GU-Q Harvard Research Exchange: Students Expand Academic Frontiers at Undergraduate Research Conference

Showcasing their understanding of current international affairs, Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) students participated in the National Collegiate Research Conference at Harvard University, sharing their in-depth research on geopolitics and international economics.

Reigna Dukhan (SFS’26), Mahwash Sarwari (SFS’26), and Panos Dalgiannakis (SFS’27) presented their collaborative research with students from Yale University on the policy shift on Iran sanctions between the Obama and Trump presidencies. After being approached by a Yale student interested in research, Dr. Mehran Kamrava saw an opportunity to connect them with GU-Q students and mentored a research project examining the impact of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran. Presenting at the conference offered the students the chance to foster dialogue about sanctions at a critical time in history.“It was an opportunity to raise awareness on our topic,” said Mahwash. The enthusiastic exchange of ideas with peers also inspired further inquiry. “It made me interested in pursuing other research and exploring new topics,” explained Regina.

Kingwell Ma (SFS’26) presented his research on African Sovereign Debt mentored by professor Dr. Yoon Jung Park, a leading scholar in China-Africa studies and the director of the Georgetown Africa-China Initiative (ACI). Kingwell compared Nigeria’s recent Eurobond issuance with Zambia’s ongoing debt restructuring while also assessing the growing influence of emerging creditors, such as Saudi Arabia and China, in redefining Africa’s financial landscape. The presentation inspired an in-depth conversation from a variety of viewpoints and expertise of the students. “These cross-disciplinary conversations broadened my understanding of how technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and shifting global power structures shape Africa’s financial and economic future,” said Kingwell.

Beyond academic discussions, this conference was a chance to expand the visibility of Georgetown University in Qatar, Education City, and the Georgetown Africa-China Initiative (ACI), made possible through the GU-Q Experience Grant program, an initiative offering funding for students to gain exposure while representing their university on global platforms. 

“This experience was made possible by the generous support of the Student Travel Grant, for which I am deeply grateful. Alongside my Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) friends—Panagiotis Dalgiannakis, Reigna Dukhan, and Mahwash Sarwari, I engaged in thought-provoking discussions, exchanged ideas with students from top universities,” said Kingwell.

Now celebrating its 20th Anniversary, GU-Q is dedicated to advancing research and critical inquiry in support of  Qatar’s knowledge economy.  Through its Office of Student Research, GU-Q offers students the opportunity to pursue meaningful research that fosters engagement and leadership on critical issues affecting the future of the planet.