Conflict Resolution Conflict Mediation Session

Faculty in the Conflict Resolution program conduct research relating to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and trauma. Current research projects include:

Creative Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation (CPACT) Lab

The Creative Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Lab (CPACT), led by Dr. Mehmet Yavuz, is studying ways to promote peacebuilding, conflict transformation, reconciliation, and mediation. Students interested in developing research and praxis skills are welcome to join Dr. Yavuz’s lab as volunteers or paid research assistants (contingent on funding availability).

CPACT is specifically interested in:

  • Mobilizing communities to address issues in peaceful, transformative, and sustainable ways.
  • Examining the impacts of conflict on marginalized groups during and after periods of conflict.
  • Studying ethnic conflict and interethnic group conflicts.
  • Exploring Queer peacebuilding frameworks and their role in conflict transformation.
  • Studying rural queer activism and peacebuilding efforts.
  • Designing and implementing cultural and artistic interventions in peacebuilding, including storytelling, photovoice, and photo peace journalism.
  • Integrating Indigenous knowledge into reconciliation and peace processes.
  • Exploring youth participation in peacebuilding.
  • Understanding the effects of intergenerational trauma in post-conflict contexts.

Dr. Yavuz’s current research projects focus on rural pride activism, queer peacebuilding, and ethnic reconciliation. These include:

Exploratory Study on LGBTQIA+ Peace Activism and Struggles in Manhattan

This study, supported by a Peace and Justice Association mini grant, explores the experiences and perceptions of queer individuals living in the city of Manhattan, Kansas. The study’s goal is to deepen understanding of queer perspectives and help improve conditions for the community by examining the local Pride event.

Queer Peacebuilding and Reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This study investigates how LGBTQIA+ Bosniaks/Serbs/Croats navigate life in post-peace accord Bosnia while they work on peace activism to be more visible in the public and political context. The study aims to bring an interdisciplinary perspective through understanding the Bosnian conflict with a queer lens.

Research Faculty:

Mehmet Yavuz, Assistant Professor, Conflict Resolution

For more information or if you are interested in joining the lab, please email Dr. Yavuz.