Mitra Nafissian-Rash

Mitra Nafissian-Rash is an Assistant Professor of International Relations and Political Science at the University of Lynchburg since 2018. She holds an MA in International Relations/Political Science from New York University (ABD) and a BA in Political Science/Romance Languages from Manhattanville College.

Her research focuses on the interface of Persian identity and Islam, Persian contributions to Western thought, Persian mysticism, superpower rivalry in the Persian Gulf, and the effects of globalization. She also examines religion's role in Middle Eastern politics and the evolution of women's movements in Iran.

Nafissian-Rash teaches courses such as The Developing World: Global South, Globalization and Its Discontent, and Honor and Terror: Politics of the MENA. She is affiliated with the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences.