Honour Roll

Jessica Mitchell is a graduate of Flinders University, South Australia. She completed a double major in International Relations and History. Her Honours thesis examined the 2012 Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands’ dispute between China and Japan as well as broader Sino-Japan relations.

Ms. Mitchell was an intern with SAGE International Australia (SIA) in 2014 during which time she demonstrated her capacities at networking in the local defence community and high-level communications with the Office of Chief of Navy (Royal Australian Navy). Ms. Mitchell also during this time refined her research and analytical skills. During her internship at SIA she had her work republished at SIA partner organisation, the Swiss Center for Security Studies (CSS), associated with ETH-Zurich, one of the world’s premier universities. Upon the completion of Ms. Mitchell’s internship, she went on to work at the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC) as Membership and Research Co-ordinator.

Bethany Schoer was a regular contributor to SIA between 2015 and 2016, writing articles on Russia’s foreign and economic policy in relation to its engagement with the Asia-Pacific. She also assisted SIA with a range of public outreach initiatives in conjunction with Global Impact Solutions. Since then, Ms. Schoer has published pieces with PolicyForum.net and Global Risk Insights, and has gained analytical experience with Riskline and Wikistrat. A graduate of the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations/French), a Diploma of Languages (Japanese) and a Master of International Business, Ms. Schoer is currently employed as a junior political risk analyst with Dragoman Global.

Shahrezad Ghayrat is a migrant from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China and has been living in Australia since 2011. Ms. Ghayrat’s dynamic background and passion in politics has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities in nonprofit organisations such as Welcome to Australia. She strongly believes in Human Rights and the importance of equality for society. She enjoys giving back to the community and to help those who are in need. During her role as SIA Intern, Ms. Ghayrat published articles on the SIA website which were republished through partner organisation the Swiss Center for Security Studies (CSS) website, associated with the ETH Zurich. Ms. Ghayrat graduated from Flinders University with a double degree in International Studies and Human Resource Management. She worked for the Australian Institute of Business as Assessment Processing Officer. Shahrezad Ghayrat is now Project Assistant for the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) based in Munich, Germany.

Krystal Buckle is in her fourth year of a Media and International Studies degree at the University of Adelaide. In 2017, she completed a Diploma of Indonesian Language at Flinders University.

Ms. Buckle was an intern with Sage International Australia in 2018. During her time with SIA, she developed a framework for effective relations between the military and social sciences. The report is an initial exploration into creating a culture of ethical and effective behavior that allows for social scientists to develop meaningful and mutually beneficial relations with the military. It draws on historical tensions to create practical and sustainable solutions.

Krystal is currently studying abroad at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Spain.k

Astrid Vikström is a University of Bath, UK alumni. She completed a BSc in Politics with Economics and graduated 1st of her cohort in her MSc degree which she focused on International Management. Ms. Vikström interned with SAGE International Australia in 2017-19 during which time she completed her BSc and MSc. She specialised in the intersection between business, politics and international relations and wrote several pieces on areas relating to developments in CSR policy.

Since graduating, Ms. Vikström has embarked on a career in management consulting and is now a London based consultant specialising in corporate innovation and venture building.

In 2021, Xavier is in his final year of a Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) at the University of Adelaide, double majoring in Philosophy and Politics. He has also served on the executive boards of several NFP’s, including UN Youth SA and 180 Degrees Consulting Adelaide. His internship at SIA involved writing an extended analytical report on the ways in which identity and culture are driving conflict around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. While this issue is a nexus of societal security, the same themes are critical for understanding conflict in all cases, and a full understanding is indispensable for solving the hardest problems.

Upon graduation, Xavier will commence a career in management consulting. He intends to use his analytical and complex problem-solving skills, in conjunction with creativity and curiosity to help others to succeed. He especially hopes to be able to continue to serve the community through the NFP sector, where so many people do so much good.

Jena Jaensch graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast with a Master of Arts in Violence, Terrorism and Security and the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Politics and International Studies. Ms. Jaensch was an intern with SAGE International Australia in 2021 and focussed on conflict, including its aftermath and how it is represented in the media. She liaised with AthenaLab to publish a collaborative report on the future of the Antarctic Treaty System. Ms. Jaensch currently volunteers as an editor with Young Australians in International Affairs.