IIEP Executive Circle Student Fellows
The Institute for International Economic Policy, which is located within the Elliott School of International Affairs, serves as a catalyst for high-quality, multi-disciplinary, and non-partisan research on policy issues surrounding economic globalization. The Institute's research program helps develop effective policy options and academic analysis in a time of growing controversies about international economic integration.
IIEP serves as the institutional home to two outstanding master’s programs in the Elliott School of International Affairs: the Master’s in International Economic Policy (MIEP) and the International Development Studies (IDS) programs.
The IIEP Executive Circle, which comprises senior leaders at the highest levels of their fields, and dynamic mid-career professionals who exhibit extraordinary potential, actively supports IIEP’s strategic initiatives and students, including affiliated graduate students and the IIEP Fellowship Program.
IIEP sponsors affiliated students as IIEP Fellows. If you are a student interested in working at the intersection of international affairs, international business, and international development and you have been offered to become an IIEP Fellow, please find listed below the benefits that come with participation in the IIEP Fellowship program:
- Join a group of highly successful alumni and a prestigious group of students
- Be acknowledged on our website and LinkedIn as an IIEP Fellow
- Receive invitations to exclusive lunches and happy hours with Executive Circle (EC) members
- Possible mentoring and networking with important EC members
- Special access to IIEP events (listed on the second page) and high-profile speakers
- Inclusion in IIEP delegation to attend IMF/World Bank Annual and Spring Meetings
- IIEP Professional Development Materials and Coaching
- Possibility of working as a research assistant for IIEP
IIEP Fellowships are awarded for the first year of the Master’s degree, with an award of up to $2,500 per semester (up to $1,500 for part-time students). Obligations include maintaining a GPA of 3.0, participating in meetings with Executive Circle members, and attending high profile events in your role as a Fellow.
2024-2025 IIEP-Generations Dialogue Project Student Fellows
Bryden Sandifer
M.A. International Development Studies
Research Interests: Global Health, Maternal Health, Gender-Based Violence, Indigenous Rights, Democracy, Development in Latin America
Bryden Sandifer is a master’s student in the Elliott School’s International Development Studies program, concentrating on Global Health with a regional focus on Latin America. She currently serves as a research assistant at the Wilson Center’s Latin America Program, where her interests include maternal health, gender-based violence, rights of Indigenous groups, democracy, and development in the region. Before joining the Elliott school, Bryden gained diverse international experience as an English Language Assistant in Madrid, Spain, through working with Latin American non-profits focused on health and education, and in her work in New Delhi with the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Institute. Originally from Atlanta, Bryden holds a Bachelor’s degree in Global Development Studies and Spanish from the University of Virginia.
Tatiana Goudas
M.A International Economic Policy
Research Interests: Monetary Policy, Central Banking, Quantitative Macroeconomic Modeling LinkedIn
Tatiana holds a BSc in Mathematics with a minor in Economics and is currently pursuing a Master’s in International Economic Policy at the Elliott School of International Affairs where she is an ESIA Graduate Fellow. Her research interests include monetary policy, central banking, and quantitative macroeconomic modelling.
Before moving to Washington, D.C., Tatiana worked as a research assistant at the Laboratory of International Economic Relations at the Athens University of Economics and Business, where she focused on the correlation between growth-driven policy initiatives and export performance of Greek firms.
Roee Tenne
M.A. International Economic Policy (STEM Track)
Research Interests: International Trade, Economic Policy, Law, and Development
Roee Tenne is a second-year Master's candidate in the International Economic Policy STEM track program at the Elliott School, focusing on the intersection of international affairs, trade, and law. He earned his Bachelor of Science in International Affairs with a double major in Economics from the George Washington University in 2023.
Currently, Roee captains GW's Division 1 Varsity soccer team and serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, assisting Professor Danny Leipziger in delivering IBUS 4402: Managing in Developing Countries.
Prior to this, Roee worked as a Research Conference Assistant at the World Bank's Land Conference. Last year, he interned at BGR Group, a lobbying firm in Washington, D.C., where he reviewed Congressional committee hearings, maintained weekly reports on federal regulatory updates, and conducted in-depth policy research on various issues.
Demetrius Sward
B.Sc. Economics & International Affairs
Research Interests: Arab World Economics, Comparative Economic Systems, Policy Development
Demetrius Sward is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Economics and International Affairs with a minor in Arabic Studies. Currently, he works on campus at the Jacob Burns Law Library where he has the opportunity to interact with students passionate about law and policy. His interest for Arab world economics was sparked after he took a course in world regional geography. The class enhanced his focus on the history, language, and complex social constructions of the region. With his research, Demetrius aims to examine the economic differences and similarities that exist between West and the Middle East, so that policy initiatives can have better foundations for implementation.
Michael Purscell
M.A. International Affairs | International Development & Finance
Research Interests: U.S. Foreign Policy, International Security, Defense Acquisitions, Cross-Strait Relations
Michael Purscell is currently studying international development and finance at the Elliott School of International Affairs. He graduated in May from the Elliott School with an MA in International Affairs and concentrations in US foreign policy and international security studies. His Global Capstone project, in collaboration with The Brookings Institution, addressed defense acquisitions and cross-strait security with recommendations to US and Taiwanese policymakers. Before that he earned his BA from Cornell College, double majoring in International Relations and Economics and Business; this culminated in a thesis examining the politicization of threats to US national security.
Ray Hernandez
M.A. International Development Studies
Research Interests: Poverty & Inequality, Organized Crime, Social Mobility, Community Development
Ray Hernandez is from Provo, Utah, and will graduate in Spring 2025 with a Master’s in International Development Studies from The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. His academic interests include researching the structural drivers of poverty and inequality while exploring their intersection with organized crime and social mobility to develop holistic solutions. Fluent in Spanish and proficient in Portuguese, Ray has volunteered in Mexico and Bolivia and currently collaborates with local and international organizations to reduce inequality of access to resources and opportunities through community and workforce development programs. With expertise in multi-dimensional poverty analysis, program design, and monitoring and evaluation, Ray aims to develop high-impact strategies that empower historically excluded communities, reduce systemic inequality, and promote sustainable development for diverse populations.
Daniel Savu
B.A. International Affairs & Economics (Honors Program)
Research Interests: Foreign Economic Policy, Sanctions, Chinese Labor Law, Economic Development
My name is Daniel Savu, and I am a second-year Honors student at the Elliott School of International Affairs, double majoring in International Affairs and Economics, with minors in Mandarin and Statistics. I have experience in marketing, statistical programming, research, environmental activism, and event planning.
Currently, I am contributing to the GW Collegiate Journal of Chinese Affairs by researching and writing on the labor law compliance of Chinese firms operating in sub-Saharan Africa. I am also involved in organizing GW’s Africa Technology Summit, scheduled for April 2025.
At the Institute for International Economic Policy (IIEP), my goal is to deepen my understanding of how foreign actors influence domestic welfare through sanctions and other foreign policy tools. I aim to equip myself and my peers with the knowledge needed to advance global justice and equity.
In my free time, I enjoy working out, exploring new places, drinking coffee, being a fashionista, and creating travel vlogs. (can cut last sentence if necessary)
Mallory Kussman
B.A. International Affairs & Economics
Research Interests: Trade Policy, Modern Slavery, International Development, Economic Inequality
Mallory Kussman is a senior at GW currently pursuing a double bachelors degree in international affairs and economics, a concentration in international development, and a minor in public policy. Her interest in international economics began while witnessing the impacts of the 2018 trade war on the farming communities of rural Missouri. As a Fellow of the Institute of International Economic Policy, she intends to research how trade policy can be used to combat the prolific issue of modern slavery in international business practices. Over the course of her career, Mallory intends to research and implement targeted trade policies to alleviate economic inequalities around the world.
Abigail (Abby) Bernardo
M.A. International Economic Policy
Research Interests: Development, International Finance, Gender Equality
Abigail Bernardo is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in International Economic Policy. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Georgia. Her research interests span development, international finance, and gender equality. She aims to use the her knowledge of economic data analysis and quantitative skills to make meaningful stride for women's rights and empowerment.
Isabella Ring
B.A. Economics & International Affairs
Research Interests: Gender & Economics, European & Eurasian Economic Policy, Social Justice
Isabella Ring is a junior at George Washington University, double majoring in Economics and International Affairs with a concentration in Europe and Eurasia and double minoring in History and Italian Literature. Isabella has experience in policy research, analyzing economic trends, and communications from her work in the U.S. House of Representatives as a legislative intern and as the former Operations Director of TEDxFoggyBottom. She is passionate about social justice and equity and has worked with nonprofits and advocacy groups to support these causes. She is passionate about studying the role that gender plays economies both in the United States and internationally and excited to explore her interests through research with the IIEP.
Olivia Morris
M.A. International Economic Policy
Research Interests: Institution building in developing countries/economies, Improving access to banking in developing economies
Olivia Morris is a first-year Masters degree candidate in International Development Studies with a concentration in Economic Policy at the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University. She holds a Master of Arts in Spanish and Latin American Languages and Literatures from The George Washington University, and focuses her research on microfinance and increasing access to credit for women farmers in Latin America. Olivia is passionate about reaching the poorest of the poor and finding ways to transform their livelihoods through her academic pursuits.
Valeria Rivas
M.A International Economic Policy (STEM track)
Research Interests: International Finance, Macroeconomic Stability, Development, and International Banking
I am from El Salvador with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business. I have more than 4 years of experience in banking, financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting. I joined IDB Invest in December 2024 in the Resource Mobilization division and currently pursuing my master degree in International Economic Policy.
Ni-jile Young
B.B.A. International Business
Research Interests: Global Business, Leadership, Community Development, International Markets
Ni-jile Young is a committed student at Howard University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international business. With dedication to career based coursework, Ni-jile has shown growth of business related skills. Beyond academics, Ni-jile actively participates in campus organizations and volunteer work, demonstrating leadership and community service. This is significant as Ni-jile is particularly interested in utilizing business skills, leadership and community together, aiming to make an impact in international aspects. Passionate about global fields and building communities, Ni-jile seeks opportunities to utilize academic experiences, to prepare for the future.
2023-2024 IIEP Executive Circle Student Fellows
Ifeoluwa Adefope
M.A. International Economic Policy
Research Interests: Institution building in developing countries/economies, Improving access to banking in developing economies
Ifeoluwa Adefope, born in Nigeria, navigated a transformative academic journey in law, economics, and international relations. During his undergraduate years, Ifeoluwa pursued a degree in International Relations and Legal Studies on a pre-law track in Rochester, New York. His academic path shifted during undergrad, sparked by a Developmental Economics class. This class ignited a passion for economic analysis that only deepened during his honors thesis where he analyzed the impact of privatization of state run industries on corruption in sub-Saharan Africa.
In 2021, he joined a health insurance law firm in Washington, D.C., swiftly advancing to a Claims investigator, showcasing a talent for translating raw data into actionable insights. Currently pursuing a Master's in International Economic Policy at the Elliot School of
International Affairs, Ifeoluwa aims to apply his knowledge in economic data analysis and business consulting, bridging the realms of law and economics for meaningful contributions to
both fields.
Sylvester Adetor
M.A International Economic Policy (STEM track)
Research Interests: International Finance, Macroeconomic Stability, Development, and International Banking
Sylvester Adetor is a graduate student currently pursuing a Master of Arts in International Economic Policy (STEM) at the Elliott School of International Affairs. His academic journey includes earning a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, illustrating his commitment to academic excellence. As a Fellow of the Institute of International Economic Policy, his research interests span a broad spectrum, encompassing International Finance, Macroeconomic Stability, Development, and, notably, International Banking. He brings a comprehensive understanding of global economic dynamics, and my commitment to contributing to the economic development of emerging and developing nations is unwavering.
Sylvester's goal is to contribute to the development of robust international financial space and risk management strategies that can enhance stability and sustainability in the global economic landscape. He actively seek research opportunities to delve into innovative approaches for evaluating and mitigating risks associated with economic policies, financial instruments, and international banking practices. He is open to collaboration and driven by a passion for making a positive impact, is enthusiastic about leveraging my knowledge and skills to contribute to meaningful research endeavors. In navigating economic challenges, Sylvester's proficiency in risk assessment and management, coupled with his strong quantitative skills, enhances his ability to make informed decisions. This combination of analytical and quantitative expertise further strengthens his role in addressing complex issues and fostering positive change on the global economic stage.