Maliheh Bitaraf

As an international student from Iran, I have worked for many years toward my goal of an education in the United States. I began my Master's program in Mass Communication at the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in spring 2011. As a result of my academic endeavors, I was awarded a Graduate Assistantship (GA) for my period of study at MTSU. During my time at MTSU, I earned a perfect 4.0 GPA and earned the Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Mass Communication in 2013. I started working on my second Master's in International Relations while I was still in Tennessee and then continued that pursuit at Seton Hall University (SHU) in New Jersey 2016. Specializing in International Security and International Organizations at SHU, I have increased my awareness of defensive postures nations maintain in their diplomatic relations. During my studies at SHU, I was awarded a Research Assistantship and selected as a Member of Sigma Iota Rho (SIR) Honor Society. Also, I got an internship at the Organization of Islamic Conference, Permanent Observer Mission to the UN. I graduated from Seton Hall with a Master's degree in Diplomacy and International Relations in May 17, 2019.

I have applied for a Graduate Certificate in Biodefense at the Schar School of Policy and Government of Schar program in Biodefense, with the goal of joining a related PhD program. It fits well with my background studies in diplomacy and my professional work in the area of health issues. While in Iran, I was the international coordinator and event organizer of the scientific congresses and workshops at a research center, the National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD) which served as the Collaborating Center for the World Health Organization (WHO). I was engaged in learning about public health issues and infectious diseases while running the events. I also had the opportunity to meet attendees from private and public sectors from all over the world. I believe my background in administrative support and conducting research for the medical field helped me understand the risks of the spread of disease and contagion and have contributed to my interest in the area of biodefense.
I am so pleased and thankful for the grant I have received from the Foundation. However, for my short-term goals, I am seeking to find more funding - like the support I got from the MTSU and SHU - to help me complete my Graduate Certificate in Biodefense, which will funnel me into a PhD program, eventually.
Biodefense program bridges the gap between the science and policy making. My aspiration is to prove my capabilities so I may join the PhD program in Biodefense. For my long-term goals, having finished my studies in the PhD program, I would like to serve as a scholar, consultant and practitioner in the fields of biodefense, biosecurity, and nonproliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). This is a critically important field which is often overlooked by policy makers. I believe this field is growing and will become even more important in the future. Studying and working in the DC area (such as in think tanks, non-governmental research organizations, and US government organizations) will help me achieve my goals. Likewise, regarding my future goals, I feel that my life's mission is to make a contribution to humanity and global peace in the most effective way possible for a scholar/researcher and policy advisor.