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Our Fellows
At the Peace Economy Project, our fellows are at the heart of our vision for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Each fellow brings unique insights, lived experiences, and a deep commitment to advancing meaningful change through research, storytelling, and advocacy.
Our fellowship program supports individuals working across a range of interconnected issues ranging from peacebuilding and conflict resolution to climate justice, financial inclusion, and community-led development. Fellows are selected not only for their expertise and passion, but also for their ability to reimagine systems, challenge inequities, and collaborate with others to spark lasting social impact.
Meet Our Current Cohort
Hezekiah O. is a researcher and writer focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and ethical technology governance. With experience in AI model auditing and military logistics, he examines emerging technologies through a policy, accountability, and public-interest lens.
Shirley is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Management, with interests in sustainability, climate policy, and environmental justice. She aims to bridge research and real-world impact through interdisciplinary collaboration and community-focused environmental initiatives.
Hope Lekwa is a sustainability researcher focusing on the intersection of climate change, youth, and policy. With publications in IIED and contributions to Imperial College London, he uses interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement to advance sustainable development across policy and practice.
Rashell Khan is the International Law Fellow. She is a graduate of UCLA and Cornell Law School, and focuses on nuclear nonproliferation during her fellowship.
Dhruvi Patel is a UMSL Honors College graduate in psychology and an Economic Justice Fellow with the Peace Economy Project. Her work examines corporate concentration in defense, technology, and energy sectors and its role in militarized public spending and economic inequality.
Tim is a graduate of Webster University with a background in International Relations, Political Science, and Criminal Justice. He specializes in the Middle East but has done research on Eastern Europe and Latin America. His areas of study include armed conflict, terrorism, and diplomacy.
Qi Zheng is a Decolonizing Research Fellow at the Peace Economy Project. She is currently in her second year studying Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development with Economics at the London School of Economics.
Imran, a Health, Climate & Social Justice Fellow at Peace Economy Project and Master's student at The Fletcher School, researches the intersections of imperialism, racism, and climate catastrophe, exploring the psychological and social impacts of militarism amid ecological collapse and pathways toward collective healing.
Hezekiah Ortiz
Artificial Intelligence & Militarization Fellow
Shirley Kalapala
Environmental & Climate Justice Fellow
Hope Lekwa
Journalism & Investigative Research Fellow
Rashell Khan
Senior Fellow (DMW) Law & Policy
Dhruvi Patel
PEP Economic Justice Fellow
Timothy Numann
Peace & Conflict Resolution Fellow
Qi Zheng
Decolonizing Research Fellow
Imran Hossain
Health, Climate & Social Justice Fellow
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