I received a PhD in Social Sciences (major: Development Studies) from the University of Helsinki in 2015. My previous studies include modern languages (Arabic & French), cultural studies, social anthropology and development studies. I have also participated in courses and activities of the Finnish Society for Development Research (kehitystutkimus.fi), Finnish Institute in the Middle East (FIME) and Nordic Society for Middle Eastern Studies (NSMES).

Theses:

– Being a young activist in the late Mubarak era: An ethnography of political engagement in Egypt. Development Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki (PhD, 2015). Tutors: Prof. Jeremy Gould & Dr Samuli Schielke. Opponent: Prof. Linda Herrera

– Bargaining for “Citizenship Participation”? A critical look at Northern aid to NGOs, CSOs and other agents of ‘civil society’ in Egypt. Department of Anthropology and Sociology (MA, 2003). School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK. Tutor: Prof. emer. Richard Tapper.

– How can the human rights situation in Syria be viewed in the light of Euro-Mediterranean Partnership? Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies (BA, 2000). University of Exeter, UK. Tutor: Prof. Timothy Niblock.