Conny Kazungu-Sigel Named Faculty Director of BSOS Summer Research Initiative

The Department of Government and Politics (GVPT) is pleased to celebrate Dr. Conny Kazungu-Sigel on her appointment as Faculty Director of the Summer Research Initiative (SRI) in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS).

Kazungu-Sigel, a lecturer in GVPT and faculty advisor for the Environmental Science & Policy (ENSP) program, began her new role with SRI on July 1.

As Faculty Director, Kazungu-Sigel will oversee the SRI admissions process, training curriculum and placement of student interns with faculty mentors. The Summer Research Initiative provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain research experience while preparing for graduate study in the behavioral and social sciences.

Kazungu-Sigel brings a multidisciplinary background in international relations, national security and environmental politics to the role. Growing up in Kenya, her experiences with terrorist attacks and the effects of climate change in her hometown helped shape her longstanding academic interests in security, conflict and environmental issues.

Her research examines the intersections of security, conflict and environmental politics, including the causes of rising terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa and the effectiveness of U.S.-led counterterrorism policies in the region.

Her appointment as Faculty Director of SRI builds on her commitment to student mentorship and expands her leadership within BSOS.

Please join GVPT in congratulating Dr. Kazungu-Sigel on her new role!

 

Published on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 10:33