Research Assistants

Owais Yousuf is a Research Assistant for the Better Evidence Project and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Conflict Resolution. Owais is interested in the interdisciplinary space of physical sciences and peace studies on the global scale and the impact of peace engineering.  

Geoff is currently a graduate student at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. He previously studied at Northern Virginia Community College and at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, where he studied political science, comparative politics, and international relations. Prior to which, he spent a cumulative seventeen years living and studying across Africa and the Middle East, experiences that shape how he approaches all manners of conflicts and have given him a unique perspective that he has applied in his studies and his research.

Geoff has worked at the Better Evidence Project since March of 2023.

Isabella Cuevas is an international student at George Mason University majoring in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Her concentrations are Justice & Reconciliation and Political & Social Action. She is minoring in Social Justice and Human Rights as it is one of her central interests. She is from Colombia and is currently absorbed by the efforts of alleviating wars and aiding victims of violence. She supports endeavors to raise awareness of ongoing conflicts and actions needed to achieve peace.

Yukta Shrestha is the Research Assistant for the Better Evidence Project, in the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution that’s located in George Mason University. She is a current Junior at Mason, pursuing Bachelor of Business. Her concentration is in Management of Information Systems. She has had experience in conflict resolution and non-profit organization as she was a member of Leo/Lion’s club, Muslim association club. She is actively a member of Project Management Institute in Chapter DC. She believes in the mission of the project and is looking forward to learning and expanding her experience in conflict resolution department as she believes that this is an area that is important in all aspects of community. She is hoping to use the knowledge she gains from this team and utilize it in her future professional career in management department. 

Owais Yousuf is a Research Assistant for the Better Evidence Project and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Conflict Resolution. Owais is interested in the interdisciplinary space of physical sciences and peace studies on the global scale and the impact of peace engineering.  

Zara Ahmed is a Research Assistant for the Better Evidence Project and a freshman at George Mason University. She is currently pursuing a path in Information Technology with a concentration in Health Informatics. In the past, Zara has been involved with advocacy work through her high school years and is continuing that through her work with the Better Evidence Project. In particular, Zara has worked to provide awareness on humanitarian issues, those impacting her and others, to help build peace amongst communities. 

Kamila Elyazgi is a research assistant at the Better Evidence Project. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at the Carter School, with concentrations in Human Rights and Justice and in Global Engagement. Her interests are in migration, transitional justice, international criminal law, decolonization, and racial justice.

Joanne Nasr is a junior at George Mason University. She is studying at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, with a concentration in Interpersonal Dynamics. Given Nasr’s background, she has an interest in researching conflicts in the MENA region, specifically identity clashes in the Levant. Outside of school, Joanne enjoys winter sports, photography, and studying music. 

Rehana Paul is a junior at American University studying international relations. She is interested in pursuing a career in counterterrorism and countering violent extremism with a focus on diplomatic communications. Currently, she works as the editor-in-chief of Overachiever Media, a digital media platform for Asian women and non-binary people. Rehana has assisted with and published research on topics ranging from abortion policy to authoritarianism to post-colonialist international relations theory. 

Isabella Cuevas is an international student at George Mason University majoring in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Her concentrations are Justice & Reconciliation and Political & Social Action. She is minoring in Social Justice and Human Rights. As a native Columbian, she is deeply passionate about  learning of the current initiatives and efforts that contribute to alleviating wars, aiding victims of violence, and actively supports endeavors to raise awareness of ongoing conflicts and actions needed to achieve peace. 

Abigail Herrada is a senior at a project based high school in Arlington, Virginia. She will attend William & Mary (class of 2026) to pursue a career in International Development focusing on justice and equity. Whenever she gets the chance, she travels. Whether in Colombia, Vietnam, or Turkmenistan, she’s learned that listening to people’s stories is the best way to work towards sustainable solutions. Abigail’s passion is building a future where all people are acknowledged, honored, and valued.