In 2012, I was lucky enough to have been provided an Australian Post Graduate Award Scholarship to undertake a PhD at the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies. My PhD, which was recently completed, focused upon Iran’s political and economic relations with Tajikistan in the post-Soviet period.

I would like to thank CAIS, for providing me with considerable support and encouragement over these recent years. In particular, without Dr. Kirill Nourzhanov and Professor Amin Saikal’s guidance and expertise, I do not believe I could have achieved this accomplishment.

During my time at the Centre, I was given the opportunity to conduct six months of field work in Iran and Tajikistan, undertake Persian language studies, co-organise a post-graduate conference, and publish numerous articles and other pieces of academic work.

Prior to attending CAIS, I did not believe these things to be achievable and I feel truly indebted to the Centre’s staff and students. Undertaking my PhD, whilst challenging, has been considerably rewarding, both personally and professionally. A new realm of opportunities and career avenues have been opened to me in recent years and I would not hesitate to recommend any prospective student to conduct their post-graduate studies at CAIS.