Merlin B
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at Princeton University

Expertise

Public Policy, International Relations, International Security, East Asian International Relations, China Studies

Bio

Hello, I'm currently a PhD Candidate (ABD) at Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs. Academically, I attended the University of Hong Kong and West Point, the United States Military Academy. During these times, I focused on quantitative economics, international relations, and the Chinese language and culture. Professionally, I'm a Captain in the United States Army and have overseas military experience throughout the Middle East and the Asia Pacific. I focus on international relations, public policy, and international security in my professional life and academic research. I've conducted professional research both remotely and in the field, worked with think tanks and non-governmental organizations, and am currently working on my dissertation focused on the U.S.-China strategic relationship.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Competition or Cooperation? Prospects for the U.S.-China Strategic Relationship

This project would focus on examining the U.S.-China strategic relationship and its implications for future international peace and stability. This avenue of research examines political, economic, social, and military avenues of cooperation and competition. This is a bilateral dynamic that will shape the future of the international system and our way of life. I'm looking forward to learning together and growing our understanding of this critical relationship!

Coding skills

LaTex, R

Languages I know

Chinese (DLPT 2+/3, ACTFL 2+/2+ OPI), Korean (beginner)

Teaching experience

I've been fortunate to serve as a tutor and academic coach since 2004. I'm also an in-bound Instructor / Assistant Professor of International Affairs at West Point, the United States Military Academy. My past teaching/tutoring experience includes: mathematics, English and writing, international relations, public policy, and research design. 2022 - 2025: Instructor / Assistant Professor of International Relations 2021 - current: Polygence Tutor 2008 - 2012: College Reading and Learning Association Tutor 2004 - 2007: Literacy Center Tutor