Heather joined DSGD as a Senior Research Assistant supporting the ReSAKSS Africa project. She received her Master’s Degree from Columbia University in May 2011, with a concentration in Economic and Political Development in Africa. In 2005, she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from American University with concentration in International Peace and Conflict Resolution in Europe. Prior to IFPRI, Heather worked as a reconciliation research intern for The Centre for Policy Alternatives in Sri Lanka, and as a small enterprise development agent for Peace Corps Mauritania in Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Her research interests include post-conflict reconstruction, micro-enterprise and food security.