In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Martin, the Assistant Director of the African Studies Center at Boston University, to explore her journey and interests within the sphere of international public health. With experience spanning NGOs and academic institutions, she offers a unique perspective on driving impactful programs and advancing African studies. Martin bridges global impact with her commitment to serving her local communities, giving us insight into her path of making substantial contributions to public health, educational access, and program sustainability. 

We’re joined by Professor Carrie Preston, Associate Director of the Center on Forced Displacement at Boston University. She is also known for her expertise in English, Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, as well as modernist literature, performance, and dance, Professor Preston shares insights into her background, ongoing research on forced displacement, student opportunities, and her vision for the future of her work.

In the landmark 30th episode, serving as the season one finale of In Relation To, we engage in a compelling conversation with Professor Jack Weinstein, an esteemed authority in the field of the practice of International Security. Professor Weinstein graciously takes us on a captivating journey, recounting his evolution from his early days as a commissioned officer through the ROTC program to his pivotal role as Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration at the Pentagon. He shares poignant anecdotes, including his presence alongside President Bush on the historic day of September 11, 2001, as well as his experiences of relocating to different countries annually. Delving into his academic endeavors at BU, we explore the diverse spectrum of courses he teaches, culminating in invaluable insights on the essence of learning and leadership.  As we take our annual break for the summer, thank you for tuning into In Relation To this year and we look forward to bringing you a brand new season 2 in the fall. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Pavle Kilibarda, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva. He shares his insights on the cross-sections of international law and international relations, as well as the complexities of their applications. He speaks about the areas he specializes in and how he’s personally connected with cases relating to humanitarian law.

In this episode, we're joined by Raghuveer Vyas, a climate analytics and sustainability expert, as he shares insights from his global journey and work at Climate Analytics. With experiences from Kenya to Geneva, he dives into his role, key projects, and how his diverse background shapes his approach to climate issues. Raghuveer also discusses his aspirations, emerging trends in climate policy, and the mantra guiding his impactful work.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adil Najam, who is well-known for his expansive career in international relations and environmental affairs. By referencing his own experiences, he provides us with his valuable insights on influencing behaviors when it comes to the planet and nature. He speaks about his responsibilities as President of WWF International, as well as the pressing challenges that he believes the world faces.

This episode, we talk to Dhruv Kapadia, BU’s Student Body President. Dhruv speaks about his experiences in his numerous and impressive roles in public service and for the BU community. We learn about how his personal ambitions and passions motivate his involvement in activities, as well as the interconnectedness of all his pursuits. 

Meet Emma Shapiro– the IRR’s very own Editor-in-Chief! Emma, now a senior, reflects back on her time with the IRR and discusses her personal journey through her experiences. Drawing on valuable insights learned from her experiences with the IRR and beyond, she elaborates on the leadership skills she’s gained and shares her future goals and aspirations.

This week, we sit down with Rosalia, Camila, and Amy, some of our Senior Editors, to get insight on their experiences with IRR. They speak about the editorial process and how IRR has impacted their lives academically and personally, as well as what they’ve gained from their experiences.