Sandra E.K.Y. Tombe
Dr. Sandra Tombe brings nearly nine years of experience at the intersection of academia, policy engagement, and peacebuilding practice to the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS). Prior to joining ACUNS, Sandra served as Affiliate Faculty at the Center for Peacemaking Practice at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, where her research focused on migration and displacement as well as the implications of artificial intelligence in the Global South. Prior to her time at Mason, Sandra was a Research Program Officer on the Learning, Evaluation, and Research team at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). In this role, she led and managed research initiatives and advised thematic and regional teams on research design, methodology and ethics, monitoring and evaluation, and learning.
During her time at USIP, Sandra published pieces on multilateral regional organizations and managed Peacemaking in a Turbulent World, a multi-stakeholder initiative examining contemporary peacemaking and the evolving roles of the United States and the United Nations within it. She also supported implementation of the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in Papua New Guinea, co-leading consultations with Papuan academics, women’s organizations, youth groups, and local government actors.
Sandra has extensive teaching experience across several institutions and organizations. Between 2015 and 2025, she taught French at the University of Louisville, conflict and conflict resolution at George Mason University, research methods in international affairs at George Washington University, and English at Great Mission International, Togo. Trained in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, Sandra has published her research on civil war and migration in peer-reviewed journals.
Sandra is an engaged community member. She serves as Board Member of Innovations in Peacebuilding International, as Advisor for the Foundation for Strategic Engagement, and is actively involved with South Sudanese diasporas in the United States. Sandra served as ACUNS Board Director from June 2025 to March 2026.
Sandra holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Conflict Resolution from George Mason University, a master’s degree in French from the University of Louisville, and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and French from Berea College. Sandra calls Juba, South Sudan, the first of many homes and she is fluent in Arabic, Juba Arabic, Bari, English, and French.
Seife Ayalew Asfaw
Dr. Seife Ayalew Asfaw is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience in governance, human rights, conflict research, and public policy. He completed his Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University and is currently serving as a Program Director for the African Civic Leadership Program (ACLP) and as a Senior Research, Policy and Strategic Partnership Advisor at the Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC). In addition to his institutional roles, he undertakes a range of teaching, policy advisory, research, and consultancy assignments supporting governments, civil society organizations, international partners, and regional initiatives with IGAD and its member states on governance, peace, and conflict-related issues.
His expertise spans political economy analysis, conflict analysis, democratic governance, civil society and institutional development, and applied policy research, supporting a wide range of international donors, research institutions, and think tanks. He has extensive experience conducting comprehensive research, developing evidence-based policy recommendations, designing and leading governance and institutional development initiatives, and communicating research findings through publications and public presentations. He is committed to advancing democratic governance, social justice, and evidence-informed policymaking that contributes to the betterment of society.