Kim Heinle

Kim came to USD with a B.A. in Spanish and International Business from Ithaca College, New York. After her masters work, Kim plans to work with an international organization and continue emphasis on Latin American-US relations.

Why did you choose USD?
“As someone interested in Latin America, I knew I wanted to live in a border community. The university offers unique opportunities (ie. travel, service learning, etc.) to learn more about Mexican/Latin American-US relations.”

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
“The travel and research opportunities that have come about from my time here at USD (ie. Tijuana trips, El Salvador winter break trip, attended conferences in Guadalajara and DC).”

Andrea Relopez

Andrea (MAIR 2011) researches Democratic Peace Theory, Western Europe and Spanish Regionalism. She is a member of the American Political Science Association and works for the Citizen Diplomacy Council of San Diego.

Andrea holds a B.A. in History with a minor in International Relations from USD. She is married to Andy Relopez and has two amazingly named dogs: Abu Barker (named after USD Prof. Abou Bakr Jamai) and Corgi Bryant. Future career plans include working for San Diego based NGOs and continuing her research agenda in IR policy.

Why did you choose USD?
“Small class sizes are the main reason I came to USD.”

What is your favorite part of the USD community?
“The professors are generally very accessible and helpful. The opportunity to go abroad is also something that I really appreciate.”

Joel Day

Joel Day (MAIR 2011) focuses on ethnic self-determination and secessionist movements. Before joining the program, Joel was the CFO and Director of Operations for The Fair Trade Fund, where he worked with Dr. Cornel West, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Ashley Judd and 13 Grammy Award winning artists on a feature film addressing the international crime of human slavery (www.callandresponse.com). Joel has worked with two California Assemblymembers, a number of Congressional campaigns, the County of San Diego and a US Presidential Campaign. Joel is also a three-time national debate champion, a recipient of the Nation Security Education Program Scholarship and has been recognized as Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities.

Joel holds a B.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in peace studies from Point Loma Nazarene University. Joel is married to Lauren Ries and lives in San Diego with their cat, Pigeon. Joel will begin Ph.D. work next year.

Why did you choose USD?
"I stumbled upon the USD website and immediately knew that it was a good fit. I really liked how accessible professors were in answering my questions and the campus community was extremely welcoming."

What is your favorite part of the USD community?
"Professors really care about my academic development. I also appreciate the seminar style classes - my colleagues always challenge me to be a better scholar."

Josh Peters

Josh Peters is Lieutenant in the United States Navy. He came to USD in 2009 and his scholarly work focuses on US foreign policy and security issues. He has piloted a helicopter for eight years in the Navy with deployments to South and Central America, the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and the Middle East.

Josh graduated with an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Boston University in 2002. He lives in Point Loma with his wife and children and plans to continue his outstanding career as a US Naval Officer.

Why did you choose USD?
“The MAIR program is flexible for people with careers and has proved to be compatible with my work schedule and location.”

What is your favorite part of the USD community?
“I love the new Student Life Pavilion.”

Nazeli Avagyn

Nazeli is a second year student in the MAIR program and is interested in Armenian politics and the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Hailing from Armenia, Nazeli has had many international experiences, most recently at the New-Kharberd Orphanage in Armenia. She has also worked for US Senator Jack Reed, the Rhode Island Family court and a private law firm.

Nazeli graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rhode Island College in 2008 with a BA in Political Science, minoring in Public Administration. She is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha and won RIC’s Shinn Study Abroad Award in 2008. Future career plans include working at the Armenian Embassy in Washington D.C., serving in the Central Intelligence Agency or working for the California Department of Justice’s immigration division.

Why did you choose USD?
“I chose to attend USD because of the incredibly personable and approachable administration and faculty. The MAIR program provides students with numerous options to get involved in the university and the community. The University of San Diego has provided me with opportunities to grow and become a leader. The MAIR has been a great fit with my personality and goals and has offered challenging and interesting courses.”

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
“Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, because this is where I interact with my professors and classmates.”

Armando Jonathan Maldonado

Jonathan Maldonado is a second year student of International Relations. Before coming to the University of San Diego, Jonathan served as a medic in the United States Air Force for five years and left service with the rank of E4 Senior Airman. He has also worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs and as an Emergency Room EMT. Jonathan is a member of the American Political Science Association and his studies primarily concentrate on International Political Economy, National and Regional Security and US-Latin American Relations.

As an undergraduate, Jonathan became a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honor Society. He spent three years as a Cadet at the United States Air Force Academy before graduating in 2003 from CSU San Marcos with a BA in Spanish Language and Culture. In the future, Jonathan plans on pursuing a career in the US State Department or the Central Intelligence Agency.

Why did you choose USD?
“I appreciate the small class sizes, beautiful campus and the Catholic tradition and identity.”

What is your favorite aspect of USD?
“I like that the MAIR program is not concentrated on one region, but offers courses that compliment one another and build a comprehensive understanding of global affairs.”

Giorgio Cafiero

Giorgio is in his second year of graduate study at USD and as a duel-citizen of the USA and Italy, IR is practically in Giorgio’s blood. Giorgio is interested in Middle Eastern Politics. His research agenda concentrates on the Arab-Israeli Conflict, Radical Islam and Iranian Politics. Concurrent with studying, Giorgio is a music aficionado and plays in an excellent funk-R&B band.

Giorgio graduated from the University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, WA) in 2008 with a degree in Politics & Government with two minors in History and Economics. Future plans include teaching and working with the US State Department.

Why did you choose USD?
“I chose USD because of the opportunities the MAIR program offered and the University's reputation. Most importantly, after four years of rain and darkness in the Pacific Northwest, I decided San Diego would make for a comfortable location to attend graduate school.”

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
“The professors are friendly and easily accessible. The student body (undergraduate and graduate) creates an exciting atmosphere on campus.”

Danette Dermo

Danette is a second year MAIR student, interested in public diplomacy and international political culture. Before coming to USD, Danette worked for the Citizen Diplomacy Council and Americorps’ San Diego Choice Program, where she mentored at-risk youth. She currently works for San Diego Youth Services as a Case Manager for at-risk youth.

Danette graduated from the University of California at San Diego in 2007 with duel degrees in European History and Political Science. Her future plans include a career at the State Department, possibly as a Foreign Service Officer. Failing that, she plans to “be an astronaut”.

Why did you choose USD:
USD offers a smaller, more-tight knit community than I experienced at UCSD, and I really wanted a chance to get to know my professors and classmates. It doesn't hurt that the campus is beautiful!

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
I love the ability to get to know my faculty on a more personal level. I was much shyer as a UCSD student, and I feel that the opportunities to get to know staff and speak openly in class has made me much more comfortable and confident. The professors know students on a first-name basis and are genuinely interested in their academic performance and interests. There are frequent departmental and community events, which gives students so many opportunities for networking, learning about projects and internships, and just getting to know other people in their field of interest.

Amanda Benedict

Amanda came to USD in 2010 and specializes in transnational crime, terror organizations, and national security issues. She has been living abroad in Japan and Saipan working as an English teacher for the last two years.

Amanda is a graduate of the College of Saint Benedict. She graduated in 2008 with a degree in Political Science. Future plans include working in intelligence for the federal government.

Why did you choose USD:
I really liked the courses offered for the International Relations program.

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
It really is just that - a community. I love the close friendships developed here at MAIR.

Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson is a second year student interested in national security. He has 10 years of experience in the United States Marine Corps and has worked for the US Consulate General, Hong Kong from 2006-2008 with the Office of Liaison Affairs. Chris is a Marine Captain.

Chris came to USD from the United States Naval Academy where he graduated with a degree in political science. He also has been awarded the prestigious Olmsted Scholarship, which offers educational grants for two years of graduate study in a foreign language.

After graduation, Chris will work on defense policy with the ultimate goal of serving on the National Security Council.

Why did you choose USD?
The relatively small student body.

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
I've enjoyed having classes consistently with the same peers.