Kazungu-Sigel, Conny

Bio

Dr. Kazungu-Sigel grew up in Kenya, where personal experiences with terrorist attacks and the impacts of climate change in her hometown sparked her longstanding interests in international relations, national security, and environmental politics. She brings a multidisciplinary academic background to her work, holding a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences from Miami University in Ohio and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

During her time at Miami University, Dr. Kazungu-Sigel focused on environmental policy and wetland research. Her work extended beyond the classroom through community-based education and engagement, where she worked with local communities to raise awareness about the ecological importance of wetlands and organized wetland restoration and conservation programs.

At the University of Tennessee, as a member of the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs Global Security Program, Dr. Kazungu-Sigel contributed to a range of research and policy initiatives in collaboration with U.S. government agencies, including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. Her work focused on conflict stabilization and mediation, with an emphasis on strengthening conflict-resolution practices in international conflict zones.

Dr. Kazungu-Sigel’s research examines the intersections of security, conflict, and environmental politics, with a particular focus on the causes of rising terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa and the effectiveness of U.S.-led counterterrorism policies in the region. Her broader research interests include conflict, political instability, and territorial disputes in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.

In addition to her research, Dr. Kazungu-Sigel serves as Faculty Advisor for the Summer Research Initiative (SRI) and the Environmental Science & Policy Program, where she oversees the Politics & Policy (P&P) concentration. She teaches courses in International Relations, Environmental Policy and Politics, and African Politics. Through her teaching, advising, and mentorship, she brings an interdisciplinary and globally informed perspective to her teaching and mentorship.