Student Leaders and Members

Simon-Pierre Behr (’14)

Co-Chair of PPRI

Simon-Pierre Behr is a junior majoring in International Relations and minoring in Entrepreneurial Leadership Studies. Growing up in France, Simon-Pierre's education was influenced by the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. During his high school years he looked at micro finance and education as ways of empowering the poor and reducing inequalities. At Tufts, Simon-Pierre joined PPRI because he wanted to look at the paralyzing and damaging effects that corruption (in a broad sense) can have on economic and political systems, and on any efforts to reduce inequalities and injustices. Currently his research with PPRI is concerned with the effects of political and economic corruption on journalists in Turkey.

Kristin McConnell (’12)

Co-Chair of PPRI

Kristin McConnell is a sophomore majoring in International Relations and Peace and Justice Studies. At Tufts, Kristin is also actively involved with LIFT Somerville and BUILD India, which have expanded her interest into various fields. Kristin is very interested in the interaction between gender and politics, particularly how gender is impacted in conflict and post-conflict reconstruction. Kristin was attracted to PPRI because of its interdisciplinary approach to encouraging intellectual exploration, and its foundation in encouraging student-led research. Her research in PPRI is currently focused on the relationship between politics and journalism in Turkey, and particularly how this affects the freedom of speech of minority groups like the Turkish Kurds.