Puja Thapa, Editor-in-Chief
Puja Thapa is a second-year MA student pursuing a degree in International Relations at NYU. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Keene State College in New Hampshire, majoring in Business Management with two minors in Women’s and Gender Studies and Studio Arts. Puja currently works as the Marketing and Design Assistant at the Asian/Pacific/American Institute at NYU. Through her previous experiences with various nonprofits, she has honed her communication and leadership skills, which she hopes to apply in her exploration of Gender and Race in International Relations. In her free time, Puja enjoys painting, photography, cooking, hosting dinners, and exploring new places.
Viktoria Ivanova, Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Viktoria Ivanova (she/her) is a first-year MA student at NYU, pursuing a degree in Global Journalism and International Relations. She holds a BA with a double major in Journalism and Mass Communication, as well as Political Science and International Relations, combined with a minor in History, from the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG). For her senior thesis, she explored the topic of “Extralegal tools for co-opting the media: a study of the Bulgarian media environment,” uncovering some of the primary challenges to media freedom in her home country. Viktoria has also published articles analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experiences of Bulgarian university students. During her undergraduate years, she served as the Editor-in-Chief and later as the President of her university newspaper, AUBG Daily. At NYU, she aspires to delve into complex international issues and create in-depth yet accessible pieces for a broader audience.
Ziyun (Charlotte) Liao, Social Media Officer
Ziyun Liao (she/her) is a first-year MA student in NYU’s International Relations program. She earned her B.A. in Translation from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. Prior to joining NYU, she gained experience in public relations, communication, and the nonprofit sector. Her academic interests include feminism, justice, and human rights. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, exploring the city to discover amazing food, and occasionally playing Nintendo.
Isabella Kates, Managing Editor
Isabella Kates (she/her) is a junior undergraduate student majoring in International Relations with a minor in Public Health. She is currently employed as a Research Assistant at NYU Langone, working on a project focused on implicit bias in medicine. Her academic interests revolve around global health diplomacy and US foreign policy. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, engaging in discussions about film and TV, and exploring thrift stores.
Ciara Mullen, Managing Editor
Ciara Mullen is a second-year MA student in NYU’s International Relations program, pursuing a concentration in European and Mediterranean Studies. She completed her first year at American University’s School of International Service in Washington, D.C. before transferring to NYU in 2023. Before starting graduate school, Ciara obtained a degree in Political Science and Global Studies from the University of Richmond in 2021, with a concentration in World Politics and Diplomacy. After graduation, Ciara worked for the U.S. Department of State on the Foreign Service Institute’s public diplomacy training team. Outside of her academic and professional life, Ciara enjoys writing and embarking on adventures with her mini dachshund, Bear.
Tehsin Pala, Managing Editor
Tehsin Pala (she/her) is currently enrolled in the joint Global Journalism and International Relations Program. She pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, during which she was deeply concerned about the increasing political turmoil and oppression of minorities in her country, particularly as a minority herself. This experience motivated her to use her writing to speak truth to power and ultimately led her to realize that her true calling is in journalism. This profession enables her to effectively engage with all levels of society. As an intersectional feminist, she has also earned a Post-graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies. Her work focuses on highlighting social issues from around the world and amplifying the voices of everyday people. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places and visiting museums.
Alyse Stauffer, Managing Editor
Alyse Stauffer (she/her) is a second-year undergraduate student at New York University, where she is pursuing a double major in Journalism and International Relations. Currently, she holds the position of Treasurer for NYU’s International Relations Society and is also responsible for writing the newsletter for the club’s publication, IR Insider. Her academic interests encompass international law, peace and conflict studies, human rights, and immigration. When she’s not busy writing, Alyse enjoys listening to music, watching soccer, and exploring the city with her friends.
Suha Musa, Managing Editor
Suha Musa (she/her) is a first-year MA student in Journalism and International Relations. She graduated in 2022 with a BA in International Studies and Political Science from the University of New Mexico, where she spent three years researching media trends and their policy impacts. She maintains this interest while also being deeply invested in refugee and immigration issues and their intersection with the Western mediascape. Following her graduation, she worked as the Communications Manager for the New Mexico State Ethics Commission, where she focused on campaign and governance laws. As a high school speech and debate coach, she is also committed to using storytelling as a means of effecting change and is eager to explore multimedia approaches. Outside of NYU, Suha enjoys binge-watching Netflix shows, spending hours on FaceTime with her friends, and indulging in the diverse culinary experiences the city has to offer.
Clara Apt, Copy Editor
Clara Apt is a third-year undergraduate student at New York University’s College of Arts and Sciences and serves as an Assistant Editor at Just Security, a publication focusing on foreign affairs, human rights, and democracy within the NYU School of Law. She worked as a research analyst at the US Institute of Peace during the summer of 2023 and is pursuing a double major in International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies. Her interests encompass global governance, human rights, and climate policy.
Aisha Arain, Copy Editor
Aisha Arain is enrolled in the joint Global Journalism and Near Eastern Studies program. She earned her BA from Drew University in Anthropology with double minors in Linguistics and Archaeology. Aisha’s educational journey has taken her to various corners of the world, including South Korea, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and Martinique. Her Honors Thesis, titled “The Politics of Linguistic Power Structure in South-Asia,” delved into the intricate relationship between linguistic identity and nationalism in Pakistan. At NYU, she looks forward to further exploring the interconnected themes of nationalism, environment, migration, and tourism across Asia.
Miguel Arroyo, Copy Editor
Miguel Arroyo (he/they) is a first-year MA student in NYU’s XE: Experimental Humanities and Social Engagement program. They earned their Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Women’s, Gender, Sex, and Sexuality from California State University, Long Beach. At NYU, Miguel’s academic focus centers on queerness and human rights with a particular concentration in Latin America. When not engrossed in their academic work, Miguel enjoys reading both modern and classic literature, writing, and attending local drag shows in the city.
Corinne Lattermann, Copy Editor
Corinne Lattermann (she/her) is a senior undergraduate student in NYU’s combined BA/MA program in International Relations. She is completing her undergraduate degree in Global Liberal Studies with a concentration in Politics and Human Rights, and a minor in German. Her academic interests encompass human rights, European relations, and the interactions between political systems and culture. In addition to her academic pursuits, she enjoys exploring various artistic hobbies.
Daniah Nuseibeh, Copy Editor
Daniah Nuseibeh (she/her) is a first-year MA student in Near Eastern Studies, with a concentration in International Relations. She graduated from Wayne State University in 2022, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science & Global Studies, with a minor in Peace & Conflict Studies. For her senior thesis, she conducted research on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic within the context of the Palestinian occupation. At NYU, she aspires to further her research on the Palestinian Diaspora’s struggle and settler colonialism in the MENA region. In her free time, Daniah enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and exploring more of the city.
Becca Wanner, Copy Editor
Becca Wanner (they/them) is a first-year MA student in NYU’s Experimental Humanities (XE) program. They hold a BA from the University of Pittsburgh, where their major was in History and Anthropology, with a minor in Philosophy. In their research, Becca intends to delve into the interactions between academic disciplines, with a particular interest in exploring the relationships between Philosophy and Anthropology. After graduating, they gained experience as a content writer for Moot Magazine and as an Outreach Coordinator for Clean Water Action. Outside of their academic pursuits, Becca enjoys reading, writing, and has started experimenting with bookbinding.
Manpriya Singh, Alumni Editor
Manpriya Singh is a French alumna of New York University, born and raised in Paris. She completed her Master’s in International Relations from NYU GSAS in New York. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from l’Université du Québec à Montréal in Canada. During her pursuit of graduate studies at NYU, she gained experience from various organizations, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights (under Mr. Michael Posner, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor in the Obama Administration). Her interests and research revolve around the evolution and state of diplomacy, politics, policy, human rights, conflicts, security, and gender issues. In her free time, Manpriya enjoys spending time by herself, learning about different cultures, gaining new experiences, exploring new places, and watching suspense, mystery, and crime shows.
