What inspired you to study at DPIR?
I was inspired to study at DPIR because of its scholars in peace research and the opportunity to do independent research on questions I care deeply about, particularly around the politics of violence, protection, and international intervention.
What is your research topic?
My research asks why UN peacekeepers often struggle to protect civilians from violence perpetrated by the very governments that invited them. I find that while peacekeepers are deployed with government consent, this consent is often strategically manipulated in the conflict. In particular, I show that host governments physically restrict peacekeepers’ access, using roadblocks, no-fly zones, and delayed clearances, especially in areas where state forces commit violence against civilians.
What do you enjoy the most about studying within DPIR?
The people. DPIR brings together students and faculty from different backgrounds and disciplines, and I've learned a lot not only from formal teaching, but also from conversations with peers and through tutoring students.
What life lessons have you learnt so far that you will take from studying at Oxford?
Stay curious. Be open to dialogue, especially with those who think differently from you. Some of the most meaningful insights come from disagreement.
What are your future plans – life and career goals?
I hope to continue working on peace negotiations, international security, and peacekeeping, whether through diplomacy, research, or policy.
What piece of advice or message would you give to prospective DPIR students?
The most valuable part of your time at Oxford will likely be the people you meet. Reach out — whether it's to a fellow student or a professor—and take time to learn from their research, their experiences, and their perspectives.