On this episode we speak with Arnela Colic who is a doctoral fellow (PhD) in International and Comparative Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. She examines education’s role in nation building in multiethnic, post-conflict contexts and the influence of international organizations on national education policies and systems. Her current work is focused on countries of the former Yugoslavia in Eastern Europe. The intent of her research is to explore how political and social forces shape education and contribute to or hinder the peacebuilding and nation (re)building efforts in states emerging from conflict. Arnela’s broader research interests include education in emergencies and education for peacebuilding. Prior to pursuing doctoral studies, Arnela completed her masters in International Education Policy Analysis at Stanford University and served as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English in Kosovo. She also holds a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley in Political Science with studies in Peace and Conflict and Russian Language, Literature, and Culture. You can find her online at linkedin.com/in/arnelacolic or on Twitter @arnelacolic