Education

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M.A. Middle East Studies;

Specialization in Science and Technology

George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs

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B.A. Liberal Arts;

Concentrations in Theater, Spanish, Creative Writing

Sarah Lawrence College

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Experience

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Presidential Management Fellow
Program Analyst

U.S. Department of State

08/2011 - present

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Research Programs Coordinator

Harvard Kennedy School, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Middle East Initiative

03/2020 - 07/2021

Coordinated and implemented research programs, including: research-related logistics, fellowships, grants, scholarships, donor reports, events, marketing materials (interviews for publication, written articles, editing policy briefs and working papers, producing video content, flyers, and e-mail blasts), website management, surveys, and coordinating intern projects.

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Research Assistant

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

12/18 - 12/19

Remote collaboration with Prof. Or Rabinowitz-Batz, PhD conducting archival research at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

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Policy Analysis Associate

The Association for Forests, Development, and Conservation (AFDC)

Beirut, Lebanon

07/18-08/18

Analyzed and updated Lebanon's National Forest Fire Management Policy, verified data gathered by Lebanon's Security Forces, reconciled the National Forest Fire Management Policy with current legislation under consideration, identified policy areas for future development, interviewed with Lebanese government officials to track progress on National Forest Fire Management Policy targets.

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M.A. Thesis Research

The George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs

09/17-05/18

Analyzed the relationship between socio-political change and technological adaptation to climate change-induced water scarcity in Oman. Using Jabal Akhdar as a case-study, applied a political ecology framework in order to analyze the physical restructuring of water in Oman and how this is altering social and economic arrangements. Reviewed of relevant literature (political ecology, environmental science, political economy, international relations, history, anthropology); Interviewed relevant Omani government ministries, research institutes, semi-public utilities, and water management officials; Conducted site visits to Jabal Akhdar in Oman.

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Research Assistant 

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

01/18-05/18

Researched topics related to the Egyptian revolution and Kurdish affairs, proofread/edited/critiqued book manuscript, checked end note references, compiled bibliographies, wrote literature reviews, conducted online archival research, summarized research materials.

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Independent Writing Consultant/Presentation Coach

12/14-12/15

Coached PhD candidates on presentation skills for PhD defense presentations and writing skills for academic publications (Mechanical and Civil Engineering).

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Producer

"Many Nations, One World" documentary film festival and speaker series at College of Marin

08/14-12/14

Planned and produced a documentary film festival with bi-weekly screenings on international topics, led a support team of 9 people, coordinated bi-weekly guest speakers, moderated open discussion sessions, generated publicity graphics and marketing strategy, arranged festival logistics (space, equipment, refreshments, signage).

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Media Assistant

Impro Theater Company

03/12-12/13

Maintained the Impro Theater Company website and newsletter with current information, generated written content and graphics. 

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Producer

An (Improvised) Arabian Nights theater production

02/09-08/09

Produced shows in collaboration with Zawaya, a non-profit organization to promote multicultural discourse and Arab arts in the San Francisco Bay Area. Responsibilities included: project management, team management (20 people), sponsorship partner acquisition, marketing strategy and design, set and lighting design. 

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Founder/Director

Double Entendre Improv  theater company

09/08-09/09

Founded and directed a theater ensemble (8 people), produced regular shows, managed company finances, created marketing content, developed advertising strategy, formulated company policy and operating practices, and coordinated production affairs, staffing, and team building.

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Instruction/Student Leadership Experience

 

President

The Model U.N. Club at College of Marin

08/14-12/14

Fundraised, networked with regional Model UN associations, participated in Model UN Conferences, organized club trips to attend speakers/conferences, chaired club meetings (12 people).

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Performer/Facilitator

Bay Area Young Audiences

01/08-01/09

Performed and facilitated theatrical improvisation workshops for students K-12th grade students.

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Teaching Assistant

BATS Improv 

01/08-01/09

Served as TA for adult classes in theatrical improvisation at various levels of training.

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Teaching Assistant

Sarah Lawrence College Outreach Programs

09/03-05/04

Co-led creative writing and theater workshops for 3rd-12th grade students.

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Teaching Assistant

UC  Irvine Humanities Out There (HOT) Outreach Education Programs

01/02-12/02

Co-led literature, history, and creative writing workshops for 4th-9th grade students.

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Counselor-in-Training

Point Reyes Outdoor Education Summer Camp

07/99-08/99

Supervised and mentored 2nd-9th grade students at an overnight environmental education program.

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