IREX is pleased to announce the 2011-2012 US Embassy Policy Specialist Program [6](EPS) recipients. These scholars and professionals will serve as policy specialists at Embassies throughout Eurasia. After they complete their fellowship, their research findings will be posted on the IREX online resource library [7].
Christian Bleuer
The Australian National University
Research Topic: International Relations
Research Country: Tajikistan
Abstract: The research project focuses on the issue of relations between the governments of Tajikistan and the neighbouring countries of Uzbekistan, China and Afghanistan, as well as with Russia and the United States.
Andreas Borgeas
San Joaquin College of Law
Research Topic: Foreign Relations
Research Country: Kazakhstan
Abstract: The proposed research will examine Kazakhstan's foreign and security policies in the context of energy politics, counterterrorism cooperation, and the Uighur question for purposes of better understanding the strategic position of the United States and opportunities in the region.
Charlene Caprio
Attorney/Legal Consultant
Research Topic: Energy/Public Policy
Research Country: Russia
Abstract: The fellow will conduct research on Russia's new energy efficiency reforms and policies. Her research will examine what has been successful so far and what challenges still remain with regard to increasing energy efficiency in Russia.
Victoria Clement
Naval Postgraduate School
Research Topic: Education
Research Country: Turkmenistan
Abstract:This project examines how politics—global and local—have shaped Turkmen culture and how cultural peculiarities have often contributed to strategic political decisions over the past century.
Alan DeYoung
University of Kentucky
Research Topic: Education
Research Country: Turkmenistan
Abstract: The fellow plans to expand on research he has completed in recent years in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on education-related issues, among them the lives and status of teachers and teaching; issues of young people entering the university; and gender issues in higher education.
Ina Ganguli
Harvard University
Research Topic: Science Policy
Research Country: Russia
Abstract: The proposed research will examine current issues regarding Russia’s efforts to improve the quality of scientific research in its institutions and to increase the commercialization of science. The fellow will focus on analyzing recent initiatives to increase funding to select universities and to offer grants to elite scientists.
Sarah Hummel
Princeton University
Research Topic: Anti-Corruption
Research Country: Kyrgyzstan
Abstract: The project will examine anti-corruption policies in Bishkek to determine which represent a deep vs. shallow commitment to reform on the part of policy makers. It will then identify the features of deep commitment anti-corruption policies that make implementation more or less successful in practice.
Jaclyn Kerr
Georgetown University
Research Country: Kazakhstan
Abstract: The fellow’s research, building on theoretical interests in civil society and social movements, globalization and law, will examine the relationship between Internet penetration and social and political instability in electoral authoritarian regimes.
Tamara Sivertseva
University of Chicago
Research Topic: Education
Research Country: Azerbaijan
Abstract: This project focuses on the system of education in Azerbaijan with special attention to the impact of early marriages on the education of women.
Jeremy Tasch
Towson University
Research Topic: Geography/Environment
Research Country: Azerbaijan
Abstract: The proposed research will engage Azerbaijani students as co-researchers in a project that addresses local perceptions of environmental change and livelihood choices along the Absheron peninsula.
Dennis Wilcox
San Jose State University
Research Topic: Media
Research Country: Georgia
Abstract: This project will serve as an assessment of Georgia's media advertising market to determine its potential among potential buyers and current advertisers. The research and recommendations will help shape future programs to promote media independence and government transparency.
George Wright
University of Washington
Research Topic: Cross-Border Trade
Research Country: Kyrgyzstan
Abstract: The proposed project will evaluate the Kyrgyz Republic’s trade with its proximate neighbors – China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – and will present the basic economic pros and cons of alternative trade orientations.