Samantha Viel
Expertise
Qualitative and quantitative research (R and Stata), donor and proposal research, writing and editing, program support, cross-cultural communication, and community engagement.
Technical Competencies
Food security, rural and community development, sustainable agriculture, humanitarian and development policy, political identity and governance, social determinants of development, and digital development
Education
Columbia University, Master of International Affairs: Concentrations on Development & Governance and Tech Policy (Expected 2027)
Loyola University Maryland, Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Political Science
Thesis—A Bottom-Up Approach to Political Legitimacy: Hezbollah and Community Governance
Country Experience
Australia and The United States
Languages
English
Thinking About
Bridging evidence-based policy with community experience, strengthening locally driven food systems, and understanding how structural inequities shape development outcomes.
Proud of
Traveling to Australia independently to work on organic farms across the country, where I experienced community-based and sustainable livelihoods firsthand. This experience inspired my continued interest in food systems and travel to 45 countries and counting.
Passion
Reading, traveling, exploring the nearest farmer’s market, being in nature, growing food
