Kristen Kao
About Kristen Kao
Kristen Kao is a Visiting Assistant in Research currently affiliated with Yale University and Göteborgs universitet. She has conducted extensive research on migration and post-conflict reconciliation, receiving notable awards and funding for her work.
Current Role at Yale University
Kristen Kao serves as a Visiting Assistant in Research at Yale University. She has held this position since 2014, contributing to various research initiatives in New Haven. Her role involves collaborating with faculty and students on projects related to political science and international studies.
Research and Academic Background
Kristen Kao is currently a PhD Candidate at UCLA, a position she has maintained since 2007. She earned her Master's Degree in Political Science from UCLA, where she studied from 2007 to 2010. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor's Degree in International Studies, Political Science, and History at UC San Diego from 2001 to 2005. Her academic journey includes participation in the Critical Language Scholarship Program.
Research Focus and Achievements
Kao's research primarily focuses on post-conflict reconciliation, particularly in Iraq, for which she received the Franklin L. Burdette Pi Sigma Alpha award at the APSA annual meeting in 2019. She has conducted a multi-method, six-year comparative study on the integration of Syrian migrants in Jordan, Turkey, and Sweden. Her expertise includes survey methodology and experimental design, particularly in the contexts of the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Professional Experience
Kristen Kao has extensive professional experience in research and international development. She worked as a Research Assistant at UCLA from 2009 to 2011 in the Department of Sociology. Additionally, she has held positions at The Carter Center, National Democratic Institute, and Integrated Services - Indigenous Solutions in various roles related to research and program development. Her work has included advising organizations such as the World Bank.
Publications and Funding
Kao has published her research in reputable journals, including the American Journal of Political Science, Comparative Politics, and the American Journal of Comparative Law. Her work has received funding from notable organizations, including the U.S. National Science Foundation, the Swedish Research Council, and the Social Science Research Council.