The Kogod Sustainability Review (KSR) is a student-run publication highlighting research and insights on cutting-edge topics in sustainability. Twice a year, the publication’s team gathers contributions from students, AU community members, and notable guest writers who address the intersection of sustainability with other sectors, including business, higher education, and public policy. Over its three issues, KSR has covered a wide range of topics and brought new insights to critical questions of environmental justice and sustainable development.
As the Kogod Sustainability Review prepares to launch its fourth issue, we’re excited to introduce the editor team that makes the publication possible.
Editor-in-chief Isabela Barriga (Kogod/MSSM ’24) is deeply passionate about environmental justice and the undeniable link between sustainability and social equity. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between environmental stewardship and equity, and she believes in advancing sustainability through the principles of a circular economy and nature-based solutions, always prioritizing inclusive decision-making and community autonomy to drive meaningful and lasting development. Outside of work, Isabela enjoys traveling, immersing herself in nature, and exploring museums and new coffee shops around the DC area.
As one of KSR’s managing editors, Sheik Azharuddin (Kogod/MSSM ’24) is deeply involved in the business aspects of the publication. He coordinates with editors to guarantee a seamless publication process and ensure that essential elements of the publishing process are completed. Sheik has a fervent passion for sustainability and is especially drawn to energy and climate finance, as he recognizes the critical role energy plays in both human survival and environmental impact and actively engages with discussions and initiatives that address the energy sector's challenges. Sheik enjoys exploring DC’s vibrant cityscape, experimenting in the kitchen, and immersing himself in music.
Managing editor Fielding Burnette (WCL ’25) is an international dual-degree candidate at American University’s College of Law and the Faculty of Law at Université Paris Nanterre. He holds a BA in French, Economics, and German from the University of Puget Sound. Fielding’s research and professional experience focuses on mitigating the negative effects of economic globalization. Through his internships and academic work, he leverages international private law to support transnational corporate accountability litigation. In his free time, Fielding enjoys bouldering, sailing with his dad, and grabbing coffee with his friends.
KSR editor Deanna Alsbeti (WCL ’25) has a diverse set of responsibilities for the publication, ranging from proofreading and content editing to fact-checking and content planning. She loves the collaborative process of working with authors to put a KSR issue together and finds it especially rewarding to see her colleagues’ ideas come to life in print. Deanna believes in the power of fostering long-lasting peace through environmentally conscious, socially inclusive practices and is passionate about the potential of sustainable peacebuilding to address immediate conflict, create resilient communities, protect natural resources, and promote social justice. Deanna’s interests are just as diverse, including Pilates, drawing, and taking long walks through nature.
Editor Rida Hameed (CAS ’26) helps review and evaluate articles to provide constructive feedback to their authors. Her involvement with the publication stems from her interest in topics at the intersection of climate change mitigation and poverty alleviation. She’s passionate about access to clean water and sanitation, food security and agriculture, and renewable energy. Rida likes to read, paint, and explore the city in her free time.
Jheelum Sarkar (CAS ’27) is a KSR editor responsible for ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to the publication’s guidelines in each published article. She collaborates with authors and editorial board members to develop compelling content and is deeply involved in the publication process, including manuscript submission and peer review. Jheelum is passionate about addressing climate change vulnerability and adaptation, especially involving its intersection with gender dynamics; she strongly believes that tackling these issues can support the sustainable development goals contributing to climate action, promoting gender equality, and building resilient, equitable societies. Jheelum spends her free time reading books, watching old movies, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, and staying updated on current trends in economics literature.
Editor Akhil Reddy Devarakonda (Kogod/MSSM ’25) has experience working as a brand strategist in the IT sector, and he currently works as a research assistant supporting Kogod’s Made in America Auto Index. He is passionate about sustainability and has a particular focus on energy transition, circular economy, and climate technology. Akhil is an avid backpacker with a strong interest in different cultures, and he enjoys finding moments to escape and explore new places.
Learn more about the Kogod Sustainability Review here and check out the upcoming fourth issue of the publication in December!