The Center for Community-Based Policing and Post-Conflict Police Reform is joined by four new interns this semester! Here is an introduction of Tomas, Garima, Franklina and Jacob.
Tomas Bue Kessel
Hello! My name is Tomas Bue Kessel. I am a second-year student enrolled into the International Relations Master’s program at the NMBU. Previously, I have a Bachelor’s in Global Studies from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. In my second semester at NMBU, I enrolled in the Community-Orientated Policing course. I found it interesting how policing ultimately has so much to with nation building and how it so clearly interconnects with a sustainable society. In my past education, I have explored thematic such as the importance of institutions, or democracy or proper governance for a functioning state, but hardly have I ever touched upon the topic of policing. Thus, the course was enlightening,- in that regard. It definitely caught my interest. As such, I am excited to be an intern at the ICT4COP Centre! I am looking forward to be a part of the Centre and partake in the various challenges and activities!
Garima Gautam
My name is Garima Gautam and I am from India. I am a Master's student in International Relations at NMBU. I have a Bachelor of Arts in English with Honors, as well as a minor in political science and public administration. I am thrilled to be an intern for the ICT4COP Center and eager to devote my time and efforts to it. This internship appeals to me as both a stimulating and rewarding opportunity. I must say that the course I took last spring inspired me greatly- EDS391-1 22V International Relations, Security, Conflict, and Development: Understanding Post-Conflict Police and Security Reform. In addition, I am an avid reader of conflict studies and a supporter of post-conflict security sector reforms. This course has given me a better understanding of the security industry. Furthermore, Professor Ingrid's passion for this course and Center is contagious, and as a result, I am equally enthusiastic about the topic of post-conflict scenarios and the collaborative efforts of police and community to bring about peace and stability. I am currently working on my thesis topic, which is women international police advisors’ experiences with gender initiatives and how this influences their work in their home countries. I am excited to be a part of all the exciting things that are yet to happen this semester and to align that with everything that I can contribute to.
Franklina Aku Mifetu
I am Franklina Aku Mifetu. I am a Ghanaian currently living in Norway. I moved to Norway in 2021 to pursue my Master’s in International Relations. I have previously obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. I have previously worked in law and administrative services. My interest in ICT4COP sparked as a result of taking EDS-391: Understanding Post-Conflict Police and Security Reform. The course is taught by Ingrid Louise Peck Nyborg who also heads the ICT4COP Center. Through this course, I came to the realisation of how crucial community-oriented policing is especially following the unfortunate events happening around us in present times. I am hopeful that through this internship I can greatly contribute to this Center by applying what I have been learning over the years. I believe this internship will help me acquire new insights into the emerging project at the ICT4COP Center. I am ready to entirely commit and contribute to the overall success of this Center.
Jacob Handegaard Skrogstad
My name is Jacob Handegaard Skrogstad. I come from Stjørdal, a city in North-Trønderlag, Norway. I have just finished my Bachelor’s in International Environment and Development Studies at Noragric, and am now starting my Master’s in International Relations! I am very passionate about SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions. The course and internship will give me valuable insights to how we can contribute to the security field internationally. During my Bachelor’s I was drawn towards the field of international relations with a focus on security. In my last semester of the Bachelor, I enrolled in EDS-391: Understanding Post-Conflict Police and Security Reform, a very engaging course illuminating the difficulties policing in post-conflict countries entail. In addition, I found the course to be interdisciplinary allowing me to use the skills attained in my Bachelor’s. Starting my Master’s, I was very lucky to get the ICT4COP Center internship already in my first semester! Looking forward to working with the team and my fellow interns and the ICT4COP team!