Originally trained as a political scientist/policy analyst with a special focus on international and human security, forced migration/refugees, conflict transformation, and gender, I am a lifelong learner and currently lead the School of Continuing Studies at McGill University. Here I oversee teaching and learning of/by learners aged 18-95 across a wide range of disciplines, and conduct applied research on the future of work and learning. My areas of expertise cover a range of topics based on my varied career, but currently focus on adult learning and the 60 year curriculum, organizational development and capacity building both in higher education, as well as across sub-Saharan Africa. I am also a fellow with the McGill Centre for International Security Studies (CIPSS).
Previously I served in academic leadership positions at various US Universities including American University and the University of Southern California (Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism), focused not only on International Relations and Public Diplomacy, but also on Journalism and Communication Studies. I co-founded and led for a number of years an international network/NGO "Women in International Security", and served with the US Institute of Peace, and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Washington DC among other policy relevant and research institutions.
I hold a PhD in Political Science, Master's in Political Science and Master's in Public Policy (MPM) from the University of Maryland College Park, as well as BA in History from Bryn Mawr College. I served as post-doctoral Fellow at Harvard University's Kennedy School and at the University of Southern California's Center for International Relations. I am a German and US dual citizen.