Ashka is a first-year master’s student in the Security Studies Program, concentrating in Military Operations. Prior to joining SSP, she worked as a Middle East Security Researcher at the Institute for the Study of War, conducting open-source intelligence on Iranian proxies. Her research interests include sub-state violence, irregular warfare, and the Middle East. Ashka is also pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Diplomatic Studies at Georgetown and serves on the executive board of the Middle East North Africa Forum. Additionally, she works as a research fellow for the Army’s Foreign Military Studies Office. Originally from Westchester, New York, Ashka holds a bachelor’s degree in Politics from Bates College. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, painting, and cycling.