Dmitriy Synkov is a first-year graduate student pursuing an MA in International Affairs with concentrations in international security and economics. Currently, Dmitriy works as an intern at International Business Initiatives (IBI), an economic development consulting firm in Ballston, VA. Prior to IBI, Dmitriy interned at Pact, a capacity development NGO, where he served as the program management point-of-contact for global projects in the East & West Africa portfolio. He’s also worked as a Research Assistant for Dr. Paul D. Williams, Associate Director of the Security Policy Studies M.A. Program at the Elliott School.
Dmitriy is interested in political risk analysis in emerging markets and early warning systems for conflict prevention. Before starting graduate school, Dmitriy worked at the Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP) as an editorial assistant for Building Peace Forum, a semi-annual journal on current trends in conflict analysis and resolution. Over two publication seasons, Dmitriy supported author selection efforts for the magazine, oversaw the execution of a multi-platform social media strategy, and assisted in the placement of magazine authors into various external media outlets. Dmitriy holds a BA in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and has also studied at York University in Toronto, ON.
Yang is a first-year student in the M.A. European and Eurasian Studies program. Her focus is Russia and Central Asian countries.
Sheila Dollard is a second year master’s student in the Global Communication program at GW, concentrating in International Economics. A DMV native, she completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology and Spanish at the University of Maryland. Sheila has worked for the Department of State since 2011. She enjoys exploring the city, connecting with friends, and volunteering in her free time.
Nora Hassan is a student in the International Development Studies program. She currently works as a Fellow in the Office of Graduate Enrollment. Nora's academic interests are in WASH, the environment, and climate change. When she's not studying or working, she enjoys spending time outside- hiking, kayaking, at the beach, etc! She also loves being crafty in her free time. Nora welcomes all new students to the Elliott School and GW!
Michael Nair is a current graduate student in the M.A. Security Policy Studies program specializing in Transnational Security Issues and Non-State Actors. Before graduate school Michael was a congressional relations intern at the German Marshall Fund and an analyst intern at GardaWorld. He received his Bachelors in International Affairs from the Elliott School with a concentration in Conflict & Security. During his undergraduate studies, David was on the varsity squash team for three years and interned on the Hill for Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and loves to travel, try new foods, play/watch soccer and is an avid snowboarder.
David Okun is a rising second year in the M.A. Latin American and Hemispheric Studies program and a Brazil Initiative Fellow, with specializations in Security and Economic Development. He serves as an associate editor on the GWU International Affairs Review and is active in the DC performing arts community. While at the Elliott School, he has interned at a democracy & human rights non-profit, the Organization of American States, and is currently at the State Department transitioning into a Pathways position. David is excited to welcome the Class of 2017 to Foggy Bottom!
international business. She graduated from the Elliott School in 2013 with a B.A. in International Affairs. Currently, as a GWU Presidential Administrative Fellow, Yuxuan works in the GW Finance Division.
Lindsey Spanner is a student in the M.A. Global Communication focusing on International Development. Her main areas of interest are education, women's and gender issues, and humanitarian settings, specifically how communication can be used as a solution to problems in these areas. She currently tutors international students as part of the Elliott School's International Dialogue Program, and has interned at the American Red Cross, Institute of International Education, and the National Alliance to End Homelessness. She came to GWU directly after graduating from Ohio University in May 2014.
David Medina is a candidate for the M.A. in International Affairs degree with a focus on International Law and Organizations at the Elliott School. David considers Boston, MA and Medellin, Colombia as his home. His passion for the study of international affairs was prompted by the desire to understand the political and social strife of the country his family emigrated from at a young age and the growing interconnectedness between countries.
Nicole Catá is a joint-degree candidate at The George Washington University, where she studies International Human Rights Law at the Law School and Global Gender Policy at the Elliott School of International Affairs.