The Department of Political Science is proud to recognize Karina Alpayeva, a second-year Ph.D. student, for earning an Honorable Mention in this year’s UC Riverside Grad Slam competition. Grad Slam is a UC-wide contest that challenges graduate students to present their research to a general audience in just three minutes — a test of both clarity and impact.

Karina’s presentation drew on her broader research interests in comparative political economy, the welfare state, and institutional development, areas she is deeply passionate about. Prior to joining UCR, Karina earned a master’s degree in Political Science from Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan. Her thesis explored how state capacity influences foreign direct investment inflows in developing countries — an area of inquiry that continues to inform her current academic work.

Karina plans to complete her Ph.D. in 2028 and is already making important contributions to the department’s intellectual community. Her recognition at Grad Slam reflects not only the significance of her research but also her ability to communicate complex ideas in a compelling and accessible way.

Please join us in congratulating Karina on this well-deserved honor — and stay tuned for more updates on her research journey!