Global Research Resilience: Navigating Social Unrest - Insights from Africa

A panel of risk and security experts from the U.S. Department of State and faculty from UMD share perspectives, experiences, and recommendations for navigating challenges and opportunities inherent in conducting academic research and field work in international environments, particularly within the context of Africa. This conversation will explore the ways in which social and political movements/unrest affects scholarly field research in Africa. Any students or faculty conducting research in Africa, have interests to conduct research or travel to Africa, or faculty teaching (or considering) offering courses in Africa and outside of the United States are encouraged to join. Attendees will be able to participate by sharing their own insights and experiences.

This event will be held virtually via Zoom. Attendees must register to receive a Zoom link.

Panelists:

Brian Caza, Regional Security Officer, U.S. Embassy Bamako, Mali, U.S. Department of State

Brianna Cooper, Analyst, Sub-Saharan Africa, Overseas Advisory Council, U.S. Department of State

Kenneth Leonard, Professor, Agriculture and Resource Economics | Faculty Advisor to Global Poverty Minor, University of Maryland

Catherine Nakalembe, Assistant Professor, Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland | Africa Program Lead, NASA Harvest | Agriculture and Food Security Thematic Lead, NASA SERVIR

Moderated by: Leanne Johnson, Director, International Risk Management, Office of International Affairs, University of Maryland