Emily Traynor Mayrand
Class of 2021
Hometown: Ottowa, Canada
Education: Honors B. Soc. SC. in Conflict Studies and Human Rights (French Immersion)
Work Experience: Three years developing an online course on Community Mobilization in Crisis for refugees through the University of Ottawa (in partnership with the American University of Beirut; Canadian House of Commons; Natural Resources Canada; the Embassy of Canada to the United States of America
Why I Chose MAGES: I chose MAGES because of its interdisciplinary nature, which has allowed me to approach topics I'm familiar with in new ways. Furthermore, being based in DC has also allowed me to gain an understanding of the American view of the EU, and international relations more broadly, in a way that I wouldn't be able to back home in Canada. MAGES has also allowed me to develop my research skills and gain new ones through opportunities such as working on the Center's podcast, The Europe Desk, as a producer.
Intended Academic Focus: The EU's role in conflict resolution and security issues as well as the role of cultural institutions in these processes