I study social cohesion after conflict.

How can we build social cohesion? How much of intergroup distrust after war is rational? What institutional design choices can help build trust? How do the answers to these questions inform policies designed to socially and economically integrate minorities — from religious minorities and refugees to women?

These questions drive my research on migration, conflict, and intergroup contact in the Middle East and beyond. I typically partner with NGOs and local governments to answer these questions.

My research has been featured on the cover of Science, recommended as “fresh IR reading” by Brookings, featured in an Emmy-nominated episode of PBS NOVA, and covered by Quartz, the Economist, the Independent, Le Figaro, Der Spiegel, ITV, Vice, and Sky. Listen to London mayor Sadiq Khan reacting to this paper on this Freakonomics episode, or this interview on BBC Arabic.

I am an Assistant Professor of Political Science at UCLA. I also consult on projects related to social cohesion, refugee resettlement, and program evaluation.

Aside from that, I enjoy the beach, baking, and following any soccer game with Mo Salah in it.