New Policy Specialists to Advise US Missions

Seventeen scholars and professionals are ready to serve as policy specialists at U.S. Embassies and USAID Missions throughout Eurasia. The research they conduct during the 2012-2013 U.S. Embassy Policy Specialist Program (EPS) will inform key decisions in areas ranging from youth livelihoods to conflict resolution.

From a look at "corporate raiding" in Ukraine to understanding why some of Russia's young Muslims join religious extremist and violent organizations, the fellows will provide relevant information on a wide variety of subjects. After they complete their fellowship, their findings will be posted on the IREX online resource library.

Here's a brief look at two of the fellows. For the entire list, click here.

Jennifer Carroll

University of Washington

Research Topic: Health Reform

Research Country: Ukraine

Abstract: The aim of this project is to develop a deeper understanding of the individual and community-wide factors that affect patient adherence to tuberculosis medications in Ukraine. Through the use of both anthropological and epidemiological methods of research, this project will identify both individual and systematic obstacles to adherence, which are the key for scaffolding and supporting treatment efforts for tuberculosis-positive Ukrainians.

Eric Lepisto

Research Topic: Youth/Civil Society

Research Country: Azerbaijan

Abstract: This project studies the influence of youth associations on civil society in Azerbaijan by exploring shared goals, professionalism, and challenges to collaboration through focus groups, interviews, and a series of experiential seminars.