Individual Advanced Research Opportunities (IARO)

Participant Highlights

Women in Bulgaria

IARO Alumna Examines Women and Islam in Bulgaria
Dr. Kristen Ghodsee’s three-month research grant in Sofia, Bulgaria filled an important gap in literature by examining the ways in which moderate Bulgarian Muslim women who were raised under the Communist system with its insistence on the equality of the sexes, are either resisting or embracing the influence of more radical forms of Islam in the region.

Armenia

A Study of Education and Religion in Armenia and Georgia
Ani Sarkissian completed a two-month grant period in the republics of Armenia and Georgia. A predoctoral candidate at the University of California in Los Angeles, she analyzed the role of religious groups in supporting democratization in transitioning societies.

David Montgomery

IARO Alumni Conduct Research on Religion and Women's Issues in Central Asia
2004-05 Individual Advanced Research Opportunities (IARO) alumni David Montgomery and Robin Haarr recently concluded their grant periods in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan where they conducted research on US foreign policy relevant topics.