Undergraduate Research Team Leads
Ryan Barr
Team Lead: Gunboat Capitalism
Ryan Barr is a senior studying international relations at USC. His research interests lie in the intersection of national security and international political economy, and Japan. Outside of the lab he is a member of USC’s Model United Nations Travel Team and loves playing almost every sport, especially soccer and volleyball.
Ryan Barr is a senior studying international relations at USC. His research interests lie in the intersection of national security and international political economy, and Japan. Outside of the lab he is a member of USC’s Model United Nations Travel Team and loves playing almost every sport, especially soccer and volleyball.
Ashley Abadeer
Team Lead: Powersharing
Ashley Abadeer is a junior studying International Relations and the Global Economy with a minor in Architecture at USC. Her specific interest in the field of international relations is ensuring water security and hopes to one day help establish clear water infrastructure globally. On campus, Ashley is the speakers director for TEDxUSC, a fellow at the Global Policy Institute, and is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, USC’s international relations professional fraternity. In her free time, Ashley enjoys yoga and cooking.
Ashley Abadeer is a junior studying International Relations and the Global Economy with a minor in Architecture at USC. Her specific interest in the field of international relations is ensuring water security and hopes to one day help establish clear water infrastructure globally. On campus, Ashley is the speakers director for TEDxUSC, a fellow at the Global Policy Institute, and is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, USC’s international relations professional fraternity. In her free time, Ashley enjoys yoga and cooking.
Sarah Orsborn
Team Lead: Resource Curse
Sarah Orsborn is in her last semester studying International Relations and the Global Economy with a minor in Climate Science. Her main research interests include climate change adaptation, economic inequality, and resource governance. Sarah joined SPEC Lab in May 2018 and has led the Creative Media Team, worked on the IPE Data Resource project, and currently manages the Resource Curse project. Outside of the lab, Sarah is a member of Environmental Core and the rock climbing team, and she loves sleeping out in the desert whenever she has the chance.
Sarah Orsborn is in her last semester studying International Relations and the Global Economy with a minor in Climate Science. Her main research interests include climate change adaptation, economic inequality, and resource governance. Sarah joined SPEC Lab in May 2018 and has led the Creative Media Team, worked on the IPE Data Resource project, and currently manages the Resource Curse project. Outside of the lab, Sarah is a member of Environmental Core and the rock climbing team, and she loves sleeping out in the desert whenever she has the chance.
Hailey Robertson
Team Lead: Resource Curse
Hailey Robertson is a senior studying Global Health with a minor in Human Security and Geointelligence. She is interested in applying data science to infectious disease epidemiology and international development. Outside of the lab, Hailey serves as the Chief of Staff for Undergraduate Student Government, Co-Chair of the Student Advisory Council for the Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, and the Vice President of the Policy Debate Team. She also coaches high school debate, and in her free time enjoys baking pies and hiking. Hailey joined the SPEC Lab in January 2018, and is part of the Resource Curse team.
Hailey Robertson is a senior studying Global Health with a minor in Human Security and Geointelligence. She is interested in applying data science to infectious disease epidemiology and international development. Outside of the lab, Hailey serves as the Chief of Staff for Undergraduate Student Government, Co-Chair of the Student Advisory Council for the Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, and the Vice President of the Policy Debate Team. She also coaches high school debate, and in her free time enjoys baking pies and hiking. Hailey joined the SPEC Lab in January 2018, and is part of the Resource Curse team.
Kaitlyn King
Team Lead: IPE
Kaitlyn King is a senior majoring in International Relations with a minor in East Asian Languages and Cultures. Her research interests are in diplomacy and human rights, with a focus on Japan and the Korean Peninsula. Outside of the lab, Kaitlyn is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, USC’s international relations professional fraternity, and is involved in research with the Near Crisis Project. In her free time, she enjoys painting and frequenting Starbucks. She joined the SPEC lab in Spring 2018.
Kaitlyn King is a senior majoring in International Relations with a minor in East Asian Languages and Cultures. Her research interests are in diplomacy and human rights, with a focus on Japan and the Korean Peninsula. Outside of the lab, Kaitlyn is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, USC’s international relations professional fraternity, and is involved in research with the Near Crisis Project. In her free time, she enjoys painting and frequenting Starbucks. She joined the SPEC lab in Spring 2018.
Sumaya Hussaini
Team Lead: EiE
Sumaya Hussaini is a junior pursuing a Master of Public Diplomacy, a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in International Relations. Her research interests include foreign policy and international development. Outside of the lab, Sumaya interns for the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the UN, is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, and volunteers for Islamic Relief USA. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her cat. Sumaya joined the SPEC Lab in January 2020.
Sumaya Hussaini is a junior pursuing a Master of Public Diplomacy, a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in International Relations. Her research interests include foreign policy and international development. Outside of the lab, Sumaya interns for the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the UN, is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, and volunteers for Islamic Relief USA. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her cat. Sumaya joined the SPEC Lab in January 2020.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Marie Zaragoza
Marie Zaragoza is a junior pursuing a degree in International Relations with an emphasis on global economics and Arabic. Her interests include international political economy, refugee crisis resolution and the Middle East. On campus, she is a research assistant with the Security and Political Economy lab where she researches the influence of power sharing institutions in shaping various educational, economic and civil liberty outcomes and is the treasurer of the USC Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team. Marie has also volunteered with the Teaching International Relations Program, where she taught a class on international political economy in a local high school. This past summer, she studied immigration in Spain, working with NGOs and private sector actors to understand the dynamics between the public and private sector to achieve social change.
Phuong Nhat Nguyen
Phuong Nhat Nguyen is a junior double major in International Relations (Global Business) and Law, History, and Culture. She's interested in adding an Environmental Studies minor. Her interests include corporate social responsibility (CSR) as well as advocacy for minorities in academic and professional environments. On campus, Phuong is a part of the active competing team for Model UN, ranked #12 in North America. She is also an intern to the Consulate of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. She speaks English, Vietnamese, Spanish, and Chinese!
Clio Klapsis
Clio Klapsis is a sophomore majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Law with a minor in International Relations. Her academic interests include international law, climate change, and gender studies. Outside the lab, Clio is on the executive board of Model UN and tutors elementary school students through the ReadersPlus program at USC’s Joint Educational Project (JEP). Clio can be most frequently found at coffee shops, Trader Joe’s, and on her yoga mat. She joined the Gunboat Capitalism team at SPEC in January 2020.
Joe Jocas
Joe Jocas is a sophomore studying International Relations and double minoring in Economics and Culture, Media, & Entertainment Studies. He is part of the Resource Curse Team, in addition to being the editor-in-chief of the Southern California International Review and a student intern for the Dornsife Office of Admission. Outside of SPEC he enjoys hiking, skating, and watching other people do stand-up comedy because when he did nobody laughed. Joe joined the lab in the Spring of 2020
Zoe Peach-Riley
Zoe Peach-Riley is a sophomore pursuing a double-major in Intelligence & Cyber-Operations and Philosophy, Politics, and Law. Her primary academic interests include counterterrorism studies, power projection, and the intersections of national security and cyberspace. Zoe is also an ambassador for the Dornsife Office of Admissions, and enjoys surfing, skiing, hiking, and playing piano. She joined the Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation team at SPEC in January of 2020.
Jasmine Chu
Jasmine Chu is a senior studying Economics and Music Industry at USC and is a part of the Powersharing Team. Her interests include macroeconomic policies, behavioral economics, and fintech. On campus, Jasmine is the USC Campus Ambassador of Out For Undergrad Business (O4U), an organization dedicated to helping LGBTQ undergraduates pursue careers in finance. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys listening to music, playing squash, and watching true crime documentaries on Netflix.
Cameron Kostopoulos
Cameron Kostopoulos is a senior studying Film & Television Production with a minor in Future Cinema. He uses his experience in motion graphics editing to translate academic findings to a more general audience. His interests are in directing for film and television, as well as combining new media with emerging technologies.
John Kang
John Kang is a senior studying Computer Engineering and Computer Science and is currently on the Talus/IPE team for the summer. His research interest is in learning Data Science and R code. Outside of the lab, John enjoys basketball, League of Legends, and is part of a campus ministry, CRU. John joined the lab Spring of 2019.
Shanzeh Faheem
Shanzeh Faheem is a junior studying Public Policy with a minor in International Relations. Her research interests include war, post-war reconstruction and reconciliation, and Middle-Eastern politics. Outside of the lab, Shanzeh is involved in Trojan Debate Squad, SC Global Impact, and USC's Women and Law Society. Shanzeh joined the SPEC Lab in January 2020.
Hunter Hinson
Hunter Hinson is a sophomore double majoring in Political Science and Communication. His research interests include international power projection, narrative-building for military conflict, and the role of mass media in politics. Outside of the lab, Hunter serves on the executive board of Model United Nations of Southern California, is a politics desk reporter for USC Annenberg Media, and enjoys kayaking and exploring LA with friends. Hunter joined the SPEC Lab in January 2020.
Emily Lieberman
Emily Lieberman is a Sophomore studying Political Science with a minor in Dance. She is a member of both the Education, Conflict, and Aid Allocation Team and the Creative Media Team. Outside of the lab, Emily serves on the executive board of both the USC Women's Ultimate Frisbee Team and USC Best Buddies, is a member of the USC Unruh Associates, a mentor in APASS PEER, and immensely enjoys hiking and dancing. Emily joined the SPEC lab in May 2020.
Affan Rahman
Affan Rahman is a junior studying International Relations with a minor in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence. He is currently part of the Talus/IPE team, and his research interests include security studies, post-war reconstruction, and humanitarian crises. Outside of the lab, he enjoys taking pictures and watching Netflix. Affan joined the SPEC Lab in June 2020.
Jillian Glickman
Jillian is a junior studying Political Economy with a minor in Environmental Studies. Her academic interests include international trade and sustainable economic development. Outside of the lab, Jillian is a student worker for USC’s Environmental Health and Safety department and is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon. She joined the Resource Curse team at SPEC in May 2020.
Helen Williams
Helen Williams is a senior studying international relations and environmental studies. She is interested in science diplomacy and addressing climate change through effective law and policy. She spent her spring in Washington, D.C. as an intern at the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. At USC, she is involved in Delta Phi Epsilon, the Global Policy Institute, and the Environmental Student Assembly. She joined the Resource Curse team at SPEC in May 2020.
Alina Mehdi
Alina is a junior at USC from South Pasadena, California majoring in International Relations and minoring in Business Finance. She is apart of the USC SPEC’s Education in Emergencies team. Her academic interests include Middle East politics and human rights. In addition to SPEC, Alina is an editor for the Southern California International Review, a writer for the Daily Trojan, and enjoys listening to music and sitting in the sun.
Micaela Mengen
Micaela Mengen is a sophomore studying International Relations Global Business and Environmental Studies. Her research interests are centered around weapons of mass destruction. Outside of the lab, Micaela serves on the executive board of Reggaeton Obsesión, is a member of the figure skating team and enjoys going out to explore LA with friends. Micaela joined the SPEC Lab in January 2020.
Graduate Students
Alix Ziff
Alix Ziff is a PhD student in the Political Science and International Relations department and the Lab Manager at SPEC. She also oversees the Power-sharing Project Team with Professor Graham. Alix has a M.A. in African Studies from Stanford University and a B.A. in Political Science & International relations from UCSD. Her research interests focus on how different groups are affected by conflict, instability and political contention differently. She is specifically interested in the roles of both governments and external actors in access to education in conflict-affected areas.
Miriam Barnum
Miriam is a doctoral student in Political Science and International Relations and Provost's Fellow in the Social Sciences at the University of Southern California. Her primary research focuses on nuclear politics, arms control, and treaty commitments, as well as the intersection between international security and political economy. She is also interested in quantitative political methodology, particularly text-as-data, machine learning, and network analysis.
Gaea Morales
Gaea Morales is a Ph.D. student in Political Science and International Relations at USC. She joined the SPEC Lab in Summer 2020 to support the development of training for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program. Her own research is focused on environmental security and conflict prevention, and local-global governance and institutional linkages in the pursuit of sustainability. Outside of the lab, she is co-chair of the USC Keck Institute on Inequalities in Global Health Student Advisory Council. She holds a BA in Diplomacy and World Affairs and French Studies, and a minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies from Occidental College.
Therese Anders
Therese Anders is a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Southern California. Her research interests include peace and conflict studies and political methodology. Her dissertation focuses on the conceptualization and development of new estimates of territorial control and subnational conflict exposure in civil wars using machine learning and geo-coded event data. From 2016 to 2017, she served as SPEC's Director of Research and Training, developed the data science curriculum, and taught classes on data wrangling and visualization. Therese will be working with RStudio on a project prototyping tools for Calibrated Peer Review in data science classes in the summer 2019. Her work appears in Political Psychology and a chapter in a Cambridge University Press volume, with several papers on the structure of the international system and latent variable measurement currently under review.
Nicolás Albertoni
Nicolás is a Ph.D. student in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Southern California. His research interest are International Political Economy and Comparative Politics, with a special focus on the Trade Policy-Making Process of Latin America and Asia Pacific countries. He is Fulbright Scholar with a Master's degree in Latin American studies with a focus on political economy, from Georgetown University´s School of Foreign Service with an honor certificate in international business diplomacy and a Bachelor's degree in international business and economic integration from the Universidad Católica del Uruguay. He has authored two books on the economic integration and development of Latin America. He is a CNN Latin American analyst, as well as a columnist on foreign policy for Latin America Goes Global.
