Biography
I was born and grew up in Bulgaria. My parents’ work took us to East Germany in the late 1980s, and I was able to experience firsthand the fall of the Berlin Wall. This influenced my interest in international relation and led to my decision to pursue it as a career. During my M.A. in International Relations, I became interested in Japan and interned at the Asia Department of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I was awarded the Japanese government scholarship of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Technology (MEXT), Mombukagakusho, to study in Tokyo, where I completed a second M.A and my PhD.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, cooking, reading, and boxing.
Education
B.A., International Relations, University of National and World Economy, Sofia
M.A., International Relations, University of National and World Economy, Sofia
M.A., Public Policy, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Tokyo
PhD., International Relations, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Tokyo
Professional Experience
Adjunct Professor, Calvin University (2017 – present)
Adjunct Professor, Grand Valley State University (2019)
Adjunct Professor, University of Miami, Miami, FL (2008 – 2009)
Adjunct Professor, Florida International University, Miami, FL (2008-2009)
Academic Interests
My teaching and research interests include civil-military relations, international security, Asian politics, and immigration.
Publications
