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Dr. Charlyn Ingwerson is an Assistant Professor of English and Director of the English for Academic Purposes Program at Drury University, where she has taught since 2002 and held faculty status since 2008. She serves on the President’s Council on Inclusion, International Advisory Committee, and co-directs the Drury Scholars Program. Education: B.A. Philosophy, Missouri State University (2000) M.A. English, Missouri State University (2002) M.A. Theological Studies and Biblical Languages, AGTS (2007) MATESOL, Missouri State University (2012) Ph.D. Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies, University of Arkansas (2019) Her research explores contemporary literature by Middle Eastern women, Israeli literature, Motherhood Studies, and women’s peace movements through frameworks like Maternal Critical Theory. She specializes in cross-cultural literary analysis and peace studies. Awards & Memberships: Fellow, Schusterman Center for Israel Studies Board Member, Midwest Jewish Studies Association Member: Association of International Educators (NAFSA), American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) She teaches courses in American Studies, Middle East Studies (Israeli/Iranian literature, nonviolence), Grammar and Style, Expository Writing, and Lyric Writing.

• Comparative Literature
• Cultural Studies
• Middle Eastern Literature
• +6 more

Kamin Mohammadi serves as an Adjunct Professor in Creative & Travel Writing within the Liberal Arts & Sciences department at Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) in Florence, Italy. Born in Iran, she relocated to the UK during the 1979 Iranian Revolution and has established herself as a prominent author, journalist, and broadcaster with international reach. Mohammadi's research and creative interests span Creative Writing, Travel Writing, Iranian Studies, and Italian Culture. Her work explores cultural identity, cross-cultural adaptation, and personal narrative through multiple mediums. She approaches teaching with a philosophy focused on individual student growth rather than competition, emphasizing each person's unique gifts. Her publications demonstrate a strong focus on cultural narratives, particularly examining Iranian and Italian cultural landscapes. The most notable works include Bella Figura: How to Live, Love, and Eat the Italian Way (2018), which has achieved international recognition with translations in 16 languages and is in development as a TV series, and The Cypress Tree: A Love Letter to Iran (2011). Her writing has appeared in major publications including The Times, Financial Times, Harper's Bazaar, and The Guardian. Mohammadi maintains an active media presence as a commentator on BBC Radio Four programs including Woman's Hour, Midweek, and Four Thought. She co-presented the BBC World Service documentary Children of The Revolution and contributed to the BBC Radio Four series Escape from Tehran . As a writing teacher and mentor, she offers online classes, courses, and workshops while teaching at institutions including SRISA. Her professional approach emphasizes engaging each student with personalized instruction focused on individual growth rather than comparison with peers.

• Creative Writing
• Travel Writing
• Journalism
• +4 more

Dr. Hawar Khalil Taher is an Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies in International Relations at the University of Duhok. With over two decades of academic experience, primarily in the Netherlands, he specializes in Middle Eastern politics with a focus on Kurdish issues, state-society dynamics, and security challenges in the region. His educational background includes: PhD in International Relations (2008-2012) from Leiden University, Netherlands Master's Degree in Middle Eastern Studies (2008-2009) from Utrecht University, Netherlands Bachelor's Degree in Middle Eastern Studies (2002-2005) from Utrecht University, Netherlands Dr. Khalil's research centers on the complex political landscape of the Middle East, with particular emphasis on: Kurdish Nationalism in Iraqi Kurdistan, especially following the 1991 Gulf War State-Society Relations in Turkey, examining historical roots and tensions between secularism and Islam Contemporary Security Issues in Kurdistan, including the fight against ISIS and the role of Peshmerga forces His scholarly work demonstrates consistent focus on Kurdish political movements, with particular attention to historical contexts of self-determination and autonomy movements. His research methodology combines historical analysis with contemporary political theory to examine evolving state-society dynamics in the region. Dr. Khalil actively engages in public discourse through television appearances and academic panels, sharing his expertise on Middle Eastern politics. He maintains strong connections with European academic institutions and continues to contribute to scholarly discussions on Middle Eastern studies.

• Middle East Politics
• Kurdish Nationalism
• State-Society Relations
• +6 more

Richard Nephew is a Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy within the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). He returned to Columbia on July 1, 2024 after serving as the inaugural U.S. Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption at the Department of State (2022-2024), during which time he was also elected President of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption. His professional journey includes significant government service as Deputy Special Envoy for Iran (2021), Principal Deputy Coordinator for Sanctions Policy at the Department of State (2013-2015), and Director for Iran at the National Security Council (2011-2013), with additional senior civil service roles from 2003-2011. Nephew's research focuses on the critical intersection of geopolitics and energy markets, with particular expertise in sanctions policy, nuclear issues, and Middle Eastern energy dynamics. His work examines how international relations shape global energy systems and how economic tools like sanctions can be effectively deployed in foreign policy contexts. He has published extensively on these topics, including his notable book 'The Art of Sanctions: A View from the Field' (Columbia University Press, 2018). His recent publications through late 2025 demonstrate continued engagement with pressing energy geopolitics issues, particularly regarding Russian oil markets, Iran sanctions, and secondary sanctions enforcement mechanisms. These works consistently analyze the practical implications of policy decisions on global energy security and market stability. Bernstein adjunct fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Perry World House, University of Pennsylvania Consultant at Go Beyond Compliance LLC Senior advisor at Horizon Engage Nephew holds a Masters in Security Policy Studies and a Bachelors in International Affairs from The George Washington University. His consulting work through Go Beyond Compliance complements his academic research, maintaining a practical connection to real-world applications of sanctions policy and geopolitical risk assessment in the energy sector.

• Geopolitics
• Energy Markets
• Economic Statecraft
• +6 more

Kamran Afary is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at California State University, Los Angeles's College of Arts and Letters. He holds a PhD in Performance Studies from Northwestern University (2007) and is a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT). His academic work bridges performance theory, therapeutic practice, and social justice advocacy through dual teaching appointments at the university and Lancaster State Prison. Research Focus: Dr. Afary's scholarship explores: Drama therapy applications in correctional education Narradrama methodology development Iranian diaspora identity formation Performance as activism in marginalized communities Critical analysis of systemic oppression Publications: His recent works exhibit strong thematic coherence around therapeutic interventions, historical trauma analysis, and carceral system critique. A significant trend includes advancing Narradrama as both clinical framework and pedagogical tool, evidenced by multiple publications (2021-2023). Historical examinations of social movements (Rodney King, LA Rebellion) complement contemporary prison education research. Awards & Credentials: Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) certification Editorial leadership for the Communication Studies Prison BA Journal Teaching & Practice: He develops specialized curricula for incarcerated learners, supervises therapeutic practice, and conducts trauma-informed workshops for mental health professionals nationwide. His prison education initiatives represent innovative community-engaged scholarship.

• Drama Therapy
• Performance Studies
• Prison Education
• +5 more