Cultivating my current pursuits as a dedicated PhD student in international relations, I passionately envision my future self as a pioneering scholar and advocate, leveraging my Master's and ongoing doctoral journey to advance human rights, foster equality, and contribute to global peace through unwavering research diligence, underpinned by my firm principles, diligent work ethic, and skilled investigative aptitude.

Education possesses the remarkable ability to empower individuals to catalyze positive change within society. As an LGBTQ+ scholar, my unwavering passion for human rights and the safety, security, and well-being of individuals has driven my academic pursuits and research focus. I am deeply committed to studying the aftermath of civil wars on a global scale, with a specific emphasis on how states treat noncombatant civilians after conflicts conclude. By examining the potential of international organizations to mitigate post-conflict violence, I aim to contribute to the advancement of both academic understanding and practical solutions. My journey into studying civil wars and post-conflict civilian well-being was sparked during my undergraduate years as an activist. After witnessing injustices faced by my community I took an active role in lobbying state and national legislatures to advocate for bodily autonomy. While these experiences may not directly parallel the violence suffered by civilians in civil wars, they underscore my personal connection to issues of state violence. LGBTQ+ people and women are most affected by conflicts. My aspirations as a researcher are twofold. Firstly, I aim to publish original research that adds depth to our comprehension of the field. Additionally, my commitment extends to crafting policy-relevant work, enabling policymakers to enact meaningful change. This dual approach aligns with my belief in the potential of education to empower change agents. A common thread within this field is the reduction of individual agency due to conflict-induced circumstances. Counter to this, I firmly hold that all individuals possess the power to shape their destinies, even in the direst of circumstances. My engagement in collaborative efforts amplifies my ability to create meaningful change. Working within a sizeable research team, I contribute to crucial data collection and analysis aimed at enhancing the lives of civilians affected by conflict. Notably, I've authored four manuscripts addressing the treatment of post-conflict civilians. My educational journey equips me with the essential tools and resources to undertake rigorous research and engage in vital policy discourse. It instills within me the confidence to tackle complex issues and propose effective solutions. Central to my academic path is my dissertation, which examines the influence of United Nations peace operations on state-committed violence against civilians. The insights gleaned from this research hold the promise of shaping more efficacious programs to curtail violence in the future. As an individual, I embody qualities that fortify my capacity to create a positive impact. My adeptness at critical thinking, synthesizing complex research, proficiency in data science and analysis, and a network of connections with academics and practitioners provide me with a multifaceted toolkit. Collaboration is a cornerstone of my approach. While my dissertation project is a solitary endeavor, I actively collaborate with colleagues on research ventures related to our shared interests. My present role involves overseeing a dynamic team of undergraduate and graduate research assistants dedicated to collecting novel data for addressing questions about violence reduction. In closing, my educational pursuit is far more than personal ambition; it is a vehicle for effecting tangible change as a LGBTQ+ scholar. Rooted in my fervor for human rights and my research's focus on post-conflict civilian well-being, I am resolute in my commitment to leveraging my education for the betterment of society. Through academic inquiry, collaboration, and policy influence, I envision a world where human rights are protected and the future is brighter and safer for all.

The study of other cultures and nations offers us the opportunity to learn about ourselves in a variety of ways. As we explore the customs, traditions, and beliefs of people from different parts of the world, we gain a better understanding of our own cultural values and beliefs. This process of self-reflection allows us to recognize the biases and assumptions that we hold and question the ways in which our own culture shapes our perceptions of the world. Through the study of other cultures and nations, we also gain insights into the complexities of human behavior and the diversity of human experience. We learn to appreciate the richness and diversity of different cultures and gain a greater understanding of the challenges that people face around the world. By recognizing the similarities and differences between ourselves and others, we can develop a sense of empathy and a more nuanced understanding of the world. Moreover, global exploration offers the United States a range of benefits, both in terms of its economic and political influence and its cultural enrichment. By engaging with other countries, the United States is able to build stronger diplomatic ties and promote a more peaceful and stable world order. This is particularly important in today's interconnected world, where issues such as climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality require a coordinated global response. From an economic perspective, global exploration can help the United States to develop new markets, gain access to natural resources, and attract investment from abroad. By fostering international trade and investment, the United States can create new jobs and drive economic growth at home. Culturally, global exploration allows the United States to share its own cultural traditions and learn from the rich cultural heritage of other countries. This exchange of ideas and perspectives helps to promote greater understanding and respect between nations and can foster a sense of global citizenship. Perhaps most importantly, global exploration offers the United States the opportunity to promote human rights and democratic values around the world. By engaging with other nations, the United States can advocate for the values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, and support human rights organizations working to promote these values. In conclusion, the study of other cultures and nations is essential for gaining a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Through global exploration, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of human experience, and promote greater understanding and respect between nations. Moreover, global exploration offers the United States a range of benefits, both in terms of its economic and political influence and its cultural enrichment. By engaging with other countries, the United States can build stronger diplomatic ties, promote economic growth, and advance its values and ideals on the global stage.