MA Academic Achievement Global Affairs

Andrew Campbell is graduating from George Mason University’s Global Affairs MA program with a specialization in economics and a concentration in Southeast Asia. He is a USAF FAO Fellow and will be continuing on to help the US build and maintain relationships with its allies and partner nations. He would like to thank his wife, Caroline, for her continuing love and support. He would also like to thank Dr. Jennifer Ashley, Dr. Niklas Hultin, and Dr. Byunghwan Son from the GLOA program and his other professors from the ESP program and the Schar School of Policy and Government for their instruction and academic guidance. He looks forward to applying the knowledge and skills he has learned through the Global Affairs program to foster positive relations abroad. 

Carla is graduating from the Global Affairs program with a specialization in Global Media and Information Technology. While pursuing her degree, she worked as a research assistant and graduate professional assistant for the college. Her most memorable experience while pursuing her degree in Global Affairs, was working for the Graduate Academic Affairs team doing data analysis and visualization. Carla would like to thank the Grad Academic Affairs team for believing in her, as well as give a special thank you to her supervisor and mentor, Stephanie Hinnenkamp for providing incredible support through her professional development journey. She is deeply thankful to her family for being her rock through the highs and lows. Carla was extremely impressed by the faculty in the Global Affairs program and believes the program was pivotal in developing the confidence and skills she needed to succeed in her career. She would like to share a piece of advice given to her by one of her favorite professors, Dr. Basak Durgun, and that is, to never dim your own light!

Théa Kassas graduated from George Mason University in May 2022 with a Master’s degree in Global Affairs and a specialization in Global Conflict and Security. In her last semester at George Mason, Théa interned with the Mediation Office at the International Monetary Fund, where she had the experience of working with multilateral organizations and gained an in-depth understanding of systemic issues and different dispute resolution systems. One of her biggest achievements at Mason was the Risk and Resilience Report she developed as part of her capstone, where she analyzed the Fragility, Conflict, and Violence context in Lebanon. As for the highlights of her experience, she is most grateful for the Global Affairs family, the relationship she built with Mason professors, experts, and classmates across departments, and the support she received from the university as an international student. Aspiring to become an expert in the peacebuilding field as a conflict analyst and mediation practitioner, Théa will start her next chapter by seeking opportunities with international organizations and institutions focusing on peace and conflict resolution.

Jordan Romberg is a US Air Force officer, pilot, and Foreign Area Officer with 16 years of military service. He is graduating from George Mason University’s Global Affairs MA program with a specialization in global health and a concentration in Southeast Asia. Jordan will continue his military service as an Air Attaché at the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines. In this role, he will seek to build effective relationships with global partners in support of US Air Force and US Space Force global operations. Jordan would like to thank Dr. Jennifer Ashley, Dr. Niklas Hultin, and Dr. Byunghwan Son for their thought-provoking instruction and guidance throughout the program. He would also like to thank his family for the love, support, and encouragement they provided during such a demanding year.

Laila Trombati is graduating with an MA in Global Affairs with a specialization in Global Conflict and Security. While pursuing her degree, she served as an intern at the U.S. Department of State. Prior to that, she interned at an NGO where she worked on a USAID-funded project. Her coursework in both Global Affairs and Conflict Analysis and Resolution provided a substantial foundation that allowed her to pursue her career goals and areas of interest, which include U.S. foreign policy, international organizations, human rights, and sustainable development. Laila would like to thank Dr. Jennifer Ashley for her invaluable mentorship and for encouraging her to pursue her interests, as well as all the amazing professors that she had throughout her academic journey. She would also like to thank her parents, family, and friends for their incredible and unrelenting support.