RESEARCHER & PRACTITIONER

Peacebuilding, Conflict, and Governance

I am a Washington DC-based researcher (PhD) and peacebuilding practitioner with 16 years of experience working for INGOs, the UNDP, think tanks, and universities. As a Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University's Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, I am working on papers and a thesis-to-book project (How Civil Wars End: The Influence of Rebel Groups). I have received numerous awards and grants for research and other projects.

My academic research interests include war outcomes, peacemaking, rebel groups, and power-sharing governance systems. I am interested in bargaining theory in civil wars and what influences war outcomes, including rebel groups' institutional changes, as well as peacebuilding practice and theory. 

I am a published mixed-methods researcher. My work combines quantitative and qualitative methods, including large-N observational studies, process tracing, and elite interviews. I have experience conducting field research, including in rebel-held territories, and managing research teams, large databases, and research projects from inception to publication dissemination.  

My practitioner experience in conflict-affected countries uniquely influences my research. I have over a decade of on-the-ground experience working on peacebuilding, peace negotiations, violence reduction, and governance transitions in South and Southeast Asia. I have deep Myanmar expertise and experience across Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. I have worked globally with local partners in fragile and conflict-affected countries. 

As a trainer and instructor, I have experience in designing curricula and courses, as well as teaching adult learners of diverse ages, cultural backgrounds, and educational levels. I can teach using real conflict scenarios and authentic assessments. As a certified mediator and skilled facilitator, I incorporate dialogue into learning processes.

My media commentary has appeared in various outlets, including The New York Times, Channel News Asia, Reuters, Voice of America, ABC News, and War on the Rocks. I have spoken at numerous conferences and briefed senior government officials, elected members of governments, and business executives.

I am open to ideas for research collaborations and am currently seeking short— and long-term academic opportunities. I am also available to provide part-time consulting services. Connect with me via LinkedIn or email!