Background

Nahom Benyam is a dedicated scholar with a passion for global studies and human rights. He embarked on his academic journey by completing a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with a minor in Human Rights from San Jose State University, where he graduated cum laude. This thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Michigan, where he continued to pursue his academic aspirations. He recently earned his second degree, this time from the Master's in International and Regional Studies (MIRS) program. During his time as a student, Nahom held the position of student assistant at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and University of California, Berkeley. At the University of Michigan, Nahom received distinctions such as the Graduate Academic Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship, MIRS Program Fellowship and South African Initiatives Office Fellowship. Nahom aspires to be a bridge between legal frameworks and the real-world challenges faced by vulnerable populations, advocating for justice, equality, and empowerment.

Job experience

• October 2021 - present
  Graduate Student Assistant
  Kavli ENSI (University of California, Berkeley)
  

  Berkeley, CA, USA

  - Collaborate with the Executive Director and top researchers
  from various disciplines to develop strategic initiatives in the
  field of energy nanoscience.
  - Contribute to the mission of improving the performance of
  existing energy technologies and exploring new ways of
  harnessing energy for global needs.

• June 2018 - August 2021
  Undergraduate Student Assistant
  Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  

  Berkeley, CA, USA

  - Supported efforts to promote equal access to scientific and
  technical careers for students from diverse backgrounds.
  - Assisted with program development and educational outreach
  initiatives.
  - Contributed to inspiring and preparing the next generation of
  scientists, engineers, technologists, and STEM professionals.

Education

• University of Michigan
  MA - International and Regional Studies (MIRS - African Studies Specialization)
  

  2021 - 2023

  Working under Dr. Justine Davis, my research focused on exploring the effects of political federalism on conflict outbreaks in Ethiopia. I argue that ethnic federalism has increased the prevalence of ethnic conflict outbreaks within the country and future policy decisions curtailing this issue must foster greater political participation from the local populace. During my time in MIRS, I received a South African Initiatives Office (SAIO) Fellowship as well as a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship for Swahili.
• San Jose State University
  BA - Global Studies, Human Rights Minor
  

  2017 - 2020

  Graduated Cum Laude