About Us

The International Interfaith Research Lab Team


Our extraordinary team of researchers, educators, data analysts, and education technology specialists bring together years of teaching and curriculum management experience to provide support for our program’s design, implementation, maintenance, and sustainable growth.

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Executive Director, Professor, Author

Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess is a scholar, award-winning author, and the Founding and Executive Director of the International Interfaith Research Lab at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess has taught, researched, and published on a range of issues in education, including Educational Displacement, targeted violence, hate prevention, interfaith collaboration, anti-Muslim racism, storytelling, radicalization, othering, transitional justice, corruption, social cohesion, social mobility, and social transformation.

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Senior Researcher and Curriculum Director

Dr. Romy Ghanem serves as the Senior Researcher and Curriculum Director of the International Interfaith Research Lab. She holds a doctorate degree in Applied Linguistics and has been an educator and curriculum developer since 2010. Her interests lie in the implementation of the latest research and curricular designs aiming to eradicating hate, prejudice, and profiling.

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Special Advisor to the Executive Director and Director of Research

Vikramaditya (Vik) Joshi develops strategic partnerships with the Lab, collaborates on the production of scholarly research and publications and conceptualizes the organization and management all programming. He is also a doctoral student in the Philosophy and Education program at Teachers College. He has served as a Fellow at Columbia University’s Center for Justice.

Graduate Research Assistant, Technology, Media & Creative

Dora is currently a master student studying Instructional Technology and Media at Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds a B.A. in psychology and asian studies from Vanderbilt University. Her psychology background led her to be passionate about promoting empathy and social connectedness, while her industry experiences in creating content for brands honed her skills as a multimodal storyteller. 

Graduate Research Assistant, Curriculum and Writing

Chenhao (Gary) Yin is a graduate research assistant in the lab. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University. Gary's primary focus lies in understanding cultural nuances and applying those insights to enhance individual well-being while working towards the reduction of hate and violence. 

Graduate Research Assistant, Marketing and Publicity

Abhishek is currently a Masters student of Anthropology and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, developing his ethnographic research skills and theoretical knowledge. At India’s premier academic journal, Economic and Political Weekly, he worked across different mediums including podcasts, videos and graphics to give complex scholarly papers a digital life. 

Lab Alumni


Reimagine Resilience Alumni
Lauren Gonzalez M.A.

Brooke Tucker M.Ed, M.A.

Sophia Acquisto

Toomi Al-Dhahi M.A.

Connor Song M.A.

Interfaith Lab Alumni
Emmy Semprun

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