My research lies at the intersection of critical migration studies and comparative political economy. I study the politics of migration and citizenship, with a focus on the political economy of labor migration in Southeast Asia. My dissertation seeks to understand how and why migration regimes – the laws, policies, and practices that govern migrant life – evolve over time. Tracing the evolution of Malaysia’s migration regime (1980-2010), it highlights how different labor importing histories affect the power dynamics between migrant workers and their host country. I argue that in contexts where the host country is dependent on foreign labor, migrant workers play a critical but overlooked role in the maintenance and evolution of its migration regime. My work has been supported by the Diversity of Views and Experiences Fellowship Program and the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change.

Educational Background & Specialties
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Educational Background

  • B.A. : Philosophy and Political Science, University of Oregon

Specialties

  • Qualitative and Interpretive Research Methodologies
  • Southeast Asian politics
  • Comparative Politics
  • International Relations