In Relation To

In today's episode, we are joined with Mental Health Specialist at the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, Weanne Estrada. We will dive into how her experience in global mental health research and humanitarian action allowed her to understand the role stigma plays in the mental health crisis affecting humanitarian responders. From the Philippines to Switzerland, Estrada investigates what it looks like when international organizations take steps to safeguard responder's mental health before, during, and after deployment. Join us, as we discuss why and how to protect mental health, along with lasting career advice about humanitarian service.

In today’s episode, we sat down with Class of 2029 student Aritak Noori to discuss Kurdish erasure and the challenges facing Kurdish communities in the Middle East. Aritak explores the evolving relationship between the United States and Kurdish groups, how shifting priorities have affected Kurdish security, and the effects of forced assimilation for Kurds in Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq. Listen in to hear more about Aritak’s perspective on the Kurdish ongoing struggle for cultural preservation, political autonomy, and self-determination. Listen now on Spotify!

In today’s episode, we sit down with Sarah Streyder, a Cambridge University graduate with a masters in Public Policy and the Executive Director of the Secure Families Initiative (SFI), a nonpartisan nonprofit that advocates for military families and speaks up on the issues that affect their daily lives. She dives into the barriers that active duty service members face when voting, as well as general civic engagement. She also explores the tensions between nonpartisan groups and foreign policy in the United States. Tune to learn more about advocacy, national security, international law and how to get involved with the Secure Families Initiative.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Claire-Solène Becka, a BU KHC ‘21 alumna and current M.S. candidate in Arts Administration at BU. From studying American Studies as an undergraduate student to working in museum operations, and then returning to BU as an undergraduate advisor at Pardee, Claire-Solène reflects on her journey. Listen in to hear Claire-Solène’s unique perspective on career exploration, graduate school, and advising resources for students.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Noora Lori, Associate Professor of International Relations at Boston University and the director of the Middle East–North Africa Initiative, and discuss her research including the idea of “permanent temporary” status of migrants in the Middle East, with the United Arab Emirates as a case study. She also explores the possibilities that the interdisciplinary study of International Relations brings for undergraduate students at BU. Listen in to learn about immigration-related initiatives on campus, like the Pardee School Initiative on Forced Migration and Human Trafficking, and how to get involved! 

In today’s episode, we sit down with Paul Hare, a Master Lecturer of International Relations at BU. Former British ambassador to Cuba and diplomat for 30 years, Hare reflects on his journey from his academic career at the University of Oxford and College of Law in London, to his diplomatic career and how the field has evolved over time. Listen in to hear about stories from his time in the field and advice for students going into foreign service! 

In today’s episode, we sit down with Daria Kosack, a BU Pardee and CAS ‘25 alumna and current MS Cybersecurity Align Candidate at Northeastern University. CEO of Urban Refuge (UR), a student organization dedicated to mapping resources for displaced communities in Boston, Daria reflects on her time at BU and how her involvement in UR shaped her passion for cybersecurity for refugees. Listen in to learn about how to get involved with everything from Urban Refuge to the Psychology Honor Society! 

In this episode, we sit down with Luke Gianlanella, a junior at BU studying International Relations and Political Science. A writer in the Europe section of the IRR, he discusses his recent journal article entitled “Soft Power ‘Al Dente’: Giorgia Meloni’s Gastronationalism and its Implications for Multilateralism.” Plus, he gives his insight on joining IR-related student organizations as a freshman, experiences interning in Senate and Congressional offices, and plans to study abroad!

In this episode, we sit down with Chepchirchir Tirop, a BU historian of Africa, about her journey into African studies and what brought her to campus. She reflects on her research on the Indian diaspora in Kenya, how memory and identity shaped post-independence nation-building, and her dissertation on the political role of athletics in Kenya from 1945 to 2000. This conversation highlights her passion for teaching and what students can expect from her Modern Africa course. She concludes by offering advice to students interested in African history and globally engaged research!

In this episode, we sit down with Sanne Verschuren, Assistant Professor of International Security at the Pardee School of Global Studies. Verschuren discusses the Global Security Initiative at the Pardee School, the process of writing her first book, and her insights into the evolving field of security studies. Listen in to hear her advice for students interested in international security and policy!