Dr Elise Boyle Espinosa

Dr Elise Boyle Espinosa has an interdisciplinary background in international studies, global development, and education. Her research has primarily concerned education and politics in conflict-affected areas, alongside which she has an interest in sustainable development, political community, and education more generally.

Her PhD thesis was titled, '"Diversity of Destinies": The Impact of Islamic State on Higher Education in Eastern Syria', research which was funded by the EU Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme under a Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement, at the University of Aberdeen. This built on previous research and fieldwork about the education system established as part of the ‘Rojava Revolution’ in North and East Syria, and the implications this has had for governance of the region. Elise has published in Third World Quarterly along with multiple media outlets, including ROAR magazine, TruthOut and The Conversation.

Parallel to her research, she is involved in activism related to minority and refugee rights, and environmental and social justice. She also has a background in humanitarian work in various non-governmental organisations, including the Danish Refugee Council in Copenhagen and the Amy Foundation in Cape Town.