Helena Nikolajew
New York university
Helena Nikolajew is a graduate student in International Relations at New York University, with academic interests in democratization, human rights, and gender equality in Southeast Asia. Her work focuses on how civil society, grassroots activism, and international cooperation can advance social equity and inclusive development across the region. Drawing on experience in research, advocacy, and student-led initiatives, she is particularly interested in women’s rights, access to education, and the role of local organizations in shaping bottom-up policy change. At NYU, she aims to further explore Southeast Asia’s political and social transformations through a comparative, practice-oriented lens that bridges research and real-world impact.
