When Yasir Zaidan embarked on his research journey to Sudan, he never anticipated that the peaceful pursuit of knowledge would be disrupted by the chaos of war. As conflict erupted in April 2023, his experience transformed into a harrowing tale of survival and resilience, illustrating the unpredictable nature of global events and their far-reaching impacts.
“Yasir’s journey to the University of Washington began in 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a PhD student in International Studies with the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, he embarked on a unique research endeavor focused on port cities and their interactions with global investment projects. With a prestigious fellowship from the Social Science Research Council, Yasir’s path led him back to his homeland of Sudan, where he intended to conduct critical field research on port development dynamics. However, his plans took an unforeseen turn as the eruption of war in Sudan in April 2023 disrupted his academic pursuits and necessitated his evacuation.”
The UW has graduated more than 2,300 students who have gone on to serve abroad around the globe as Peace Corps Volunteers.
University of Washington faculty are engaged in a broad array of research and collaboration relating to India. On May 10th the UW South Asia Center and UW Office of Global Affairs are gathering to showcase their work. Come hear lightning talks on Indian painting, Bollywood films, Unicorn ventures, global health and more. Free and open to the UW community and members of the Seattle community.