Meet the MURFs: Anna O’Sullivan

Anna O’Sullivan is a member of the SFS class of 2028 majoring in Regional and Comparative Studies. She focuses on comparing and analyzing the regions of Africa and Asia with a specific focus on Sino-African statecraft. As a MURF, Anna works with Professor Lise Howard on a variety of projects surrounding United Nations peacekeeping. Outside of MURF, Anna is a member of the DIAS International Relations Club sub-board, the SFS Academic Council DEI team, and is the sustainability representative for East Campus. In her free time, Anna enjoys yoga, reading, and coaching her local swim team.

Tell us about a research project you worked on as a MURF

In my first semester as a MURF, I worked on a large data set of United Nations Security Council actions in interstate conflict. By analyzing UN Resolutions and statements and coding the action level on a scale of 1-10, we were able to observe how action levels have adapted through UN history, as well as how certain levels of action may impact the outcome of a conflict. This semester, I am continuing to work on UNPKOs by researching the trends in mission development through the years to determine the factors driving the current contraction in peacekeeping, as no new missions have been initiated since 2014.

What was one thing you learned as a MURF that surprised you?

By working as a MURF, I’ve had the opportunity to observe and engage with a variety of analytical methods through my mentor and surrounding academics. Prior to MURF, I was convinced that I lacked inherent skills necessary to produce any quantitative work and thus confined myself to a narrow conception of my own methodological capacities. Through a number of workshops and research seminars at Mortara, I’ve begun to develop skills and test quantitative methods that can complement my qualitative inquiries. I was surprised to learn that I had a chance to grow and succeed in this area, and my experience as a MURF actively cultivated that impulse toward continued intellectual development.

What is one skill you’ve gained from your participation in the MURF program?

As a MURF, I’ve gained valuable experience in constructively critiquing and analyzing my questions and methods. One of my favorite parts about the MURF program is the community it provides, and how we can all lean on each other for help or advice. By looking at the work of others in the Mortara community and receiving feedback on my own, I’ve grown in my capacity to refine research questions and strengthen my methodological rigor.

Describe your MURF experience in three words

Community-based; immersive; formative