Zeynep Ozharat is a Fulbright Scholar pursuing her Master’s degree in the Security Studies program at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. She graduated as the valedictorian of the International Relations Department at Bilkent University in 2024.

Zeynep is currently Dr. Bruce Hoffman’s research assistant, focusing on counterterrorism in the Middle East and North Africa. She is also set to serve as assistant editor of the Studies in Conflict and Terrorism journal in collaboration with Dr. Hoffman. Previously, she worked as the student events assistant at the School of Foreign Service, served as a peer reviewer for the Georgetown Security Studies Review, and was a member of the Security Studies Student Council. In addition to counterterrorism, Zeynep’s interests include space policy, nuclear deterrence, and transatlantic security. She is also passionate about advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda in international policymaking.

Originally from Istanbul, Zeynep has lived in various cities across Türkiye.