Recognized as part of the March 2026 San Diego Weekly Standouts Series honoring leaders shaping San Diego, California, the Cali-Baja region, and communities connected to the region around the world.
San Diego Weekly Standouts | March 2026 Honoree
As Director of the International Security and Conflict Resolution program (ISCOR) at San Diego State University (SDSU), Dr. Cheryl O’Brien has dedicated her career to helping students better understand complex global issues and develop the skills needed to engage thoughtfully, analytically, and responsibly in an interconnected world.
Some programs teach knowledge. This one prepares people to walk into the world’s most complex conflicts and help shape what peace looks like on the other side. The ISCOR program combines coursework in political science, international relations, development, and human security to prepare students for careers in global and community-based fields. ISCOR emphasizes analytical thinking and real-world application, encouraging students to engage with issues such as conflict, justice, human rights, the environment, and sustainability from multiple perspectives.
A Life Shaped by Resilience, Long Before the Classroom
San Diego, Calif. — Some educators are shaped by theory, while others are shaped by experience. For Dr. Cheryl O’Brien, her path into academia was influenced by early life experiences that required resilience, responsibility, and a strong commitment to education.
Growing up in a working-class family in Pennsylvania, she navigated financial challenges while continuing to pursue her academic goals.
Those experiences did not limit her; they informed her perspective. They shaped how she approaches teaching and mentorship, with an understanding that students bring diverse experiences, responsibilities, and aspirations into the classroom. This perspective continues to influence how she engages with students and supports their academic development.
“To understand the world, you have to be willing to meet people where they are, and listen long enough to learn from them.”
— Dr. Cheryl O’Brien
A Professor Who Became a Defining Part of the Student Experience
Prior to becoming Director of ISCOR, Dr. O’Brien had already developed a reputation among students as a dedicated educator and mentor. She is known for her consistent engagement, accessibility, and commitment to student success, both inside and outside of the classroom. Through research, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities, the program helps students develop the skills needed to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.
Students frequently identify her as a faculty member who had a meaningful impact on their academic experience. Her support has contributed to the development of students who have gone on to receive “The Quest for the Best Vice Presidential Student Services Award,” a university recognition honoring excellence in community service, academic achievement, and leadership.
Leona Koxha’s trajectory reflects the long-term impact of Dr. Cheryl O’Brien’s mentorship and the pathways that can emerge through sustained academic guidance. As a Quest for the Best honoree and Fulbright recipient, Leona has continued her work on the global stage, earning a Master of Science in Global Human Development from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, along with a certificate in Gender, Peace, and Security. Koxha’s experience includes contributing to global food and nutrition security initiatives at the World Bank and conducting research on women’s economic empowerment through the Jahjaga Foundation in Kosovo.
Her journey represents more than individual achievement, it reflects the kind of foundation that begins in the classroom and extends into meaningful global impact. It also highlights a consistent pattern in Dr. O’Brien’s mentorship: supporting students in developing not only academic excellence, but the confidence and direction to contribute at the highest levels even after they have graduated from SDSU.
“Dr. Cheryl O’Brien’s mentorship transformed the way I see both my purpose and my impact, teaching me that true advocacy begins with empathy and is sustained through community. She showed me that meaningful change is not achieved alone, but through collective action rooted in solidarity and care. Most importantly, she instilled in me that a life of impact must also be a life of balance, where personal fulfillment and passion fuel the work we do for others. These factors have guided me deeply following graduation, where I apply for jobs that will bring positive change to communities and hold powerful actors accountable.”
— Ethan Pellegrini
Ethan Pellegrini also contributed to environmental research with the U.S. State Department and served as CFO of Splice, an undergraduate research journal of SDSU’s College of Arts and Letters.
Morgan Newport, an ISCOR alumna in International Security and Conflict Resolution with an emphasis in environment and security, represents the kind of student whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. Deeply engaged across campus and community, she has contributed to organizations including Delta Beta Tau, the Environmental Justice Committee, Green Love, Best Buddies, and the Brave Project, while volunteering her time through Mental Health Awareness Week, Chicano Park Day, food redistribution efforts, and international service with Bali Wise. As a refugee tutor and Dean’s List honoree, Newport has demonstrated both academic excellence and a commitment to service grounded in empathy and action. Her selection of Dr. Cheryl O’Brien as her faculty mentor reflects Dr. O’Brien’s profound dedication to student development, fostering not only intellectual growth, but also purpose-driven leadership. Through her mentorship, Dr. O’Brien has created a space where students like Newport feel seen, challenged, and supported, leaving a lasting impact that shapes their trajectory well beyond San Diego State University. Following graduation, Newport continued her path of service, working in Yosemite National Park before beginning a year with AmeriCorps focused on environmental stewardship.
“Professor O’Brien has been a consistent, supportive, and deeply warm mentor throughout my entire academic journey. From first introducing me to the ISCOR program during my undergraduate years, to guiding me thoughtfully through the graduate school application process, she has continually opened doors I didn’t know were possible. I have been deeply shaped by her perspective on the world and her commitment to advocating for a world that is equitable and just. She encouraged me to co-author an academic journal article with her, helping me find my voice as a scholar, and later served on my thesis committee during my master’s program, offering both rigorous insight and unwavering encouragement in my research pursuits.
What makes her mentorship truly exceptional is her commitment to students who don’t fit the traditional academic mold. She actively advocates for them, reminding us that we belong in these spaces and that our perspectives matter. She has an extraordinary ability to recognize each student’s unique strengths, connect us with opportunities aligned with our genuine interests, and push us to reach our highest potential. The countless hours she invests in mentorship extend far beyond the classroom, shaping not only academic paths but personal confidence and direction. Having Dr. O’Brien as a mentor has been life-changing; she is someone I know will always be in my corner.”
—Morgan Newport
These outcomes reflect both student effort and the role mentorship plays in shaping meaningful academic and professional trajectories.
Connecting Academic Study With Real-World Context
Within the International Security and Conflict Resolution program, Dr. O’Brien emphasizes the importance of connecting academic study and theory with real-world contexts and practices. The program encourages students to examine global issues, such as conflict, human rights, environmental justice, and development, through an interdisciplinary lens.
Dr. Cheryl O’Brien’s approach supports students in developing both analytical skills and an understanding of how global challenges affect individuals and communities in different contexts. She also facilitates opportunities for students to engage with professionals and subject-matter experts, including discussions on a range of topics, such as interfaith dialogue, environmental security, and violence, and their implications for policy and decision-making.
A Scholar Informed by Field-Based Research
Dr. O’Brien’s academic work is informed by field-based research conducted across multiple regions, including parts of Africa and Latin America. Her work has involved collaboration with international organizations, local partners, and community members on topics related to gender, development, food security, and resource access.
Her roles have included work as a consultant and researcher on projects connected to organizations, such as UNHCR, and USAID-funded initiatives.
These experiences have contributed to her understanding of how global issues are experienced at the local level and have informed both her teaching and research.
What distinguishes Dr. O’Brien’s work is not simply where she has conducted research, but how she carries it forward. Her time in places like Denan and Kebrebeyah was not extractive, it was relational, built on trust, permission, and a deep respect for the communities who allowed her into their realities.
Those conversations with women, families, and local leaders do not stay in the field; they shape the way she teaches, the questions she asks, and the frameworks she challenges. In a space where global development can often feel distant or abstract, Dr. O’Brien brings it back to what it actually is: human, complex, and lived. Her work closes the gap between policy and people, ensuring that the voices of those most affected are not only heard, but carried into the rooms where decisions are made.
Students Stepping Into the World Stage
Building on the program’s emphasis on real-world engagement, ISCOR students are not only learning about global challenges, they are actively stepping into spaces where those challenges are being addressed in real time. Through opportunities facilitated by Dr. Cheryl O’Brien, students are invited to move beyond theory and into meaningful dialogue with international practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders. These moments serve as a bridge between classroom learning and global application, reinforcing the idea that students are not just preparing for the future, they are already part of it.
One such experience came through a collaboration at San Diego State University, where students engaged directly with international delegates through a U.S. State Department–supported initiative, offering a glimpse into how ISCOR’s approach translates into real-world impact.
Recent graduate from ISCOR and the Political Science Department at SDSU, Purnell Strom writes:
“Professor O’Brien has consistently sought to include and empower students both inside and outside of the classroom. Her invitation to myself and some of my peers to speak to a group of delegates from Africa visiting through the State Department’s IVLP program allowed me to apply the lessons learned from her classes and employ them in real practical discussions that had serious real-world impacts on people’s lives around the world. With her encouragement to participate in this event, I was able to understand just how my ISCOR education could go on to change the world.”
— Purnell Strom
Extending this commitment to applied learning and global engagement, ISCOR continues to create opportunities where students and international practitioners intersect in meaningful, solution-oriented dialogue. One such example reflects how classroom knowledge is translated into real-world collaboration and impact:
This May 2025 event titled “Countering Violent Extremism – Community Strategies” was in collaboration with the San Diego Diplomacy Council, an organization that partners with the State Department to implement International Professional Exchange Programs through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Led by Dr. Cheryl O’Brien, ISCOR welcomed 28 participants from various African nations to San Diego State University to learn from ISCOR faculty and student researchers about approaches to creating alternatives for at-risk youth, countering violent extremist narratives, and building international and local capacities to address extremism. Participants also engaged with ISCOR on research into the political, moral, and socio-economic factors that contribute to violent extremism and strategies to counteract radicalization. This event led to follow-up exchanges, as multiple African delegates contacted Dr. O’Brien and other ISCOR faculty following the event to discuss their particular local contexts.
Aisling Murphy’s journey reflects the kind of lasting impact Dr. Cheryl O’Brien has on her students. Initially uncertain about her academic path, Aisling credits discovering the ISCOR program and Dr. O’Brien’s mentorship as a turning point that shaped her future. Through that experience, Aisling went on to receive the Mundt Peace Scholarship and secure an internship with the International Rescue Committee, which has since become the foundation of her professional career.
Now working with the IRC, Aisling represents a full-circle moment, one of many students whose trajectory has been influenced by Dr. O’Brien’s guidance, and who are now giving back to the very communities they once studied.
ISCOR’s impact is reflected not only in its interdisciplinary curriculum, but in the pathways its students pursue after graduation. Alumni have gone on to work in international organizations, government agencies, nonprofit leadership, and academic institutions around the world. This consistent trajectory highlights the program’s role as both an academic foundation and a launch point for students committed to addressing complex global and community challenges.
Engaging Directly With Communities to Inform Research
A defining aspect of Dr. O’Brien’s work is her emphasis on engaging directly with communities to better understand lived experiences. Rather than relying solely on secondary sources, she incorporates insights gathered through field interviews, focus groups, collaborative projects, and direct engagement with individuals and local stakeholders.
Dr. O’Brien has also conducted extensive research on violence against women and policy change in Nigeria as well as Mexico, including fieldwork in regions like Oaxaca, Mexico. Her work in this area goes beyond surface-level analysis, focusing on how legal frameworks, institutional support systems, and community-based resources intersect to shape women’s access to justice and protection.
By engaging directly with women’s advocacy organizations, legal resource centers, and local stakeholders, she has examined how policies are adopted and implemented in practice, where gaps exist, and how those gaps impact the lived experiences of women and children navigating violence and systemic barriers.
Her research in Mexico reflects a broader commitment to understanding not only what policies are intended to do, but how they function in real-world contexts. Through this work, she contributes to ongoing conversations around strengthening protections, improving access to services, and ensuring that policy responses are informed by the voices and experiences of the women they are meant to support.
Dr. O’Brien’s own teaching and research career has had full circle moments, as she assists with SDSU’s Peace Corps Prep Program (https://peacecorps.sdsu.edu/). After her undergraduate education, Cheryl dedicated two years as a full-time volunteer, including teaching reading and math Monday through Friday at a “street school” (“callescuela”) in Bañado Tacumbú, a very impoverished neighborhood, in Asunción, Paraguay.
On Saturday mornings there, she volunteered with a local nonprofit to teach child laborers, including about child labor laws and their rights; and into the evenings and weekends, she volunteered with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd on projects working to empower women artisans, the Maká (indigenous people), sex trafficking victims, and other vulnerable women and families.
In one instance during field research, women representing several clans in a refugee setting specifically sought her out to share their experiences and perspectives as women, reflecting the importance of trust and approachability in research environments.
These interactions contribute to a more grounded understanding of complex issues and help ensure that research reflects a range of perspectives. It also contributes to practical interventions, such as the creation of a Women’s Association that Dr. O’Brien advocated for to the UNHCR refugee camp’s administration, after she had proposed this to the women, who welcomed the suggestion as a way to have their voices heard. Upon formal administrative approval, this particular Women’s Association was set up to meet weekly, communicate concerns and needs directly to the administration, provide a safe space for women to gather, and, importantly, to include women from every clan.
Dr. Cheryl O’Brien had to convince the women to agree to this latter requirement, as she observed that the women were excluding one clan, which had been experiencing targeted violence from all other clans in the camp. Having adjusted her work plans, Dr. O’Brien facilitated the first meeting of the Women’s Association as well as a specific training, as per the association’s request. In pairs and group activities, women from the marginalized clan were paired and grouped with women from other clans who seemed like they might be key to creating and sustaining group cohesion.
Within months, the UNHCR regional administration credited the regular meetings of women from across the clans as having significantly increased the school attendance of children from the once marginalized clan, as they felt safe walking to school in a large camp where women regardless of clan spoke up for them and allowed their children to play with them, thereby creating positive social capital across the clans.
The administration also credited the association for increasing women’s sense of agency and solidarity, improving services in the camp, and decreasing inter-clan violence against the once marginalized clan. As a result, some colleagues in the UNHCR regional administration encouraged greater consideration of women’s needs and interests, including in creating Women’s Associations, in other refugee camps.
Dr. Cheryl O’Brien’s work reflects a commitment to responsible research practices that prioritize listening, context, and respect for the communities involved.
Research That Contributes to Ongoing Academic Conversations
Dr. O’Brien has contributed to peer-reviewed research addressing topics such as women’s health, policy networks, and food security. She has published in journals, such as Social Science & Medicine, Journal of Latin American Studies, World Medical & Health Policy, and International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Her research also has explored themes including women’s autonomy, transnational collaboration, and development initiatives, contributing to broader academic and policy-related discussions.
Across her work, there is a consistent focus on understanding how policies and systems interact with lived experiences.
While Cheryl O’Brien was conducting interviews for a study on fuelwood gathering, Somali women from various clans (as the refugees call them clans or tribal groups) came to find her and spoke about the abuses women refugees face. The women said they heard there was a “woman researcher” and they wanted to speak to her, because they felt that a “woman would take their concerns seriously.”
The women came to speak to Cheryl about the dangers of rape, other violence, and gender inequalities impacting female education, healthcare (including gynecological healthcare), and other human rights in the camp.
Translating Research Into Teaching
At the core of her teaching is a belief that education should not only inform, but transform how students see the world and their role within it. Dr. Cheryl O’Brien integrates her research and field experience into her teaching, helping students connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications.
This approach supports a learning environment that encourages critical thinking while remaining grounded in practical understanding. Students benefit from exposure to case studies, research insights, and discussions that reflect current global challenges, providing them with tools to engage with complex issues in informed and thoughtful ways.
A Commitment to Student Engagement Beyond the Classroom
In addition to her academic role, Dr. Cheryl O’Brien is known for her involvement in campus and community activities. She supports student events, engages with campus initiatives, and participates in opportunities that strengthen connections between students and the broader university environment.
Dr. O’Brien’s impact beyond the classroom also includes supporting student-athletes who balance rigorous academics with the demands of collegiate sports. Through her encouragement, students like Tea Adams and Naomi Ekwedike, now SDSU Alumni, are reminded not only of their potential, but of their responsibility as role models for future generations, especially for other women and girls.
Her support reinforces a broader message that excellence is not limited to one time or place. Rather, it is built through discipline, resilience, and the understanding that who they are continually becoming matters just as much as what they achieve. O’Brien reminds her students to “continually work toward their fullest human potential” not only at SDSU, but throughout life.
This level of engagement contributes to a sense of community and support, reinforcing the importance of student well-being alongside academic development.
It is often in the quieter moments where her impact is most visible. Whether through a conversation after class, a check-in during a difficult semester, or encouragement when a student is uncertain about their path, her presence creates a sense of stability that many students carry with them long after they leave SDSU.
A Global Community: International Students and Lasting Impact
The International Security and Conflict Resolution program is not only a hub for academically driven students, but a truly global learning environment where international and domestic perspectives intersect in meaningful ways. Many international students are drawn to ISCOR as either a primary major or as a complementary minor, often pairing it with fields such as business, political science, environmental studies, or public health. For them, the program becomes more than an academic pathway. It becomes a space where their global experiences are not only welcomed, but essential to the learning process.
“ISCOR starts at multiculturalism, traveling abroad and exchanging ideas with people around the world.”
— Gianni Fungipani
Students like Gianni Fungipani, from Germany, bring an international lens to their studies, often describe the program as a place where global identity is not something to adapt to or minimize, but something to actively engage with. The value of ISCOR is felt in how it bridges lived experience with academic inquiry, allowing students to contribute perspectives shaped by different cultures, languages, and worldviews. This creates a classroom dynamic where learning is reciprocal, and where understanding is built through dialogue rather than assumption.
“ISCOR teaches that communicating to find solutions to international problems and crises is the strongest way of cooperation.”
— Gianni Fungipani
For international students in particular, the experience is often described as deeply worthwhile, not simply because of the curriculum, but because of the sense of belonging and purpose it fosters. They leave not only with a degree, but with a reinforced understanding of their role in a globally connected world, and the confidence that their voice and perspective matter within it.
Not surprisingly, at the center of this blend of international exchanges and positive growth is Dr. Cheryl O’Brien, whose commitment to student success consistently stands out as a defining element of the program. Her mentorship and guidance empower students from around the world to carry forward the values of collaboration, cultural understanding, and thoughtful engagement.
The result is a growing network of ISCOR alumni connected by more than just a shared degree. They are connected by a common experience of being challenged, supported, and inspired within a program that reflects the realities of a complex world. At San Diego State University, ISCOR continues to shape individuals who are prepared not only to understand global issues, but to engage with them in ways that are informed, human-centered, and impactful.
Another international student is Radia, who shares her appreciation regarding the program and Dr. Cheryl O’Brien’s mentorship and teachings:
“More than a professor, a mentor, a guide, and a lifelong supporter.
It’s funny, just a couple of weeks ago, I was reminiscing with my mom about my very first spring break as an international student. I told her how I remembered Professor O’Brien calling me into her office to share safety tips before my first trip outside the U.S. At the time, I didn’t have much family in San Diego, and that moment has stayed with me ever since. It meant so much, it was such a simple act, yet such a powerful testament to how deeply she cares for her students beyond the classroom.
She has been in my corner at every step of my journey. Her class at SDSU truly shaped my passion for ISCOR, and right after graduating, when I applied for my Master’s in Conflict Resolution, she supported me through every step, from writing recommendation letters to helping me choose the right school. She later attended my graduation at Georgetown, spoke at the ceremony, and even met my mother in Senegal, a full-circle moment I will never forget.
She played a pivotal role in nurturing my love for research and critical inquiry. I had the privilege of working with her on research exploring the implementation of UN Resolution 1325 in Africa, where she mentored me not only in research methods but also in collaboration and intellectual rigor. To this day, she continues to inspire my dream of pursuing a PhD.
Even after my master’s, her support never wavered. I remember receiving my first job offer and immediately sending it to her for feedback, knowing she would guide me with the same care and honesty she always has.
Today, I carry her teachings with me in everything I do. In my role as a humanitarian and MEAL officer at Oxfam Canada, I focus on education in emergencies, working to ensure gender-responsive and inclusive education for refugees, internally displaced children, and learners with disabilities in South Sudan and Uganda. The research principles she instilled in me, especially around “do no harm” and centering local voices, continue to guide my work, whether I am developing proposals for emergency responses or shaping programs that reflect the realities of communities on the ground.
Her commitment to equity, justice, and inclusive education has profoundly shaped my own approach. She created classrooms that were diverse, thoughtful, and challenging, spaces that pushed us to think critically, question systems, and embrace decolonial approaches to partnership and conflict resolution.
Today, I try to carry that legacy forward. In Canada, I am honored to have been recognized by Cooperation Canada as one of the Black changemakers, innovators, and disruptors in international cooperation. I also work with young leaders, facilitating climate justice workshops, creating spaces for conversations on Black ancestries and knowledge systems, and supporting Black women in environmental leadership.
All of this work, everything I strive to do, is deeply rooted in the values she has passed on to me.
She always made me feel that my voice mattered. That it was important. That it belonged. And I can only hope that one day, I will become even half the educator, mentor, and human being that she is.“
— Radia Mbengue
“My wish to all students is to experience the care and knowledge of Dr. O’Brien. I’ve learned immensely from her in and outside of the classroom, she’s one of those rare professors that goes above and beyond for others no matter how much time has passed. In her role as ISCOR director, I know the program will continue to prosper and grow under her strong and thoughtful leadership.“
— Tori Luna
Mentorship That Extends Beyond Graduation
Dr. O’Brien’s mentorship often continues beyond students’ time at the university. Many former students have pursued careers in academia, research, and global organizations, building on the foundation developed during their studies.
Layan Amkieh represents the kind of student whose connection to the International Security and Conflict Resolution program does not end at graduation, but evolves into continued service and leadership. After completing her studies, she returned to San Diego State University to support an interfaith dialogue group originally initiated by ISCOR students under the guidance of Dr. Cheryl O’Brien. Her continued involvement reflects both the strength of the community built within the program and the lasting influence of mentorship that encourages students to stay engaged in meaningful work beyond their academic years.
“Professor O’Brien was more than an educator; her passion gave us hope whilst studying the most devastating facts about humanity. She challenged us to be better people, look inwards and check our intentions to why we are doing the work that we do? Why do we care? How our role as a singular person makes an impact, and not stopping at knowing the academic content. These are lessons that shape a generation, and impact all of us beyond any classroom can.“
Amkieh’s experience highlights a defining element of ISCOR, its ability to move students beyond theory and into spaces of real-world connection, reflection, and action. Through initiatives like interfaith dialogue, students are not only learning about global challenges, but actively engaging in the kind of conversations and bridge-building efforts that those challenges require. Her return to support this work underscores how the program cultivates a sense of responsibility that extends beyond personal achievement, reinforcing a commitment to community, empathy, and sustained impact.
A former commuter student from Tijuana, Dr. Estefanía Castañeda Pérez’s journey reflects the cross-border experiences and academic pathways shaped through perseverance, hard work, intelligence, and mentorship. Beginning as a commuter student from Tijuana, Estefanía remained closely connected to Cheryl throughout her academic journey at SDSU and beyond, building upon a foundation that led her to become an Assistant Professor of Political Science at USC.
“Dr. Cheryl O’Brien embodies excellence in her mentorship, kindness, and an inspirational leadership. When I had doubts about my own capabilities, Dr. O’Brien provided affirming and empathetic support. Since 2014, she has remained an important presence in my life, consistently sharing research and professional opportunities.
When Dr. Cheryl O’Brien came to visit me and my family in Tijuana, it meant the world that she came to a city that played an important part of my personal and academic development. My mother was also able to express to her, in person, our mutual gratitude for her continuous support. I have learned so much from Dr. O’Brien and I feel very lucky to remain to be in community with her.”
— Dr. Estefanía Castañeda Pérez
Recognized as a Kroc School Women PeaceMaker at the University of San Diego, Dr. Estefanía Castañeda Pérez’s work continues to explore issues connected to the San Diego – Tijuana region, bringing both academic insight and lived experience into her research. Dr. Castañeda Pérez’s path represents more than individual success; it highlights what is possible when mentors support students navigating complex circumstances. Dr. Castañeda Pérez herself serves as a powerful role model for young Latinas, cross-border students, and First Generation scholars pursuing similar journeys.
Bogdan Matuszynski, a 2016 ISCOR graduate, reflects the lasting impact of Dr. Cheryl O’Brien’s mentorship and her commitment to relationships that extend well beyond graduation. Through her guidance and support, she helped shape his academic path and sense of direction, contributing directly to opportunities such as the SDSU Quest for the Best Award, a Fulbright Teaching Grant in Madrid, Spain, a Rotary Peace Fellowship, and participation in the Hansen Leadership Institute at the University of San Diego that were made possible through her mentorship.
During his Quest for the Best speech, Bogdan shared something Dr. O’Brien had never known. At one point, he had nearly left school due to a personal crisis, and it was her genuine care and belief in him during that time that among other factors helped him stay, rebuild, and move forward.
Today, Bogdan remains engaged with SDSU, supporting current students by sharing resources, collaborating with faculty, and helping create opportunities that connect academic learning with real-world experience. His work, including the development of iSERVE, focuses on helping others access educational pathways, leadership development, and global opportunities.
His experiences conducting research, studying, or working in over 50 countries, including providing educational support in the United States, Mexico, Egypt, Syria, Spain, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Thailand, and Canada, as well as online, reflect a continued commitment to service and community impact. He credits the lessons learned in the ISCOR program and specifically the values of acts of service and acts of kindness he carries with him, instilled by Dr. Cheryl O’Brien.
Bogdan’s ongoing service, including contributions to local and global initiatives and recognition through honors, such as the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow distinction, the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and Congressional Recognition for efforts toward supporting Model United Nations education, reflects the broader influence of Dr. Cheryl O’Brien’s mentorship, in that students are encouraged not only to succeed, but to give back and support others along the way.
“Dr. Cheryl O’Brien is one of the kindest, pragmatic, worldly, and innovative leaders I have met in my life. I am blessed to have crossed paths with her. I didn’t just learn from her in class, I also received her invaluable mentorship during office hours and getting to know her beyond the classroom because she cares and goes above and beyond.
Her personalized dedication to sit down with me and customize her advice and supporting me in so many different ways is why I was successful during my time at SDSU. I carry her teachings, commitment to serving global communities, and guidance post-graduation in all that I do. Her contributions to us as students has been PRICELESS! I am forever grateful to her and the ISCOR program.”
— Bogdan Matuszynski
Dr. O’Brien’s ongoing support reflects a long-term commitment to student development, with mentorship that extends beyond formal academic timelines.
“As a young feminist, taking Dr. O’Brien’s ISCOR 300 course was a defining moment for me. Up to that point, many of my perspectives regarding the importance of gendered analysis, in both interpersonal relationships and academic settings, had been either outright dismissed or not taken seriously. Learning from an accomplished, truly feminist scholar who combines a rigorous examination of the empirical data with the lived realities of violence and inequality faced by women shaped my personal and professional trajectory.
Dr. O’Brien provided me with invaluable research experience through an international NGO focused on implementing domestic legislation in line with international agreements on the status of women. She believed in my potential, and from there, I was able to enter a graduate program where I served as her TA and won study abroad programs for which she guided my research. Most rewardingly, this past semester, I began teaching the very same ISCOR 300 course I took with Dr. O’Brien at the age of 19.
This full-circle moment means so much to me, and I aspire to be the kind of researcher, teacher, mentor, and true feminist that Dr. O’Brien is. Above all, she is a committed global citizen who leads with a genuine love for making our world a better place. She never fails to challenge her students, including myself, and I have grown significantly from grappling with difficult intellectual and moral questions alongside her. Now, as a lecturer at SDSU, I see students’ faces light up when they speak about her; she is deeply respected and loved. SDSU, the wider San Diego community, and the world at large are all better off having Dr. O’Brien in them.“
— Maria Voss
Additionally, here is another kind sentiment from another ISCOR alumna, Naomi Moore:
“Cheryl believed in me before I believed in myself. By pointing me toward opportunities I wasn’t sure I qualified for, and watching me earn them, she built a confidence in me that I carry to this day.
Her investment never stopped at the classroom door: she reviewed scholarship essays, connected me to opportunities throughout my undergraduate career, and continued writing letters of recommendation into graduate school and beyond. That support helped me earn the Critical Language Scholarship, Quest for the Best, get published in SDSU’s undergraduate research journal, and more.
She also shaped how I think. Her classes sparked my passion for both quantitative and qualitative research, she taught me that data tells part of the story, but you need multiple perspectives to understand the full picture (or, as she says, “it’s all about the nuance!”). That perspective is what led me from the private sector to nonprofit work focused on developing leaders across the globe. I would not be who I am today without Dr. O’Brien’s continued guidance and support.“
— Naomi Moore
A Lasting Impact on Students and the Program
Over time, Dr. O’Brien’s work has contributed to the culture and identity of the program she now leads. Students frequently describe her as supportive, knowledgeable, and dependable, highlighting the consistency of her engagement.
For many, her influence has played a role in shaping their academic direction and professional aspirations. This type of impact, while not always formally measured, is reflected in the experiences and outcomes of those she has mentored.
A Reflection Shared by Many Students
Across different student experiences, a common theme emerges: her presence as an educator has contributed to both academic growth and personal development, helping students build confidence in their abilities and future paths.
“Mentoring is hard to quantify, but it is one of the most important things we can do. We are interdependent, and we need to invest in one another,” — Dr. Cheryl O’Brien
Taken together, these stories reflect something larger than individual success. They point to a pattern, one where mentorship, consistency, and belief in others create ripple effects that extend far beyond the classroom.
“Dr. O’Brien is one of those rare individuals whose presence brings genuine light into the lives of others. She goes above and beyond for everyone she encounters, students, faculty, and alumni alike, always making the time to support, guide, and uplift. She is the ideal choice to lead as Director of the International Security & Conflict Resolution Program, where she will continue to inspire, empower, and drive meaningful impact within the community.”
— Adonia Torres
“I chose to pursue a master’s degree in Political Science at SDSU. Having already taken undergraduate courses in both Political Science and ISCOR, I knew I was in an environment that encouraged critical thinking and meaningful engagement with real-world issues.
What truly made my experience so impactful, though, was the mentorship I received from Dr. O’Brien. Having professors who are not only committed to their research but also deeply invested in their students gave me the support and confidence needed to grow as a scholar. From the beginning, Dr. O’Brien supported my research interests and created a space where I felt valued and taken seriously as both a student and a person. She genuinely cares about her students, not just in terms of their academic growth, but also their overall well-being. That kind of support is rare in academia, and it has shaped how I hope to mentor students in the future.
I feel genuinely prepared to take the next step in my academic journey. As I begin my PhD in Education in Fall 2026, I carry with me the knowledge and sense of direction that I gained during my time at SDSU.”
— Maria Shoka
Tyler Paulo, ISCOR (CGS) Class of 2026 also wrote:
“Dr. O’Brien was my first professor in the ISCOR major as a recent transfer from another program. In her class, Conflict & Conflict Resolution, Professor O’Brien knew each and every one of our names, an exceptional quality in a professor who teaches about 50 students per class. Professor O’Brien gives her students the confidence they need to succeed in an academic environment, imbuing valuable critical thinking skills through her lessons. Beyond the classroom, Prof. O’Brien was a major influence on my path to publishing in the SDSU Splice academic journal and presenting at S3, for which she mentored me. She also cosigned my admission to the Mundt Peace Fellowship and the Global Peace Summit at the UN conference center in Bangkok.
These experiences have enabled me to pursue my MIA at UCSD this fall. Her mentorship is exceptional, and her engaging approach to teaching inspires those around her, which reflects the quality of the ISCOR program. Above all, her empathy is one that goes above and beyond any professor I have met, and is an aspect anyone should aspire to achieve. This care for students is a common theme within ISCOR, and with Professor O’Brien as Director, the program is in great hands. They say that it takes a village, and for ISCOR majors, Dr. Cheryl O’Brien is at the heart of it; SDSU is very lucky to have her.”
– Tyler Paulo
Another student shared the following about the rarity of this type of mentorship she received from Dr. O’Brien:
“Dr. O’Brien has played an instrumental role in both my academic and professional development. Her courses in ISCOR and Political Science at SDSU were among my favorites and the most formative of my undergraduate experience. Not only did they introduce me to essential issues regarding gender and conflict resolution, but they also challenged me to think critically and hold myself to a higher standard. Dr. O’Brien is an exceptional professor in part due to her genuine desire to see her students succeed. She provided me with thoughtful guidance on career paths after graduation, and years later, she remains a consistent source of support and encouragement as I continue to pursue my professional goals.
The kind of invested and lasting mentorship Dr. O’Brien offers is rare, and any student would be fortunate to learn from her. Additionally, I am so grateful to have gained Dr. O’Brien as a role model. As an intelligent, accomplished, and compassionate woman working in the field of international relations, she showed me what was possible and expanded my idea of what I hope to achieve. I genuinely cannot imagine being where I am today without her influence.”
— Jessie Dickter
Since graduating from San Diego State University in 2019 with a degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution, Jessie Dickter continued to build a path defined by service and impact. Jessie went on to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, working in the Youth and Families Development sector, supporting community-based initiatives focused on education, resilience, and long-term opportunity. That experience further deepened Jessie’s commitment to advocacy, ultimately leading to the pursuit of a law degree at the University of New Mexico, focusing on immigration and workers’ rights, areas that directly reflect the values and global awareness cultivated during their time in ISCOR. Jessie Dickter’s journey underscores how mentorship, when sustained and intentional, can continue shaping purpose-driven careers long after graduation.
“Dr. O’Brien was incredibly supportive during my time as a student, and through her course and office hours, I gained a deeper understanding of not only the material in Gender and Politics (POLS535), but I also became a more confident learner. Her classes were digestible yet still rich in content, as she pushed our class to be the best students we could be individually. Outside of the classroom, she regularly shared opportunities, kept her door open to help students work through questions and challenging topics, and showed up for important moments when possible, such as attending my first panel presentation (which I was able to join through a connection she provided!). She also took the time to talk through my interests and post-undergraduate options, which helped me narrow my path. Her support played a significant role in shaping my undergraduate experience, and I continue to use what she taught me to navigate life after graduation.”
— Lorraine Gadsden
“Professor O’Brien had an enormous impact on the trajectory my life has taken. When I first arrived at SDSU, I thought my dream was to become a writer in television and film. All it took was two ISCOR classes (one with Dr. Allen Greb and one, of course, with Dr O’Brien) to completely change that path. She was the first person to encourage me to apply to a master’s program at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where I will be graduating in just a few short weeks. My passion for international security and for contributing to a better future has been shaped by her guidance like no one else. As a woman pursuing a career in this field, having someone like Dr. O’Brien as a mentor made a tremendous difference and showed me what thoughtful, principled leadership can look like. Her support helped lead me to Washington, DC, where I now work in business diplomacy and am writing my thesis on Russian nuclear signaling in the war in Ukraine. What has always stood out most, though, is the way she believes in her students, guiding us through our undergraduate years and continuing to support us long after we graduate. I truly would not be where I am today without her.”
— Jessica Hoffman
Why Dr. Cheryl O’Brien’s Work Matters in Today’s Context
In a rapidly changing global environment, the ability to understand complex issues and engage across differences is no longer optional, it is essential. Dr. Cheryl O’Brien’s work prepares students to step into that reality with clarity, discipline, and a grounded understanding of how global challenges are experienced at the human level.
At the center of that work is a deeply diverse student community, representing a wide range of lived experiences, identities, disciplines, and perspectives, from cross-border and first-generation students to those navigating entirely different personal and professional paths. In that environment, global issues stop being abstract. They become personal, shaped by dialogue, experience, and perspectives that cannot be replicated in isolation.
Her approach brings together academic rigor and real-world insight, shaping individuals who can move beyond analysis and engage meaningfully in spaces where decisions carry real consequences. What she is building cannot be measured by titles or individual outcomes alone. Its impact is reflected in the trajectories it sets in motion, in the student who finds direction when they were ready to walk away, in the graduate who navigates borders with purpose, and in the confidence that evolves into leadership over time.
This is what defines ISCOR. It is not simply an academic program, it is a convergence point where different lived realities meet, challenge one another, and transform into the kind of perspective the world urgently needs. The need for this kind of preparation is immediate. And perhaps what is most often overlooked is that this work is already happening, quietly shaping individuals who will go on to influence policy, communities, and global systems. The question is no longer whether it matters, but whether more people are willing to support it, engage with it, and be part of building what comes next.
Learn More About the ISCOR Program
ISCOR Program: https://iscor.sdsu.edu/
Support ISCOR: https://philanthropy.sdsu.edu/ISCOR
Some programs teach knowledge. This one prepares people to walk into the world’s most complex conflicts and help shape what peace looks like on the other side. The International Security and Conflict Resolution (ISCOR) program at San Diego State University is an interdisciplinary academic program focused on understanding and addressing complex global challenges.
This recognition is part of the March 2026 San Diego Weekly Standouts Series honoring leaders shaping San Diego, California, the Cali-Baja region, and communities connected to the region around the world.
San Diego Weekly Standouts | March 2026 Honoree
About the San Diego Standouts Series
The San Diego Standouts Series from San Diego Weekly highlights individuals whose leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and service are helping shape the future of San Diego, California, the Cali-Baja region, and communities connected to the region around the world.
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Profiles featured in the San Diego Standouts Series are selected by the San Diego Weekly editorial team to highlight individuals whose leadership and service are helping shape San Diego and the Cali-Baja region. The Editor’s Choice is for individuals whose impact on San Diego and the broader region is undeniable: the founders redefining industries, the advocates transforming communities, and the visionaries building what comes next. Past and current considerations include civic leaders, nonprofit founders, tech entrepreneurs, educators, creatives, and cultural icons across the San Diego and Cali-Baja region. These editorial recognitions are independent features and honors, there is no fee required to be selected.
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