Sara Koopman

Sara Koopman is an Assistant Professor in the School of Peace and Conflict Studies at Kent State University, within the College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on geographies of peace, social movements, and the socio-spatial dynamics of conflict. She holds a PhD in Human Geography from the University of British Columbia.

Her work emphasizes inclusive peacebuilding, particularly in Colombia, and explores how spatial practices can foster reconciliation. Notable projects include the Mapping May 4th initiative, a digital dialogue memorializing the Kent State shootings, and collaborative research with social movements in Colombia and beyond. She also maintains a blog, Decolonizing Solidarity, addressing colonial patterns in international solidarity work.

Koopman’s teaching includes courses on nonviolence, reconciliation, and peacebuilding, reflecting her commitment to bridging theory and practice. Her recent publications analyze topics like tropicality, whiteness, and the weaponization of research, contributing to critical debates in peace studies and geography.