Dr. Sara Balkh

Dr. Balkh began her legal training with a Bachelor of Laws from Islamic Azad University (Kermanshah Branch) before completing a Master of International Law at Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University. She has contributed to peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and policy reports, and she has produced 300+ educational and policy-focused content pieces, including research-based articles, reports, and social media publications. 

In addition to her scholarship, Dr. Balkh has held leadership roles that bridge research, education, and program development. She currently serves as Director of the Human Rights Program for the United Nations Association—Orange County (UNA-OC), where she leads structured human rights education and research programming, including public-facing initiatives and social media publications. She also supervises interns from various universities, including UC Irvine, Soka University, and Chapman University, in producing research-informed content aligned with UN frameworks. Prior to this role, Dr. Balkh worked as a Human Rights Expert with the United Nations Association—Iran (UNA-Iran). Dr. Balkh also brings applied legal experience as an attorney, along with roles in legal advising and contracts. 

As a research mentor, Dr. Balkh has extensive experience guiding students and researchers in developing strong academic work, from refining research questions to producing well-structured, evidence-based papers. Her background includes contributing to policy reports, publications, and educational content, as well as collaborating with academic and institutional initiatives. She has supported students conducting research in numerous disciplines, including culture, media studies, gender & sexuality studies, human rights, international relations, legal studies, political science, and race/ethnic studies. 

Dr. Balkh’s mentoring approach is structured, practical, and student-centered. She helps students clarify complex ideas, build clear arguments, and use credible sources effectively. She adapts her guidance to each student, supporting beginners and more advanced researchers with the tools they need to succeed. Dr. Balkh is passionate about helping students build strong research, writing, and analytical skills that support their academic and professional goals.

A fun fact about Dr. Balkh is that she enjoys exploring how global issues connect to everyday life and finding ways to make complex ideas easier to understand.