Meet the Fellows 2024

Nassim AIT IDIR (Algeria)

Political Affairs and Arms Control Expert, Laboratory of Political & International Studies, University of Boumerdes

Nassim Ait Idir holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Politics and has earned two Master's degrees – one in Foreign Policies from the University of Boumerdes (Algeria) and the other in Strategic and Arms Control from Saint Petersburg State University (Russia). His Master’s thesis focused on the critical issues of institutional strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Nassim’s expertise is further enhanced by his experience as a Political Affairs Intern within the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). Additionally, Nassim served as a correspondent in Russia and the Middle East for GBP Aerospace and Defence, where he reported on significant developments in the defense sector. His research interests encompass WMD non-proliferation, arms control, and regional security issues, highlighting his commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.

Javed ALAM (India)

Research Associate for the Nuclear Vertical, Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS); Ph.D. Candidate, MMAJ Academy of International Studies

Javed Alam is a Research Associate for the Nuclear Vertical at the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), New Delhi, India. He has submitted a PhD (International Studies) at the MMAJ Academy of International Studies. He holds an MPhil in International Studies from MMAJ Academy of International Studies and a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Delhi. His research focuses on the strategic implications of emerging technologies and their impact on nuclear strategies in Southern Asia. He is also a Certified Nuclear Security fundamentals Professional (CNSfP) specialising in Nuclear Security Fundamentals from The World Institute for Nuclear Security Academy (WINS). He is also a Fellow of the Hague Code of Conduct and ballistic missile non-proliferation (HCoC).

Prince AMOAH (Ghana)

Nuclear Installations Directorate, Thermal Hydraulics and Reactor Design Assessment Unit, Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA)

Prince Amoah is a dedicated nuclear engineering professional with a strong passion for advancing the safe and secure use of nuclear science. Holding a Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Ghana, Prince is in the final year of his Doctoral Studies in the same field at the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, Atomic, Accra Ghana. His research focuses on nuclear safety, non-proliferation, and radiation shielding.

Shasta Kirana ARIANTO (Indonesia)

Intern, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)

Shasta Kirana is an intern in the External Relations, Protocol, and International Cooperation section of the CTBTO, as well as a member of the CTBTO Youth Group. She holds a BA in International Relations from Parahyangan Catholic University and an MA in North American Studies from Freie Universität Berlin. Her research focuses on global and regional security, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Previously, she worked as a research assistant at the Parahyangan Center for International Studies (PACIS) and interned at the Directorate General of ASEAN Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. She is currently expanding her practical experience in disarmament and non-proliferation diplomacy through her work with the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO.

Fer AVAR (Türkiye)

Intern, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO

Fer Avar is an aspiring young professional and scholar in non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament, with an expertise in emerging and disruptive technologies and CBRN defense. Currently, she is pursuing an internship at the External Relations, Protocol, and International Cooperation Section of the CTBTO and is a Mentee in the International Affairs Institute (IAI) & Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) Mentorship Programme. Previously, she held research positions at Carnegie Europe, Oxford Analytica, University College Roosevelt, University College London, Leiden University, and the Roosevelt Foundation. She holds an MA in International Relations from the Central European University, and a Liberal Arts & Sciences BA in Social Sciences from University College Roosevelt, Utrecht University. Soon, she will begin her PhD research at the University of Antwerp, focusing on the the growing high-tech and corporate involvement in the global defense-industrial value chain.

Anastasia BEZOTOSOVA (Russia)

Intern, Center for Energy and Security Studies (CENESS)

Anastasia Bezotosova is an intern at the Center for Energy and Security Studies. She is.a master’s student in Strategic and Arms Control Studies at St. Petersburg State University. Her research interests encompass the P5 Process and broader issues of arms control and disarmament. Her recent publications include “Strategic risk reduction and the P5 Process”. She has participated in the New Generation Experts Segment of the Moscow Nonproliferation Conference in both 2022 and 2024.

Anthony DAI (USA)

M.A. in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (2024)

Anthony Dai is a Graduate Research Assistant at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in its East Asia Nonproliferation Program and Seismically Cued Antineutrino Detector Project. He also served as a Freeman Foundation Awardee at the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition, Nagasaki University. He holds an M.S. from UC Berkeley and a B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, both in nuclear engineering. As a Keepin Fellow, Anthony received advanced training in safeguard inspection at Los Alamos National Laboratory. His research interest channelled technical expertise to treaty verification and nuclear strategy, empowered by his native Chinese language ability.

Felipe DALCIN SILVA (Brazil)

Research Director, South-American Institute of Politics and Strategy (ISAPE)

Felipe Dalcin Silva is the Research Director at the South American Institute of Politics and Strategy (ISAPE) think tank. He is also a PhD student in International Strategic Studies at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), where he completed his Master’s degree in 2021. In 2017, he finished his undergraduate studies in International Relations at Centro Universitário Curitiba (UNICURITIBA), all these institutions located in Brazil. His main research focus is on nuclear weapons, with an emphasis on the role of tactical nuclear weapons as tools for deterrence and compulsion. His studies involve understanding how the development of such weapons systems disrupts non-proliferation and disarmament regimes and efforts.

Hely DESAI (India)

MPhil, Centre of Modern South Asian Studies, University of Cambridge

Hely Desai did her MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies from the University of Cambridge. She works on South Asian nuclear policy, deterrence, and security issues. Currently, she is a member of the Emerging Voices Network with BASIC.Int. She was an Associate Editor for the Cambridge Review of International Affairs and has formerly been affiliated with the Council for Strategic and Defence Research, Centre for Air Power Studies, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and the Ministry of External Affairs, India.

Elia DURAN-SMITH (UK/Spain)

Political Section Clerk, Delegation of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament

Elia has previously interned within the International Security Programme at Chatham House and the Security and Technology Programme of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. Her current role in the Japanese delegation to the Conference on Disarmament includes supporting the delegation’s work on WMD issues, autonomous weapons, and the military use of AI. Elia holds a BA in History and French from University College Cork and an MSc in International Relations from the University of Glasgow. Her research interests include nuclear strategy, non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament, the intersection of international security and emerging technologies, and North Atlantic and Northeast Asian strategic security.

Fereshteh EHSANI (Iran)

International Law Assistant, Iran Nuclear Regulatory Authority

Fereshteh is an International Law professional in the sphere of nuclear regulation and non-proliferation policies. With experience in nuclear energy and regulatory procedures, she brings a valuable legal perspective to complex challenges in security, non-proliferation, and disarmament. Driven by a deep commitment to creating a safer and more secure world, she is dedicated to advancing global security through effective regulatory frameworks and legal strategies.

Dina HANY KAMEL TAWFIK (Egypt)

Program Associate, Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR), Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding and Peace Keeping (CCCPA)

Dina Tawfik is a Program Associate on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) at the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in Africa (CCCPA). Previously, she was an intern at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) conducting research on Weapons of Mass Destruction-Free Zones. Dina completed her Master's degree in Political Science with a specialization in Middle East politics from the American University in Cairo. She authored her master's thesis on the evolution of nuclear signaling, providing an analysis of nuclear strategy from the Cold War to the post-Cold War era. Her research interests extend to nuclear risk reduction, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science and technology for sustainable peace and development, post-conflict reconstruction and development, and the role of the Global South in the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime.

Abbas HUSSEIN (Somalia)

HR Officer, Imam Shafi'i University

Abbas Hussein is an industrial chemist with a strong background in chemical process optimization and quality control. He holds a Master's degree in Industrial Chemistry from the International University of Africa in Khartoum, Sudan, where he also completed his bachelor's in Applied Chemistry. Currently, Abbas is working as a researcher at the Center for Research & Studies at Imam Shafi'i University in Mogadishu, Somalia. His research interests focus on nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.

Jingjie He (China)

Postdoctoral Fellow,  Department of Political Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Dr. Jingjie He is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Political Science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Her research interests revolve around war and conflict, disruptive technologies, strategic decision-making, and defense modernization. Dr. He’s previous research experience spanned several world-renowned institutions, including the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, the Arms Control Negotiation Academy, and the Institute for National Security Studies (Israel). Aside from her academic career, Dr. He is also a certified practitioner with over eight years of experience in hi-tech, defense, and homeland security industries. Dr. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a Master’s degree in Security and Diplomacy Studies from Tel Aviv University, and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of British Columbia.

Wooyun JO (Republic of Korea)

Ph.D. Candidate, Politics and International Studies, Loughborough University; Council Member, Peaceful Unification Advisory Council

Wooyun Jo is a PhD Candidate in Politics and International Studies at Loughborough University. His research interests specialise in International Security, with a major focus on alliance politics and nuclear deterrence in the Korean Peninsula. Wooyun’s research has been accepted in peer-reviewed journals such as North Korean Review and Defense & Security Analysis. He is currently serving as a council member of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council and a postgraduate representative for the British International Studies Association (BISA) War Studies group. Wooyun earned his MA in International Security from the University of Leicester and a BA in Russian Language & Literature from Korea University.

Ibrahim KHALEFA (Libya)

Director, Training Center, Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA)

Ibrahim Khalefa is responsible for the Information Center & Virtual Lab at the Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA). He leads the strategic development and operations of the JINR Information Center and Virtual Lab, facilitates access to cutting-edge technologies and research resources for students and researchers, and promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange among scientific communities. He previously interned at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, working in the Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section and contributing to various key projects. He holds a Master's degree in Nuclear Security from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, Bulgaria, and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Ecole Supérieure privée d'Ingénieurs et des Etudes Technologiques (ESIET) in Tunis, Tunisia. His research interests include radiation protection, nuclear safety, nuclear security, and cyber risks in nuclear programs.

Anum A Khan (Pakistan)

Associate Director, Center for International Strategic Studies Islamabad (CISS)

Anum A. Khan is an Associate Director at the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) in Islamabad. She is currently enrolled in a Ph. D program in Defence and Strategic Studies at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. She is a former visiting Ph.D. scholar at the School of History, Politics and International Relations at the University of Leicester, UK. Anum is a project staff member of “The Third Nuclear Age Project” led by Prof. Andrew Futter. She worked with Pakistan’s Strategic Plans Division at the Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs Branch for a decade until July 2023. Anum holds an MPhil Degree in Strategic and Nuclear Studies from National Defence University, Islamabad, and a BS (Hon’s) in Media and Communication Studies from International Islamic University, Islamabad. Her areas of interest include issues related to emerging and new technologies, cyber-security, deterrence and strategic stability, nuclear export controls, policy and doctrines, civil nuclear energy, non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament.

Ahyousha KHAN (Pakistan)

Associate Director, Strategic Vision Institute (SVI); Ph.D. Candidate, School of Politics and International Relations (SPIR), Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU)

Ahyousha Khan is Associate Director at the Strategic Vision Institute (SVI) in Islamabad and is currently pursuing a PhD from the School of Politics and International Relations (SPIR) at Quaid-e-Azam University. She holds an M.Phil. in Defense and Strategic Studies from Quaid-e-Azam University and a B.S. Honours in Defense and Diplomatic Studies from Fatima Jinnah Women University, both completed with distinctions. Since joining SVI in 2017, her research has focused on nuclear deterrence, non-proliferation, nuclear doctrines, and emerging technologies. She has contributed to these fields through publications in newspapers, international blogs, workshops, journals, and books.

Manish KUMAR SAH (Nepal)

Research Assistant, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University

Manish Kumar Sah is a Chemistry graduate with a Bachelor of Science from Mahendra Morang Adarsh Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University. He possesses a solid research foundation in Physical Chemistry, Nanomaterials, Materials Science, and Environmental Chemistry. His professional experience includes roles as a Research Assistant, Visiting Lecturer, and Research Fellow, where he has developed expertise in advanced materials and chemical characterization techniques such as UV-Vis Spectroscopy, FT-IR, and electron microscopy. Manish’s research has been featured in leading journals, and he has presented his work at numerous national and international conferences. His technical skills are complemented by proficiency in research software and databases. Additionally, Manish is engaged in climate advocacy and contributes to social service initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to both scientific excellence and community support.

Amatulaleem AL-SHHIRE (Yemen)

Radiological Inspector, Department of Registration, Licensing, and Radiation, Inspection, National Atomic Energy Commission (NATEC)

Amatulaleem M Al-Shhire is pursuing a Postgraduate Education Course (PGEC) in Malaysia, specializing in radiation protection. She holds a B.Sc. and a Master’s degree in Physics from Sana’a University, where she focused on radiation physics and safety. Amatulaleem also has extensive experience in radiation inspection and monitoring, having completed two training courses with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in Vienna. Her research interests include the application of gamma rays for determining the lead equivalent thickness of construction materials.

Kudakwashe MAPAKO (Zimbabwe)

Research Officer, African Centre for Science and International Security (AFRICSIS)

Kudakwashe Mapako is a Masters Candidate at the University of Cape Town specializing in International Law. He holds an LLB Degree in International Law (Cum Laude) from Zhejiang Gongshang University. His research focuses on International Humanitarian Law vis-à-vis Non-International Armed Conflict, Legal aspects of arms control, non-proliferation, and the development of effective safeguards.

Kokoro NISHIYAMA (Japan)

Graduate Research Student, Graduate School of Global Humanities and Social Sciences, Nagasaki University; Japan Chair Research Intern, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP)

Kokoro Nishiyama is a research intern in the Japan Chair for a World without Nuclear Weapons programme at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), supporting research on nuclear disarmament and multilateral diplomacy on nuclear weapons issues. She is a graduate research student at Nagasaki University Graduate School and works with the Nagasaki Research Center on Nuclear Weapons Abolition. She holds a master’s degree in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a major in International Relations and a minor in Law from International Christian University in Japan.

Milana OZERINA (Russia)

Nuclear Infrastructure Development Intern, Department of Nuclear Energy, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Milana Ozerina is a nuclear infrastructure and small modular reactor (SMR) specialist. With a Master’s degree from NRNU MEPhI and extensive experience in the nuclear field, she has worked with ROSATOM, the IAEA, and the CTBTO Youth Group. Her expertise includes organising training events for nuclear specialists from embarking countries, conducting strategic analysis, and developing analytical reports on the topic of nuclear non-proliferation and IAEA safeguards. Milana completed a 2023–2024 Arms Control Negotiation Academy fellowship and holds a certificate in arms control negotiation. She is currently an intern at the IAEA, focusing on the accelerated deployment of SMRs and microreactors. Milana also serves as the Secretary of the Nuclear Energy and Technologies Young Expert Group at the BRICS Youth Energy Agency and contributed to the development of the BRICS Youth Energy Outlook 2024.

Ekaterina POSTNIKOVA (Russia)

Special Diplomatic Correspondent, RBC Media Group

Ekaterina Postnikova is a journalist writing about world politics for RBC Media Group since 2022. Her specialization is international security (in particular, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation) and state of affairs in and around CIS countries. Previously, she had been working for 4.5 years for the IZVESTIA Daily Newspaper. Graduate of MGIMO (Moscow State Institute for International Relations), she holds a Bachelor's degree in International Journalism and a Master's degree in World Politics.

Emily PUISSEAUX MORENO (Cuba)

Bachelor’s Graduate, Higher Institute of International Relations “Raúl Roa García” (2024)

Emily Puisseaux is a senior student of International Relations at the Higher Institute of International Relations “Raúl Roa García” (ISRI) in Cuba. She was an intern at the Multilateral and International Law Division of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has published several articles on nuclear issues in scientific journals both national and international and has passed more than ten free and self-paced short courses offered by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. In addition, she has participated in many Models United Nations in Cuba and has attended the United Nations Institute for Training and Research´s courses to improve her negotiation skills. Her graduation project is about the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and the challenges for its implementation in the period 2017-2023. Her research interests include efforts to reach a comprehensive nuclear-test-ban and the role of developing countries in strengthening the international non-proliferation and disarmament regime.

Yerdaulet RAKHMATULLA (Kazakhstan)

Co-Founder, Steppe Organization for Peace (STOP): Qazaq Youth Initiative for Nuclear Justice

Yerdaulet Rakhmatulla is a multilingual youth leader from Shymkent, a city in the South of Kazakhstan. He is interested in youth policy, preventing violent extremism, gender equality, and nuclear non-proliferation. In 2019, he graduated from the Human Rights School organized by the Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan. It led him to observe the Presidential 2019, and Parliamentary 2021, Elections. Yerdaulet graduated from the Young Leadership Program by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Kazakhstan and the Preventive Diplomacy Academy under the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. During his internship at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Kazakhstan, he co-organized their Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Summer School in Astana (Nur-Sultan) for students, nuclear scholars, and young leaders.

Alix RENAUDIN (France)

Associate Legal Officer, Verification Research, Training and Information Centre (VERTIC)

Alix is an Associate Legal Officer at VERTIC, a London-based organization committed to disarmament and providing legislative assistance to implement international instruments related to Biological, Chemical and Nuclear Weapons. Previously, Alix has worked at the UN Office for Legal Affairs on global security issues and at the UNODA’s Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit (BWC ISU). He holds a Master’s Degree in International and European Law, with a focus on Human Rights, Security, and Development from Lille Catholic University, a University Degree in International Humanitarian Law from Nice Côte d’Azur University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Political Science. Alix’s research interests include WMD and International Humanitarian Law, Disarmament-related Dispute Settlement, and disarmament issues in the Polar regions.

Elisa SHAFIQAH BINTI SHAHRILNIZAM (Malaysia)

Founder, Disarmament Doves

Elisa Shafiqah founded the Disarmament Doves, a campaign focused on building a generation of young disarmament negotiators. With expertise in Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, she conducts contemporary security research at the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security, Ministry of Defence Malaysia. Elisa is part of BASIC’s Emerging Voices Network and UNODA's Youth Leader Fund for A World Without Nuclear Weapons. She holds a BA in International and Strategic Studies from Universiti Malaya and was awarded the ASEAN Youth Peace Figure for her contributions to ASEAN peace efforts. Elisa previously served as Malaysia's first UN Youth Delegate and has participated in major negotiations, including the ASEAN+ Youth Summit, Russia-OIC Summit, and the 2nd Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW.

Karolina VELICHKOVA (Bulgaria)

Expert, UN and Global Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Karolina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from Sofia University and a Master’s Degree in Peace and Security Studies from the University of Hamburg. She has gained professional experience at international level across the public sector by doing internships at Bulgarian government bodies, the Military Academy of the German Armed Forces, and the British Embassy in Sofia. Karolina is currently employed at the Bulgarian MFA, coordinating Sofia's participation in the Summit of the Future in September 2024. She is a Member of the UN Association in Bulgaria and an author of a number of articles on nuclear policy. Her research interests include nuclear non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament.

Bayu WICAKSONO (Indonesia)

Communications Assistant, ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation

Bayu Wicaksono currently serves as a Communications Assistant at the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and European Politics from Masaryk University and a master’s degree in Strategic and Arms Control Studies from St. Petersburg University. During his studies, he interned at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, working with the UN Security Council Task Force during Indonesia’s presidency. His primary research interests include geopolitics, disarmament, and arms control, with a particular focus on Southeast Asian regional security.

Hailey Marie WINGO (USA)

Researcher, Verification and Monitoring Programme, Verification Research, Training and Information Centre (VERTIC)

Hailey is a researcher in the Verification and Monitoring Programme at the Verification Research, Training and Information Centre (VERTIC), where she focuses on open-source monitoring, international mechanisms for field investigations, consultation and verification under the BWC, and North Korea's nuclear programme. Hailey holds an MA in Science and International Security from King's College London and a BSc in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Georgia Tech.

Xuelin ZHAO (China)

Associate Researcher, China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy (CINIS)

Xuelin Zhao is an Associate Researcher at the China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy (CINIS). His research primarily focuses on international bilateral and multilateral arms control mechanisms and regional non-proliferation issues. He is the lead author of the research reports “Analysis of the Incompatibility of NATO’s Nuclear Sharing Arrangements with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons” (2024) and “A Dangerous Conspiracy: The Nuclear Proliferation Risk of the Nuclear-Powered Submarines Collaboration in the Context of AUKUS” (2022). Xuelin has also been involved in several Track II diplomacy projects and has published numerous opinion articles on arms control and non-proliferation.

Olga Zhuravleva (Russia)

Intern, Center for Energy and Security Studies (CENESS)

Olga Zhuravleva is an emerging specialist in nuclear and conventional arms control issues with an academic background in Strategic and Arms Control Studies (Saint Petersburg State University, Master’s Degree). Currently she is based in Moscow and holds a position of intern in the Center for Energy and Security Studies, her research interests encompass a broad range of issues related to defence and energy policies of European states, including issues related to nuclear nonproliferation, disarmament and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.  She has practical work experience in the atomic energy industry as a project manager in the field of nuclear education, and is committed to the lifelong learning principle – in 2022 she participated in the Youth Segment of Moscow Nonproliferation Conference, in 2023 she took part in the SIPRI Armament and Disarmament Summer School, and became part of PIR Center Alumni Community.