Areas of Research

• Nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear governance
• IAEA safeguards and nuclear verification
• Gender in international security
• Peaceful uses of nuclear science, technology, and applications

Background

Mara Zarka is a Research Associate and Project Manager at the VCDNP. She joined the Center in November 2013, previously working as Office and Events Manager, and prior to that as Administrative Assistant and Events Coordinator. Her research interests include IAEA safeguards and verification, non-proliferation, gender and international security, and peaceful uses of nuclear science, technology, and applications.

Prior to joining the VCDNP, she completed an internship at the International Peace Institute (IPI), Vienna Office, where she assisted in organising the 43rd annual IPI Vienna Seminar focusing on the dangerous nexus between crime, conflict, and terrorism. Ms. Zarka gained additional experience as an intern at the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization in Vienna, which inspired the topic of her bachelor’s thesis entitled “The Nuclear Ordeal: Explaining India’s Shift in Foreign Policy.” She has also worked on local political campaigns in the United States.

Education

Ms. Zarka holds a Master of Advanced International Studies (M.A.I.S.) from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna (2013) and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and Psychology from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, USA (2010). She is fluent in English and German, proficient in Spanish, and has basic knowledge of French.