Nkemjika Obi

Nkemjika Obi (they/she) is a senior majoring in International Relations with specializations in Africa and Social Development & Human Well-Being. Nkemjika spoke with us about their research interests, favorite IR class, internship experience, and what they enjoy outside the classroom!

What are your primary research interests?

My research interests center on sustainable global development in West Africa and the strengthening of resilient, locally grounded democratic institutions. I’m especially passionate about advancing gender equity and inclusive development, which I’ve had the privilege to advocate for on global stages—most notably during the 68th and 69th sessions of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). These experiences deepened my commitment to exploring intersectional solutions in international development and policymaking.

What is your favorite IR class so far and why?

“Africa in the 20th Century” with Professor Trevor Getz has been my favorite IR course. It gave me the regional foundation I had long been seeking in my studies. The class connected so many dots for me across themes I care about— history, colonialism, nationalism, resistance —and I still reference the ideas I learned in it today. Honorable mentions go to “Gender & Sexuality in African History” by Professor Rachel Jean-Baptiste and “Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law.”

Can you tell us a bit about a recent internship experience?

I spent summer 2024 in Accra, Ghana as a Research & Policy Analyst at the Center for Democratic Development through a Stanford in Government (SIG) fellowship. It was a pivotal experience where I worked on electoral reform and transparency efforts, studied democratic decline in the Sahel, and analyzed the growing roles of Russia and China in Africa. The team was phenomenal, and I was able to directly apply my academic training and grow both my technical and soft skills.

Any hobbies or outside interests?

Outside of academics, I love tennis, hammocking, nature trips, and music festivals. I’m a big audiobook fan, especially fantasy novels, and I’m always on the lookout for a new world to escape into. I’m also an avid traveler and have visited 10 countries across 5 continents so far, with many more on my list!