Alana L
- Research Program Mentor
MPA at Columbia University
Expertise
Economics, Politics, International Relations, Human Rights, International Development, Foreign Policy, Government, Public Policy, Social Issues, National Security, History
Bio
Hi! My name is Alana and I recently graduated from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs with my Master's in International Affairs. My specialization is in human rights, humanitarian policy, and international development. With an extensive background in diplomacy, I'm passionate about fostering inclusive solutions to address complex global challenges. My experience spans throughout the governmental, NGO, and international organizational sectors. These roles have included a focus on sustainable development at the UK Mission to the United Nations and serving as the focal point for human rights policy at the United Nations Foundation. Most recently, I was a Humanitarian Diplomacy Associate with the Delegation of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to the United Nations, where I provided strategic humanitarian policy guidance on issues related to migration, disaster risk reduction, climate, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel. I have a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Economics, and when I'm not working I love playing the piano, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I'm excited to get to know you and help you with your project goals!Project ideas
Foreign Aid Unpacked: What It Is, What Works, and What Comes Next
This project could dive into the world of foreign aid, exploring what foreign aid is, why countries give it, and how it's used. Topics examined could include: Definitions & Types: What counts as foreign aid (humanitarian assistance, development aid, security aid) and how these categories differ in goals and implementation. Benefits & Impact: The positive outcomes of aid, such as reducing extreme poverty, improving global health, and contributing to global stability. Criticisms & Risks: Common critiques, including inefficient aid delivery, “tied” or in-kind aid (food aid that hurts local markets), aid dependency, and political strings attached to aid. Current Debates & the Future: How recent policy changes (like pauses or restructuring of aid) are reshaping U.S. foreign aid. This project can explore what might make aid more effective or ethical in the coming decade.
Balancing Security and Freedom: How National Security Policies Impact Human Rights
This project can explore the tension between protecting national security and upholding human rights. Students can analyze how governments justify certain policies (surveillance programs, counterterrorism measures, detention practices, border security, or emergency powers) in the name of national security, and what trade-offs those policies create for individual rights and civil liberties.
Hidden in Plain Sight: How Forced Labor Ends Up in Everyday Products
This project could investigate how forced labor becomes embedded in global supply chains and ultimately in everyday consumer goods like clothing, electronics, chocolate, or seafood. The student can take an in-depth look into certain products (cotton T-shirts, smartphones, cocoa, palm oil) and trace it back through the supply chain to identify where forced labor risks emerge. This project can explore why forced labor occurs, how companies monitor/fail to monitor suppliers, and what factors (weak labor protections, conflict, poverty) allow exploitation to continue.