This edition of From Our Eyes features Ojeikere Akhadelor (’25 MA International Studies) who attended the “Beyond the Data” lecture and interactive workshop with Justin Richmond, Founder & Executive Director of IMPL. Project (IMPL. is short for “implementation”). The event, sponsored by the MA in International Studies program, delved into how studying data analytics, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving techniques could lead to impactful careers globally.

Justin Richmond

Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is committed to providing students with opportunities to learn from accomplished professionals and gain practical skills necessary for their future career prospects. The presentation and workshop with Justin Richmond, Founder & Executive Director of IMPL. Project and expert in community-led initiatives presented an excellent opportunity for students to gain firsthand insights into building a career in development by leveraging skills such as project management, data analysis, and cross-cultural communication.

The key takeaways from the introductory lecture were: the need to effectively engage communities in development projects, the necessity of culturally sensitive approaches in diverse regions, and the importance of combining quantitative and qualitative data to guide decision-making.

During the first event, Richmond shared his personal journey in the field of international development, discussing his early military career milestones as a special operations soldier in the army, where he served until 2010, and how it impacted his research role of evidence-based data-driven approach and offering guidance to students interested in similar paths. He shared real-world examples of how his organization has applied data analytics, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving techniques to implement impactful initiatives that address the fisheries challenges in the South China Sea. This involved mitigating issues like overfishing by large-scale commercial vessels and empowering locals to adopt sustainable practices.

In his second follow-up event, Richmond hosted a workshop in collaboration with Dr. Andrea Molle’s (MAIS, Political Science, Sociology) Research Design course. The workshop allowed students to engage in collaborative exercises that mirrored real-world scenarios by identifying key research questions and designing actionable intervention based on real-world scenarios. Students were tasked with considering challenges faced by impoverished fishing communities, such as economic desperation and lack of governmental support, draft survey questions, conduct focus groups, and propose practical solutions, like creating trade schools or improving local infrastructure. Participants analyzed case studies and proposed solutions to development challenges. Richmond guided the discussions, stressing the need for clear communication, teamwork, and adaptability in professional settings.

Throughout the workshop students worked through the following themes: Strategies for data collection and interpretation in resource-constrained environments, techniques for fostering community ownership of development projects, and overcoming challenges in managing multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Students who attended described both events as insightful and transformative. Workshop participants particularly appreciated the interactive nature of the workshop and the practical advice shared by Richmond.

“I found the event really interesting. It made me delve deeper into the research process and what perspectives I should take into consideration if I were to ever be on the field. I feel like since we’re in academia the perspectives/approaches may seem a little far-fetched, but being able to practice that process was really helpful,” said Sabrina Laib ’24 (Peace Studies and Political Science).