MA Academic Excellence Global Affairs

Jenna Kate Bisbee is graduating with a Master of Arts in Global Affairs with a specialization in Global Conflict and Security. She pursued this degree in alignment with her career experience in international humanitarian aid and disaster response, having worked as an analyst in the Middle East, Ethiopia, Ukraine, and on domestic government contracts. Throughout her time at George Mason, Ms. Bisbee worked as a contractor supporting programs for Afghan refugees and domestic child welfare, which she plans to continue after graduation. Her favorite Mason classes were Conflict Assessment and Program Evaluation, Congo and Rwanda, and an international class studying conflict in the Balkans. She would like to thank God, her incredible family, and her friends for walking this journey alongside her and encouraging her every step of the way.

Craig Allen Denker is a graduate student in Global Affairs with a concentration in Conflict and Security. During Craig’s time at GMU, he found particular interest in studying conflict dynamics in relation to Africa, which supports his professional career as a U.S. Army Foreign Area Office where he is regionally aligned to sub-Saharan Africa. Craig especially enjoyed his courses with Professor Hultin, Professor Repinecz, and Professor Ukata, whose classes were inspiring, thought-provoking, and directly contributed to his career ambitions. Upon graduation, Craig will be assigned to Southern European Task Force – Africa, where he will serve as an advisor on U.S. security relations and programs in sub-Saharan Africa. He would particularly like to thank Professor Hultin for serving as his academic advisor and providing valuable mentorship throughout his time at GMU. 

Emily Kerr is graduating with a Master’s in Global Affairs, specializing in Conflict and Security. Emily grew up as a third-culture kid, living in Brazil, Ethiopia, and Zambia, and this experience led her to fall in love with cultural studies. Her exposure to colonial and neocolonial infrastructures in health and human rights through her favorite classes, Global Health with Dr. Basnyat and Globalization and Human Rights with Dr. Ukata, led her to become even more passionate about the subject. After graduating from the University of Utah with a B.A. in Political Science and Criminology, she began working at Mason in the CHSS Dean’s Office working on the Pre-Award Research Team. She would like to give special recognition to Dr. Iccha Basnyat for her incredible advice and kindness throughout this program, Dr. Byunghwan Son for his excellent guidance and support throughout the Capstone, and Dr. Jonathon Repinecz for, unfortunately, turning her into an even bigger nerd. She would also like to express gratitude toward Dr. Ukata, Dr. Correa Cabrera, Dr. Lewis, and Dr. West for their profound impact on her educational experience. Finally, Emily extends her thanks to her partner, family, coworkers, and dogs for their support.