Dr. Alexandra Turgul

I am a human geographer with a background in international relations, Middle Eastern studies, and the broader social sciences. My teaching and research take a critical, multi-scalar approach to the study of human-environment interactions to understand how people and the environment mutually shape one another. I am particularly interested in how and why communities and nations come into conflict over shared water resources and how these shared waters can be used as a tool to promote cooperation and peace. My current research on societal resilience to water disturbances is part of a broader project that aims to develop a model for predicting where water conflicts are most likely to emerge. 

My teaching interests center around sustainability studies, environmental justice, and water management and policy. I am passionate about making learning fun and engaging for students from all backgrounds by using student-centered pedagogical approaches. I strive to make my classes inclusive and a safe space for all students. I welcome opportunities to involve students in qualitative and geospatial research on the topics listed above.

Education

PhD (2025) Geography and Geospatial Sciences, Oregon State University

MA (2018) International Relations and Politics of the Middle East, University of Leeds

BA/BS (2015) Physiology and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Arizona

Teaching and Research Interests

• Water conflict and cooperation
• Water policy
• Human-environment interactions
• Environmental justice
• Political ecology
• Sustainability
• Middle East geography and politics