Two undergraduate students from the Carter School, Lisa Misaki Gray and Christina Gizzi, presented their research at the 2026 Oxford Consortium for Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency Conference. The event took place March 23-29 at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. The students attended alongside Carter School professor Karina Korostelina, who was also a presenter. Their participation was supported by funding from Carter School donors.
Carter School Dean Alpaslan Özerdem said, “This is exactly the kind of life-changing experience we want our students to have. Opportunities like this expand their horizons, build confidence, and connect them to global conversations in ways that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom. I am deeply grateful to our donors whose generosity makes these transformative experiences possible.”
Gray and Gizzi applied after seeing an invitation in the Carter School newsletter and were selected following interviews with professors. Both expressed excitement about attending Oxford due to its reputation as one of the oldest universities and its unique architecture. Gray said, “Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. How could I not want to go!? The Secret History by Donna Tartt is also one of my favorite books… which made me even more excited to attend.” Gizzi added, “I was excited for the opportunity to learn from scholars at the historical university… I also love architecture, and the opportunity to see Harry Potter-esque architecture was very appealing.”
At the consortium, they presented “Silence Breakers in Our Local Communities: Advocacy and Local Peacebuilding,” focusing on empowering local peacebuilding efforts rather than relying solely on international organizations. They noted that successful peacebuilding starts with individuals: “Although communities have been given more agency, it is not enough… change must start within yourself.” Their presentation received positive feedback from attendees.
Korostelina praised her students’ work: “It was a thoughtful and compelling presentation… Their core message: ‘Peace starts with you,’ was both powerful and actionable.” She highlighted their systemic approach covering individual responsibility as well as organizational initiatives and social movements.
Both Gray and Gizzi reflected positively on their experience at Oxford University. Gray said she felt grateful for learning from guest speakers, faculty members, and fellow participants during her week there: “Everyone there had so much experience… It truly opened my eyes to how bright the world can be despite struggles we face.” Gizzi described it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity filled with new knowledge, friends, networks—and tea time.
