About Me

I am a climate security specialist with a background in the socio-environmental dimensions of climate change, environmental extremes/disasters, insecurity, and displacement. Combining science (environmental anthropology) and rights-based approaches, my work examines intersectional, Indigenous, and local perspectives on culture-nature interactions. I hold a PhD in Environmental Anthropology from the University of Florida, USA, a Master’s in Law in International Human Rights Law from the University of Essex, UK, and a Graduate Certificate in Forced Migration Studies from the University of Oxford, UK. A central component of my most recent work are the critical linkages between bio-cultural heritage, cultural identity, traditional environmental knowledge (TEK), and community resilience in processes of climate adaptation and mitigation of crises.

I have complete fluency in English, Spanish and French, and a beginner level of Arabic.

I am currently based at Georgetown University’s (GU) Justice and Peace Studies Program. Prior to joining GU, I taught at several other universities in the US and abroad, including the American University in Cairo’s Center for Migration and Refugee Studies, and the University of Tennessee’s Center for the Study of Youth and Political Conflict and Program on Disasters, Displacement & Human Rights.

I have 15+ years of teaching experience and over a decade of international experience in the design and implementation of gender- and youth-inclusive projects in conflict-affected and fragile states, and those confronting forced migration and environmental insecurity – 19 countries so far in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, the MENA Region and Europe. I have also consulted on projects for INGOs, international and bilateral organizations including USAID, various UN Agencies, and the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies.

I have published 5 books and over 40 journal articles, book chapters, and policy briefs, and have presented my work in a wide range of global venues.