How I Embraced Uncertainty at Georgetown – Then Found My Path through Research in Greece and Indonesia

By Lo’ay Ramadan (SFS’27).

When I was a first year student, I used to worry that my academic interests were too scattered to fit neatly into the structured world of university research. It wasn’t about the variety of academic opportunities offered at Georgetown, rather the uncertainty of how to navigate them from an interdisciplinary point of view. Even so, I wasn’t sure whether these interests would translate into tangible opportunities. 

Now, as a sophomore majoring in International Politics with a Certificate in Energy Studies, I find myself drawn to interdisciplinarity as the key to unifying my “scattered interests” in political economy, climate change, and sustainable development. Still, how do I capitalize on the opportunities at Georgetown to make sense of all my wide-ranging interests? In this blog, I discuss how interdisciplinarity and research at GU-Q allows students like me to explore and link our interests in meaningful ways.

During the summer after my first year, I found myself in the Cycladic Islands of Greece, conducting research on the Water-Agriculture Nexus. Fast forward to Spring 2025, Indonesia became my next field study during spring break. These experiences have been the pinnacle of my Georgteown experience so far, and have redefined how I see research; not as an isolated academic exercise, but as an immersive, hands-on process that allows me to engage with my interests in real-world contexts.

Exploring Adaptation to Climate Change in Greece 

Last summer, I had the opportunity to join Georgetown University’s Greece Summer Symposium: Adaptation in a Climate Change Hotspot led by Professor Raha Hakimdavar in collaboration with the Earth Commons Greece hub. Along with my classmates, our research focused on the sustainability challenges facing the Cycladic Islands, particularly in Andros, Paros Syros southeast of the mainland. These islands, known for their breathtaking landscapes and rich history, also face severe water scarcity due to climate change and tourism pressures.

Our fieldwork was an eye-opening experience. We interviewed local farmers struggling with unpredictable rainfall, studied the impact of tourism on freshwater resources, and analyzed innovative water management strategies, including rainwater harvesting and desalination. We constructed a GIS-based Storymap project that visually captured the intersection of climate adaptation and agricultural sustainability in Greece. Our project highlights key environmental concerns – ones that are not exclusive to Greece but are applicable globally. – We also explored potential policy solutions for these issues. 

“The fieldwork was a remarkable chance to see how environmental policies interact with social and economic realities on the ground. More importantly, it solidified my belief that energy and environmental issues cannot be understood in isolation, as they are deeply intertwined with history, politics, and community resilience.”

Indonesia: Tracing the Legacy of Colonialism in Environmental Policy 

During the spring break this semester, as part of Georgetown University in Qatar’s flagship program Zones of Conflict, Zones of Peace taught by Professor Raha Hakimdavar and Professor Firat Oruc , my research took me to Indonesia to examine how colonial-era land use policies continue to shape the country’s environmental challenges in contemporary times. This immersive field study allowed us to explore regions affected by deforestation, biodiversity loss, and urban water crises. Indonesia’s landscape has been deeply altered by Dutch colonial policies that prioritized resource extraction over sustainability. Large-scale plantations introduced by the Dutch including the likes of rubber, sugar, and coffee have all left a legacy of deforestation and disrupted ecosystems that still impact Indonesia’s environmental policies to date.

During the trip, we analyzed contemporary environmental policies through a historical and socio-political lens. From Jakarta’s water crisis to mangrove conservation efforts, our research explored the intersection of colonial history, modern governance, and climate change. From visiting the Parliament and conversing with parliamentarians and officials, to engaging with local communities and experts, our multi-faceted approach helped us better understand the complexities of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability.

Research has provided me with more than just academic knowledge, it has given me the chance to engage with global challenges firsthand, to travel and to collaborate with like-minded researchers, experts and communities beyond the classroom. Not only that, but it has helped me make sense of my interests in a way I never expected. 

I started my journey worried about whether my interests were too broad or whether I would find the right opportunities. Now, I see how the interdisciplinary nature of my studies has been my greatest strength, opening doors I never imagined. Research has shown me that I don’t have to choose just one path; rather, it allows me to bring together politics, history, energy, and sustainability in a way that feels both meaningful and dynamic. 

I know this experience will continue to shape my understanding of global environmental challenges. But more than that, it has confirmed something even more important: research is where I thrive. It is the space where I can explore, question, and contribute in ways that matter. Georgetown has set me on the track to achieve, and looking back, I wish I could tell my first year self that uncertainty is not a weakness, rather it is often the first step toward discovering what truly excites you. 

These experiences have clarified my passion for working at the intersection of policy, sustainability, and global development, reinforcing my commitment to research and impact-driven work. Whether through policy analysis, consulting, or advocacy, I want to continue bridging historical contexts with modern challenges to drive meaningful change.

Still figuring it out? Keep moving forward – your next step may be an adventure of a lifetime! 

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