Applied Research

Our comprehensive scholarship and applied research endeavors to build knowledge in the field of international relations, gender and human rights, and global security.

Examples of Our Work:

Dr. Rainer serves as the Principal Investigator for multiple applied research projects in the areas of democracy, governance and human rights. She leads a current research project based in Costa Rica titled, “Costa Rican Women’s Role in Diplomacy, Demilitarization and Global Security”. In 2018, Dr. Rainer led another research project titled, “The Rise of Nationalism: How International Organizations Counterbalance Extremist Domestic Trends.” For this applied research, she conducted field research in Geneva, Switzerland at the United Nations Human Rights Council, and Vienna, Austria at the Fundamental Rights Agency. She also trained a doctoral research assistant in field research methods in Geneva during this project. Dr. Rainer is part of an ongoing research network based out of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden called “Gender and Diplomacy.” This group recently submitted work for publication with the Hague Journal of Diplomacy.  

In 2021, Dr. Rainer completed a five-year applied research project culminating in a book publication titled, “From Pariah To Priority: How LGBTI Rights Became A Pillar Of American And Swedish Foreign Policy” with State University New York (SUNY) Press. This book gives a unique, insider perspective that explains the unexpected incorporation of LGBTI rights into the United States and Swedish foreign policies. Through case study analysis, former diplomat Dr. Elise Rainer offers exclusive insights into how normative values influence foreign affairs. From original data and interviews with high-level officials within the State Department and across U.S. foreign policy institutions, the book provides insights from leaders responsible for shaping emerging LGBTI global policies. This book contextualizes the diplomatic precedent of revamping foreign assistance to Uganda when lawmakers proposed a death penalty law for homosexuality. The book scrutinizes effective tactics for advocacy to influence foreign policy, and explores not only current debates in the area of gender and sexuality in foreign affairs, but also offers pragmatic policy recommendations for civil society organizations, foreign policy leaders, and human rights practitioners.

As a professor of international relations, Dr. Rainer designs syllabi and curriculum for doctoral courses such as Democracy, Human Rights and Security and Conflict Resolution, Nationalism and Identity, Global Governance, and Emerging Global Security Issues. Dr. Rainer serves as Chair for numerous doctoral students’ dissertation committees, training in comprehensive applied research methods, such as conducting semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Dr. Rainer has published widely in both practitioner outlets, and peer reviewed journals including: Foreign Policy, Democracy and Security, NPR’s Academic Minute, Diplomacy & Statecraft, and World Affairs Journal.

Monitoring Evaluation & learning

We take a collaborative and participatory approach with our clients. Guided by principles that evaluations should be realistic and utilization-focused, we work closely with our partners to ensure the evaluation and final products meet the vision and needs of the work.

Examples of Our Work:

Aurora has experience with both quantitative and qualitative evaluation approaches and employs a whole-systems approach that can capture system dynamics, inter-dependencies, and emerging interconnections to produce context-specific program results. We can also build robust MEL systems and provide MEL technical assistance and advise throughout the entire program cycle. 

Dr. Chen has led, contributed to, or managed almost two dozen formative, mid-term, and summative evaluations. Originally trained as an experimental, cross-cultural researcher, she has deep experience in survey design and conducting interviews and focus groups. She have broadened her evaluation expertise to include a range of systems-based, qualitative and quantitative methods, including outcome harvesting, most significant change and social network analysis. Examples of past evaluations she led include:

·      Formative and summative evaluations of National Democratic Institute programs, which aimed to either strengthen the work of political parties, members of parliament, parliamentary groups, and legislative offices or increase civic and political engagement, particularly amongst marginalized populations

·      Final evaluation of a rapid response program providing assistance to human rights defenders under threat

·      Mid-term evaluation of a program aimed at bringing justice and accountability to the atrocities committed in the Middle East

Dr. Chen also has broad experience building MEL platforms and providing MEL training and technical assistance to US government and non-government NGOs. She worked for 10 years at the US State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL). She spent 10 years at Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) as a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow/Bureau Planning Officer and then their first Program Evaluation Specialist, she trained and assisted 50+ DRL implementing partners working in more than 80 countries on best practices for implementing robust MEL systems using traditional MEL practices and newer, cutting-edge methodologies that incorporate complexity and systems-thinking. Examples of past and current projects include:

• Designed and implemented a whole-of-system MEL Plan for a five-year USAID contract focused on elevating the work of a USAID’s office inside and outside the agency

• Provided MEL technical assistance and training to a USAID partner implementing a climate change preparedness and resilience program in the Pacific Islands

• Provided MEL technical assistance to an international NGO that is implementing programs to strengthen civil society and counter violent extremism in Africa and Asia.