Thalia Thereza Assan

Dr. Thalia Thereza Assan is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Child and Youth Rights Program at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with a focus on political sociology, youth activism, and relational dynamics in childhood and adolescence. She holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Edinburgh and an M.A. and B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Tel Aviv University, graduating Summa Cum Laude for both degrees.

• Education
  • PhD, Sociology, University of Edinburgh (2019–2024)
  • M.A., Socio-Cultural Anthropology, Tel Aviv University (2015–2018), Summa Cum Laude
  • B.A., Sociology and Anthropology, Tel Aviv University (2012–2015), Summa Cum Laude

Her research explores how children and youth navigate socio-political norms, enact agency through friendship, and contribute to democratic societies. Recent projects use qualitative multi-method studies to analyze protest movements, interpersonal relationships in activism, and the preservation of social change through youth engagement.

Key publications include peer-reviewed articles in Children & Society and The Sociological Review, alongside book chapters on youth-centered research methods. She has presented at conferences such as the British Sociological Association Annual Conference and the First Annual ChYRP International Conference.

• Scientific Awards
  • 2019 Max Gluck Memorial Prize for Best Master’s Dissertation
  • 2017 Jonathan Shapiro Fund Scholarship
  • 2016 Rector’s Excellence in Teaching Award

Her work is supported by fellowships, including a Graduate School of Social and Political Science International Award Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh and current post-doctoral funding from Hebrew University. She focuses on creative methodologies and the intersection of friendship discourses with political participation.