VIP Lab Fellowship

Inequality is correlated with nearly all forms of violence, yet there remains a dearth of focused analysis or reflection on the ways in which unequal power relationships shape responses to violence. In 2024, the Violence, Inequality and Power Lab (VIP Lab) launched a Fellows program with funding from the U.S. Department of Education with the goal of supporting rigorous research and advancing thought leadership on how power inequalities impact violence and influence responses to it.

In January 2024, the VIP Lab welcomed its inaugural class of two residential fellows and six non-residential fellows hailing from Ghana, Mexico, Venezuela, Nigeria, and the United States. Their individual research explored the complex power dynamics that intersect with technology, gender, indigeneity, geopolitics, peacebuilding, political economies, human mobility and drive cycles of harm.

VIP Lab Fellows with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs

The conclusion of this nearly year-long effort culminated in an October 2024 convening that brought together academics, practitioners and community members from San Diego, the United States, South America and Africa. Discussions reflected on the fellows’ work, and its relevance to other fields of practice. Attendees also consider how this research could be applied to global violence mitigation and peace building practices.

To learn more about the Fellows and read their research, please visit their individual profile pages below. In July 2025, we compiled a volume of the Fellows’ work exploring intersecting elements of power, inequality and violence observed across different geographies, identity groups and political contexts. This compilation provides a multisectoral perspective, grounded in theory and evidence, that contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of power in violence dynamics.

The next VIP Lab Residential Fellow will be announced on our website and LinkedIn in the coming months.

Background on the VIP Lab Fellows Program

The launch of the VIP Lab Fellows program was supported by $580,000 in federal funding from the Department of Education. Congresswoman (CA-51) Sara Jacobs advocated for and helped secure funding for the program through Congress' 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

University of San Diego President Harris, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, and VIP Lab Director Rachel Locke at the announcement of the Fellows program