youth Pre-Conference, 2010; Civilian Protection Associate at Genocide
Intervention Network, 2008; Member of the Student Board of the United States Holocaust Memorial
Museum's Committee on Conscience, 2006-2007.
Research Interests: Human Rights, Millennium
Development Goals, Genocide Prevention, Humanitarian Intervention, Corporate Responsibility,
Environmental Justice, Rule of Law and International Institutions, Civilian Protection, International
and Post-Conflict Development, Role of the United Nations, International Justice.
Elena Gheorghiu
Academics: M.S. in Geography, Urban and Rural Planning and Development, University of Bucharest,
Romania, 2008. B.S. in Environmental Economics, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest,
Romania, 2000. Certificate in “Pedagogy and Pedagogical Methods”, Academy of Economic
Studies – Bucharest, 2009.
Professional Experience: Oklahoma State University, Sociology Department:
PhD candidate and Teaching/Research Assistant, 2009-2011. Financial Analyst at Johnson
& Johnson 2008-2009. Graduate Research Assistant at University of Bucharest for
Department of Geography, 2007-2008. Financial Analyst /Accountant at Lafarge Group, Bucharest,
Romania, 2001-2005.
Research Interests: Human Rights NGOs and Labor Unions, Profit oriented organizations; corporate
environment and the impact on communities and personal lifestyle.
Language Skills: Romanian (native); Italian (beginner)
Amanda Guidero
Academics: MS in Conflict Resolution, 2010, Portland State University, Portland, OR; BA in
International Studies, 2001, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR.
Professional Experience: Human Resource Manager for large retail companies, Grant based researcher on InterEthnic Sustainability in the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Student
Advocate for the Associated Students of Southern Oregon University.
Research Interests: Peace building institutions, Euro-American relations, development and sustainability, ethics
of international conflict resolution, humanitarian aid and intervention, political climate in the Middle East.
Language Skills: French (intermediate), German (novice).
Bryan Hutcheson
Academics: MA in History of Christianity, Wheaton College, 2011; MA in International Relations, University
of Oklahoma, 2006; BS in Nursing, University of Kansas, 1993.
Professional Experience: Medical Officer & Educator, United States Air Force (USAF): Chief Squadron AirEvacuation Flight Instructor 2009-2011; Faculty, International Medical Education & Training Operations
Division, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine 2006-2009; Clinical Director, Casualty Staging Facility
(Germany). Significant international humanitarian relief and/or infrastructure education experience: Haiti
(earthquake rescue/recovery) 2010-2011; Kingdom of Morocco (rural Berber lands development) 2009;
Republic of Iraq (Ministry of Health) 2008; Republic of Georgia (NATO Partnership for Peace) 2005; BosniaHerzegovina (NATO Stabilization Force) 2001-2002; Kosovo (UN) 2001.
Research Interests: Human Security of Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons in Conflict & Post-Conflict;
Medical ethics of humanitarian relief organizations (NGO’s) in Conflict & Post-Conflict; Ethical Intervention in
International Organizations’ Peacekeeping efforts; Religion in Conflict Management.
Language Skills: German (basic)
Catherine Odera
Academics: M.Ed. in Educational Administration, Kent State University, Ohio, 2001; B.Ed. in
English and Literature, Kenyatta University, Kenya, 1996.
Professional Experience: Assistant Director, International Student Retention Services, Kennesaw State
University 20006-Present; Student Affairs Professional, University of Florida and Miami University, 2001 –
2006; English and Literature Teacher, Bondo, Kenya 1997-1999.
Research Interests: Peace-building & Post-conflict Reconstruction, International, National and Human security,
Terrorism, Intercultural Communication, Middle East and African Politics, International Political Economy &
Globalization, Non-governmental organizations, Environmental Issues, Ethnic, Racial & Post-Colonial
Conflicts, Negotiation and Mediation, Feminist Studies and Post-Colonial studies.
Language Skills: Luo (Native); Swahili (Native); Spanish (Intermediate)
Birthe C. Reimers
Academics: M.A. in African American Studies, concentration in Psychology, University of California, Los
Angeles, 2006; B.A. in Education, English, & French, University of Hamburg, Germany, 2004; Certificate
in General Business Studies, concentration in Human Resource Management, University of California, Los
Angeles, 2009; Certificate in Mediation, University of Wismar, Germany, 2008.
Professional Experience: Volunteer Coordinator, Mediators Beyond Borders International Rwanda Project,
USA, 2011-present; Mediator for Family Mediation, Intercultural Mediation at inner city high schools, and
Victim Offender Restitution, Centinela Youth Services, Hawthorne, CA, 2007-2011; Assistant Program
Coordinator & Teacher, LSI, Los Angeles, 2009-2011; Consultant, Los Angeles County BAR Association,
Center for Civic Mediation, Los Angeles, 2010; Student Affairs Officer II, Office of Outreach, Diversity, and
Fellowships, Graduate Division, University of California, Los Angeles, 2006-2008; Advisor, International
Rescue Committee, Los Angeles, 2006-2007; Teaching Assistant, Communication Studies, University of
California, Los Angeles, 2005-2006.
Research Interests: interethnic and socio-psychological aspects of conflict escalation, resolution,
and reconciliation; peacebuilding; 1994 Rwandan genocide and its aftermath.
Language Skills: German (native); French (advanced); Spanish (elementary).
Margaret Slusher
Academics: Master of Science in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University in 2010; BME
and MME from Winthrop College, Rock Hill, South Carolina; MCM from Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Certified for civil and domestic mediation
Professional Experience: currently, President of LeadPlus. Prior positions include: Director of Church Planting
for Leadership Network, Director of Equipping Initiatives for North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the
Southern Baptist Convention, adjunct professor for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and for New
Orleans Baptist Seminary Extension, and Elementary School Teacher in Montgomery, Alabama.
Research Interests: slavery
Jamil Al Wekhian
Academics: MSSc (Valedictorian) in Criminology, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan, 2008. BA in Psychology,
University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, 2006.
Professional Experience: Student Counselor at Al-Ramah Secondary School, Um Al-Rasas, Jordan, 2006 –
2009; Practicum in Psychology, Fuheis Hospital for Mental Disorders, Amman, Jordan, 2004 – 2005.
Research Interests: Masters Thesis – “The Jordanian university student’s attitudes towards terrorism,
prevention, and its causes,” 2008; Presenter at “Terrorism in the Digital Age” International Conference, AlHussein bin Talal University, Ma’an, Jordan, 2007.
Language Skills: Arabic (native language).
Amanda Woomer
Academics: M.A. in Anthropology, Georgia State University, 2009; B.S. in International Affairs and French,
Georgia Institute of Technology 2006.
Professional Experience: Volunteer Evaluator at United Way, 2012; Volunteer Coordinator for the Animal
Rescue Fair, 2010-2012; Knowledge Manager in telecommunication industry, 2010-2012; Graduate Teaching
Assistant at Georgia State University, 2008.
Research Interests: The impact of conflict and culture on conservation; sustainable development; political
ecology; intercultural competency training; and program evaluation.
Language Skills: French (advanced) and Chinese (elementary)
Cohort 3 (2012)
Ferdinand Kwaku Danso
Academics: MSc in African Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, 2008; BA (Hons) in Political
Science, University of Ghana, Legon, 2006;
Professional Experience: Research Associate, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre
(KAIPTC), Accra, 2010-Present; Research Intern, KAIPTC, 2009; Tutorial and Research Assistant, University
of Ghana, 2006-2007.
Research Interests: political violence, human security, and conflict transformation.
Language Skills: Akan (Native); Guan (Native) Ga (Native).
Bradley S. Gardner
Academics: M.A. in International Relations, Hult International Business School, London, England, 2010; B.A.,
Political Science/International Relations, University of Central Florida, 2006.
Professional Experience: Adjunct Instructor of Political Science, Tallahassee Community College, 2011-2012;
Education Abroad Research Coordinator, Florida A&M University, 2011-2012; Intern, United States Senate,
Washington D.C. 2010; Field Organizer, Florida Campaign for Change, 2008; Administrative/Legislative
Assistant, The Florida Senate, 2007-2008.
Research Interests: Post Conflict Development, Peace building and Sustainability, Counter-terrorism and its
Impact on Foreign Policy, International Negotiation and Mediation, The role of conflict management in political
sustainability.
Melvin (Wim) Lavin
Academics: MS in Conflict Resolution, 2010, Portland State University, Portland, OR; BA (double major) in
Philosophy and Religious Studies, 2003, California State University Bakersfield, Bakersfield, CA.
Professional Experience: Adjunct Instructor, Conflict Resolution Dept., Portland State University, 2010-12;
Research and Teaching Assistant, Conflict Resolution Dept., Portland State University, 2006-10; Assistant
Coordinator, Conflict Sensitive Reconstruction, Sarvodaya, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2005-6; Mediator, 4th
Judicial District, Portland, OR; English as a Second Language Teacher, Jeollanamdo Dept. of Education, South
Korea, 2007-2010, Southwestern Oregon Community College, Coos Bay, OR, 2011 and Horizon International
School, Yangon, Myanmar, 2012.
Research Interests: Anger and Hatred, Atonement, Engaged Thinking, Ethics of Conflict Resolution, Evil and
Conflict, Forgiveness, issues of Peace and Social Justice, Philosophy of Conflict Resolution, Philosophy of
Nonviolence, Theories of Social Liberation and the use of storytelling in responding to and teaching about
conflict.
Language Skills: Teacher of English to Learners of Foreign Languages (TOEFL), and modest (beginner) use of
spoken Korean, spoken Sinhalese, and spoken and written Spanish.
Natalia Meneses
Academics: Master of Public Administration, Kennesaw State University, GA 2006; BA in International
Affairs, Kennesaw State University, GA 2006;
Professional Experience: Program Coordinator, Master of Science in International Policy Management and
Master of Public Administration, KSU, 2008-2012; Logistics Specialist for China, Interra International 20062008.
Research Interests: women’s involvement in armed conflict; proliferation of youth guerrillas; refugees and
internally displace persons during and post conflict.
Language Skills: Spanish (native).
Sarah Jia Min
Academics: MA in Communication, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, 2010; BFA in Communication,
Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, 2008.
Professional Experience: Lecturer in Communication, advisor for International Students, Dalton State College,
2010 – Present; Teaching Assistant, Illinois State University, 2008 – 2010.
Research Interests: Intercultural Communication; Civic Engagement; Cultural Competency; Conflict and
Persuasion.
Language Skills: Chinese (native), German (beginner).
Pranaya Rana
Academics: M.A. in Global Development and Peace Program, University of Bridgeport, U.S., 2011; B.A. in
Sociology and Strategic Studies, Tribhuwan University, Nepal, 2006.
Professional Experience: Lieutenant, Nepalese Army (2003-2010), specialized in Counter Insurgency
operations; U.N. Peacekeeper, MINUSTAH, Port-au-Prince, Haiti (May-June 2010), security and relief
operations to the IDPs, VVIPs and major installations after the devastating earthquake; Refugee Case Manager/
Reception &Placement Program Coordinator, International Institute of Connecticut, U.S. (2010-2012);
Volunteer Research Associate, Center for Conflict Resolution, Salisbury University, U.S. ( 2010-Present).
Research Interests: Conflict: varying elements and management, Human security and refugee resettlement,
Civil-military relations, Peacekeeping/peace building operations.
Language Skills: Nepali (native), English (fluent), Hindi (fluent), French (elementary), Urdu (beginner).
Maureen Wilson
Academics: BA International Studies and Spanish, Georgia Southern University, 2005; European Union Studies
Certificate, Foreign Language and Thesis Distinctions, University System of Georgia and Geschwister-Scholl
Institute for Political Science, Ludwig Maximillian University, Munich, 2005; MA Social Science, Political
Science Concentration, Georgia Southern University, 2009.
Professional Experience: Spanish and Global Issues Instructor, Upward Bound Program 2004-2009; Volunteer
and Activities Coordinator, ESL Instructor, Center for Latino Outreach and Re-search Services, Statesboro, GA,
2006-2007; Department of Foreign Languages Graduate Assistant, Georgia Southern University, 2007-2009;
Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant for Summer Studies Program in Krakow, Poland, 2008; Research
and Teaching Assistant to Dr. Emilia Powell, Georgia Southern University and The University of Alabama,
2008-2011.
Research Interests: International law and courts, Islamic law, European integration, International socialization.
Language Skills: Spanish
Cohort 4 (2013)
Kate Bradley
Academics: MA Integrated Global Communication, Kennesaw State University, U.S. 2012; BA International
Studies, Berry College, U.S. 2006
Professional Experience: Writer and Editor (July 2007 - Present); English teacher (Ukraine, Turkey, Peru)
Research Interests: Intergroup communication in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; democratic development in
former USSR countries
Other Activities: Volunteer/Grants & Fundraising Chair, Georgia House Rabbit Society
Language Skills: English (Native); Spanish (Intermediate); German (Beginner-Intermediate); Russian (Basic)
Crystal A. Douglas
Academics: M.S. in Negotiation and International Conflict Resolution, Creighton University, 2012; B.A. in
Political Science, Montana State University, 2004.
Professional Experience: Facilitator- Soliya Connect Program from May 2012-present. Facilitating online
dialogue courses with undergraduate students from around the world and focusing specifically on religion,
politics, and conflict. Curriculum developer and guest lecturer from January 2012-present: Social Media for
Global Change at University of Washington, Seattle University, and Future University- Egypt focusing on
cross-cultural group dynamics, global service learning, and social media skills development for transnational
service projects. Current Research Associate- International Conflict and Transformation Institute: focusing on
democratization and social media.
Research Interests: The role of social media in political movements and its’ utilization by rebel groups for
citizen mobilization. Autocratic state behavior assessment and the cultural rights/universal human rights debate
in non-democratic states.
Languages: English (Native); Spanish (Intermediate)
Andrea Fischer
Academics: M.A. in Economic Change in the Arab Region, Marburg University/Germany and Damascus
University/Syria, 2012; B.Sc. in Economics, Bayreuth University/Germany, 2010
Professional Experience: Intern, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Frankfurt/Germany;
Intern, Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, Ramallah/Palestinian Territories; Intern, Joint German-Emirati Chamber
of Commerce, Dubai/UAE
Research Interests: Political and Economic Change in the Middle East
Language Skills: German, French, Arabic, Russian (basic), Spanish (basic)
Mary Fortson Harwell
Academics: MSW, The University of Georgia, 2010; BS in Family & Child Sciences, The Florida State
University, 2005
Professional Experience: Co-Founder/Director, Bicycles for Humanity Georgia (2009 - Present);
Clinician/Refugee Resettlement Program Coordinator, Jewish Family & Career Services (2010-2013); Guest
Lecturer in Introduction to Social Work courses at Georgia State University (various, 2011-2013); Community
Engagement/Program Development, SafeHouse Outreach (2009-2010); National Conference Coordinator,
Bicycling Empowerment Network Namibia (2009)
Research Interests: Conflict-related trauma and potential effects on attitudes towards peace and peacebuilding/keeping; refugee populations; U.S. military personnel & their families
Language Skills: English (Native); Spanish (Intermediate); Afrikaans (Elementary)
John B. Idamkue
Academics: MS, Conflict Management, Kennesaw State University, USA, 2012; Certificate in International
Human Rights Law & Diplomacy, International Service for Human Rights , Geneva, Switzerland, 1997; B.SC,
Political Science & Administration, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, 1987;
Professional Experience: Loss/Risk Manager, Bank of America, (May 2010 –present). Customer Support
Officer, J.P Morgan Chase Bank, (January 2001 - March 2010). Team Leader, Lowe’s Home Improvement
Warehouse, (July 1999 - February 2002). Assistant Store Manager, The Bodyshop-USA, October 1997 –
October 2000). Coordinator, MOSOP United Nations Program (August 1993 – July 1999).
Research interests: The environment/pollution/resource conflicts; sustainable development/energy
resources/social justice; national security/strategic studies; peace building/human rights/civil society/community
participation/democratic governance.
Other Activities: Widely traveled and done environmental and human rights activism-related work in several
countries such as Canada, Cuba, England, France, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Northern Ireland, Nigeria, Sweden,
Switzerland and the US. As a member of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), I
received the following awards – 1994 Right Livelihood Award (aka Alternative Nobel); 1996 Danish Peace
Prize; 1997 Chico Mendez Prize for courage in environmental activism by the Sierra Club.
Language Skills: English; Khana (Native language); Gokana (fluent); Ibibio (Intermediate).
Kumar Khadka
Academics: MA, Conflict, Peace and Development Studies, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 2011 (Collaboration
program between Tribhuvan University-Nepal, University of Life Sciences-Norway, Eastern University-Sri
Lanka & University of Ruhuna-Sri Lanka). BA, Political Science - International Relations and Laws, Tribhuvan
University, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2008. Associate Degree, Political Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu,
Nepal, 2005. Community Development Organizer Course, Council for Technical Education and Vocational
Training, Nepal, 2003.
Professional Experience: Secretary, National Steering Committee, National Planning Commission of Nepal (as
part of the UNV/UNDP assignment, 2011-2012). Program Coordinator, Local Governance & Community
Development Program (LGCDP), Government of Nepal, Ministry of Federal Affairs & Local Development, UN
Joint Program to support LGCDP, UNV/UNDP in Nepal, UN House, Kathmandu (Jul 2012-Aug 2013).
National Coordinator, IYV+10 Project, UNV/UNDP in Nepal, UN House, Kathmandu (Mar 2011-Jun 2012).
Member, National Volunteerism Policy Formulation Task Force, National Planning Commission of Nepal
(2012-2013). UNV Youth Focal Point, United Nations Youth Advisory Panel in Nepal (2011-2012). Program
Coordinator, Community Development Resource Center (initially as a Development Consultant), Bajura, Nepal
(May 2008-Dec 2010). Social Mobilization Facilitator, Kathmandu Training Center, Kathmandu, Nepal (Nov
2003-Mar 2008). Social Worker, Government of Nepal, Balkot Village Development Committee, Bhaktapur,
Nepal (Oct 2002-Sep 2003).
Research Interests: Foreign Aid and Peacebuilding, Governance, Conflict and Development etc.
Other Activities: Founder & Central Secretariat Member, Youth NGO Federation of Nepal. Central Member &
Advisor, Population Studies and Management Federation Nepal. Founder Member & Advisor, Social
Mobilizer’s Association Nepal.
Language Skills: Nepali (Native Language); English (Excellent Reading and Writing), Hindi (Excellent
Reading and Writing).
Michele Maddox
Academics: B.A. French, Immaculate Heart College - Los Angeles, Ca.; M.A. Conflict Management, Lipscomb
University - Nashville, Tn.
Professional Experience: Mediator/Facilitator - Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 General Civil and Family
courts mediator. Facilitator on large scale multi-layered consensus building project, client: Jewish Federation of
Middle Tennessee
Research Interests: Women peacebuilding leaders in Africa and the Middle East
Language Skills: French (Intermediate), Turkish (Elementary)
Chip White
Academics: MS in Criminal Justice Management, Sam Houston State University; BA in Sociology/Criminal
Justice, University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Professional Experience: Director of Security for Home Depot. Special Agent U.S. Secret Service. Special
Agent U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Research Interests: Transnational Criminal Organizations / National Security
Language Skills: English (Native Language)