Local Student, Dana Saraco, to Present at International Relations Conference in D.C.

2015 Apr 10

Saint Joseph's University senior Dana Saraco, an English and political science double major from Elkins Park, PA (19027), will present her academic paper titled "An Institutional Blank Space: Libya vs. Tunisia, Post-2011" at the fourth annual Walsh Exchange Conference hosted by Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service on Saturday, April 11.

Dedicated to promoting innovative undergraduate research in international relations by students around the world, the Walsh Exchange Conference provides students the opportunity to formally present original research and receive constructive feedback from experienced scholars and professors, fellow panelists and guests.

"I am honored to be invited to present at the Walsh Exchange conference this weekend," Saraco says. "I am looking forward to an exciting dialogue with the other presenters and the opportunity to share my research."

Saraco's paper examines the role of domestic institutions in Libya and Tunisia after the Arab Spring. She argues that the strength of domestic institutions is critical to the future of democracy in each country.

Saraco will present her research on the panel titled "The Arab World in Transition." Her paper was selected through a competitive peer review process that looks at quality of research, theory and writing as well as innovative contributions to the field of international relations.

Saraco will be joined by other student presenters from other schools such as: Boston College, Georgetown University, George Washington University and Columbia University. Bertrand Badré, chief financial officer and managing director of the World Bank Group will deliver the keynote address.

The conference will be held in Washington, D.C., from Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12. Georgetown will fund a portion of the travel expenses for participants.