Photo: Nihkil Jain in Sheki, Azerbaijan. 2019.

What are your research interests and/or subject of your thesis?

My regional focus is on the South Caucasus—specifically, I’m looking at how Pan-Turkism and Neo-Ottomanism have influenced the Republic of Azerbaijan.

What do you enjoy most about the Harriman experience?

As a new Harriman student, being a part of a student body with diverse interests in all former Soviet republics has made me feel supported in my own passions. I’ve found community, am exploring new areas of research, and, in the few short months I’ve been here I’ve learned more from my professors and the guest speakers at Harriman than I could have ever imagined.

What is your favorite experience related to the region?

Meeting new friends while swimming in a mud volcano in Qobustan, Azerbaijan and then sitting in their Lada as they raced each other across a plateau. I finished the day with a renewed passion for my life and a cold glass of kvass.