Gergana Halpern

Gergana Halpern brings extensive experience in program management and academic administration, with a background in law, research, and advocacy. She joined the Institute for the Study of Human Rights in 2014 and has held various roles with ISHR's Education Program since then. Most recently as Director of Education, she oversaw daily operations and managed all aspects of the Institute’s graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs. She spearheaded academic and administrative policies focused on supporting teaching and fostering student success, academic excellence, and outstanding educational outcomes. She oversaw sustained programmatic growth, leading and executing innovative program evaluation, curriculum development, and alumni engagement initiatives. Under her leadership, the Education Program also expanded career mentoring, skills-building, and research and experiential opportunities for students.

Prior to joining the Institute, Gergana served in research, advocacy, and campaigning roles at Amnesty International’s USA and UN offices, working on issues of migration, maternal health, and socio-economic rights, and at the Scholars at Risk Network at NYU, where she engaged in legal advocacy around academic freedom.

Gergana holds a J.D. in International and Comparative Law (Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law) and a B.A. in International Studies and Political Science (Ramapo College). She is an avid reader of Science Fiction and a newly minted swimming enthusiast.