Julien J. Studley Graduate Programs in International Affairs, International Affairs, MA, 2025
Irene holds two BA degrees in Politics and Philosophy from The New School (2023) and is currently pursuing an MA in International Affairs at The New School (2025). Throughout her academic journey, Irene has delved into a wide array of research areas, engaging in both fieldwork and academic research. She has traveled to Cuba to investigate the gap between policy making and the private and social spheres, with a particular emphasis on gender and the power of social activism. Moreover, Irene has collaborated with various clients from the UN and non-profit sector, addressing her diverse research interests. Her most recent project was conducted in partnership with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), where she examined the impact of sanctions on the delivery of humanitarian aid in light of UNSC Resolution 2664. Irene’s research interests include humanitarian aid with a focus on gender, as well as advancing the rights of conflict and climate refugees.
As the Conflict and Humanitarian Fellow, Irene will support the Global Policy & Solutions’ Conflict and Humanitarian team to deliver IRC’s policy agenda on humanitarian access, with a focus on existing and emerging crises. The Conflict and Humanitarian team is a new and dynamic part of IRC’s new Global Policy and Solutions department that leverages the power of IRC’s ideas to develop policy solutions to address the biggest challenges facing IRC’s clients and our operational teams in conflict affected countries. Irene’s fellowship will also support work related to civilian protection, accountability for international humanitarian law, and food insecurity. Through this fellowship, Irene will have the opportunity to learn about the humanitarian sector via close collaboration with colleagues from across the IRC, and will also gain practical experience in applying qualitative analysis skills and developing policy solutions to global humanitarian problems.