Doris Aja-Eke

Dr. Doris Aja-Eke is an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin's School of Politics and International Relations. She holds a PhD in International Relations (Global Human Development) from UCD, an MSc (Distinction) from the University of Strathclyde, and a BSc (First Class Honours) from Godfrey Okoye University. Her research focuses on corruption's socio-economic impacts, particularly sexual corruption (sextortion), and its implications for anti-corruption policies. She employs mixed methods research, with expertise in international organizations, development studies, and aid effectiveness.

Education:

• PhD International Relations (Global Human Development), UCD (2021)
• MSc International Relations (Distinction), University of Strathclyde (2018)
• BSc International Relations (First Class), Godfrey Okoye University (2015)

Research Interests:

• Sexual Corruption & Sextortion Mechanisms
• Anti-Corruption Policy Design
• Foreign Aid Effectiveness
• Gender Dynamics in Development
• Quantitative & Qualitative Methodologies

Recent Work Trends: Recent publications emphasize corruption's intersection with climate action, female entrepreneurship challenges, and aid distribution in conflict zones. Over 50% of her 2023-2025 work analyzes gendered dimensions of corruption across African contexts.

Awards & Grants:

• $72,626 Co-PI for J-PAL study on sextortion prevention (2024-2025)
• Nominated for Political Studies Association of Ireland's top paper award (2023)
• Irish Research Council Doctoral Scholarship (€81k+, 2018-2021)

Teaching & Advocacy: Coordinates 'Diplomacy & International Organisations' module. Advocacy work includes UN internship and Freedom Law Clinic casework. Prior roles included postdoctoral research at Dublin City University's Anti-Corruption Research Centre.