Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) has expanded its academic offerings this year with the introduction of a new Science, Technology and International Affairs (STIA) major, as well as minors in Arts, Heritage and Cultural Diplomacy and Women's and Gender Studies. These additions come alongside the appointment of new faculty members specializing in fields such as environmental science, computer science, data analytics, economic statecraft, migration, and Arabic language and culture.
The university’s curriculum, long committed to multidisciplinary approaches to global issues, is growing to incorporate a broader range of expertise and emerging areas of study. This expansion aims to equip students with diverse analytical tools to better understand the complex forces influencing the international landscape.
The STIA major exemplifies this interdisciplinary approach by bridging international affairs with scientific and technological knowledge. The program is designed to prepare students to address challenges at the nexus of policy, technology, and society. Joining GU-Q to support this initiative are Associate Teaching Professor Mazen El-Masri, who specializes in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics applied to international affairs; Resident Fellow Kareem Darwish, whose research includes large language models and Arabic language processing; and visiting Assistant Professor Raha Hakimdavar, an environmental scientist focusing on risk and resilience amid intersecting pressures on resources such as water, food, and climate.
“Science that helps someone make a better decision is the common thread here,” Hakimdavar said, highlighting the practical impact of their research. El-Masri underscored the regional relevance of the new major, noting Qatar’s leading role in pioneering efforts related to energy transition, digital finance, and smart infrastructure.
The interdisciplinary emphasis extends to the departments of International Politics (IPOL) and International Economics (IECO), where four newly appointed scholars bring fresh perspectives on pressing political and economic issues. Assistant Professor Hana Attia studies the strategic use of sanctions by governments and the humanitarian effects resulting from these policies. Assistant Professor Olgahan Çat focuses on migration and forced displacement, while Associate Professor Andrew Heiss examines how civil society and non-governmental organizations operate under restrictive political conditions. Additionally, Assistant Professor Joanne Haddad investigates gender-related economic questions, including employment disparities, wage gaps, and household decision-making.
In addition to their research contributions, the new faculty express strong interest in engaging with students and enhancing their skill sets for careers in international affairs. Haddad and Heiss, in particular, prioritize making data science accessible and engaging for students. “Changing students’ minds about statistics is my favorite part about teaching,” Haddad noted.
With these programmatic expansions and faculty appointments, GU-Q reinforces its commitment to preparing students for the evolving challenges of global affairs by integrating scientific innovation and social science inquiry within its educational framework.