Laura Bosco is a PhD student and Adjunct Instructor at the School of International Studies at American University. Her research focuses on UN peace operations and the protection of civilians, concentrating on the UN Mission in South Sudan. Laura has previously investigated economic agendas in the Kosovo conflicts and conducted field research in Mitrovica and Pristina. She has experience researching issues of conflict, security, and gender at a number of DC think tanks and institutions, including the Council of Foreign Relations, USAID, and Gender Action. Laura earned a MA in Security Studies from George Washington University and a BA in Political Science and Economics from the University of Florida.