Kara Ann Hooser

Kara Ann Hooser serves as Assistant Instructional Professor in the Committee on International Relations (CIR) at the University of Chicago, with cross-affiliations in the Department of Political Science and the Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality.

Her academic credentials include:

• BA (2014) from North Carolina State University
• MA in International Relations from St. Mary's University (San Antonio)
• MA in Political Science from The Ohio State University (2019)
• PhD in Political Science from The Ohio State University

Her research centers on re-centering human experiences in global politics through feminist peace studies and postcolonial frameworks. She critically examines how 'good guy' masculinities perpetuate violence in post-conflict societies and explores queer possibilities for reimagining peace. Using collaborative, community-centered methodologies, her work integrates fieldwork from Northern Ireland and Burundi to analyze the enduring impacts of war-linked gender roles during supposed 'peace' periods.

Dr. Hooser received the Early Career Instructor Excellence in Teaching Award from the International Studies Association for her innovative pedagogy. Her course offerings include the core International Order and Security seminar alongside electives in Critical Security Studies and Peace in International Relations.

She actively mentors MA thesis students in CIR while maintaining deep partnerships with grassroots peacebuilding organizations. Her educational philosophy extends beyond academia through prior experience in elementary education, peace dialogue workshops, and six years leading a Girl Scouts troop.