About Us
Our Mission Statment
The American University of Rome International Relations and Global Politics club is proud to announce The Forum, a pioneering student-led journal in international relations. First of its kind at AUR, The Forum is dedicated to fostering critical dialogue on topics surrounding global affairs through the power of critical inquiry and philosophical spirit of epistemology which aims to differentiate between opinion and justified belief. The Forum represents the culmination of multiple high achieving, highly motivated, individuals that, without their contributions, would not exist in the form it does now.
Meet our Team
The leaders and staff behind The AUR Forum
Program Director
Dr. Irene Caratelli
Doctor Caratelli is a professor and head of the International Relations and Global Politics department at AUR. She is responsible for launching the Special Guest Seminar Series on International Relations, which complement course lectures by giving students opportunity to encounter, listen and address professionals coming from different fields (e.g. academia, policy, diplomacy, and media) on contemporary IR-related issues.
IRGP President
Christopher Teixeira
Chris is a senior at the American University of Rome and President of the International Relations & Global Politics club as well as the founder of the AUR Culture Club and AUR Debate Society. Fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian. Chris is a dual Brazilian and United States citizen with a natural gift for gab. When not cooly connecting the academic community in Rome, he is on fire for CR Flamengo.
Editor in Chief
Nicholas Uhrich
Nick is a senior at the American University of Rome, majoring in International Relations with a double minor in Economics and Peace and Conflict Studies. One of the founding members of the AUR Forum, he is also the founder as well as President of the AUR Checkmate Club. Nick is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard with a natural inclination toward leadership.
Managing Editor
Lavinia Farina
Lavinia is a junior majoring in International Relations while pursuing double a minor in Economics as well as Peace and Conflict Studies at the American University of Rome. Lavinia is a Deputy Director for the upcoming 2026 conference hosted by AUR titled "The EU After Pax Americana" and is fluent in Italian, Arabic, English and Spanish.
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Graphic Designer
Isabella Befring
Isabella is a sophomore majoring in Archeology with a minor in Global Heritage at the American University of Rome. Even though she is an archaeology major, she knows more than just facts about pretty things, old things, and pretty old things. She also knows a thing or two about pretty new things and has an eye for the little extra details.
Lead Journalist
Monet Breyfogle
Monet is a junior majoring in Communications with a minor in English Writing at the American University of Rome. Her passion for politics influences her writing to focus on war, diplomacy, and the human cost of political decisions.
Field Journalist
Anya Eichenlaub
Anya is a sophomore majoring in International Relations with a minor in Communications at the American University of Rome. She is a member of the International Relations & Global Politics Club and AUR Debate Society. When she’s not writing for The Forum she can be found on a weekend adventure, taking a million pictures, and engaging with the political scene in her hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. Upon graduation from AUR she intends to pursue a career as a political journalist.
Copy Editor
Greckelyn Vega
Greckelyn Madelaine Vega Bolaños is a sophomore at the American University of Rome, majoring in International Relations with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. She is an active member of the AUR Debate Society and the International Relations & Global Politics Club. She is a Mexican citizen who brings a strong multicultural perspective and is full of passion. Greckelyn is fluent in English as well as Spanish and excels in collaborative cross cultural initiatives.
Photo Journalist
Zachary Chavez
Zach is a junior at the American University of Rome and founder of the IRGP Model United Nations club. He practices photography for the AUR Checkmate Club, AUR Forum, and will be covering the upcoming conference: The EU Post Pax Americana. Zach is double majoring in Film Production and International Relations with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies.
Copy Editor
Mihajilo Gucunja
Mihajilo is a freshman majoring in International Relations at the American University of Rome and is a member of the International Relations & Global Politics club.
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Photo Journalist
Carlos Balderas Rodriguez
Carlos is a freshman at the American University of Rome majoring in International Relations & Global Politics. His work as a photojournalist includes documenting the 2026 Women's Day protest in Rome as well as documenting "The EU After Pax Americana" conference meeting with the United Nations Development Program. Carlos is our most active member in the field, taking the opportunity to jump at any and all major events in Rome.
Copy Editor
Nolawit Belete
Nola is a freshman majoring in International Relations at the American University of Rome. Her previous work includes acting as a Social Justice Reporter for the Ethiopian Reporter and most recently participated in "The EU After Pax Americana" hosted by AUR. Driven by unyielding curiosity, Nola chose to move to Rome after spending her life engaged with her community in Ethiopia. She is fluent in English, Amharic, and is currently learning Italian.
Social Media Manager
Dasha Budonna
Website Designer
Nichole Reed
Nichole is a senior at the American University of Rome, majoring in Archaeology and Classics with a minor in Museum Studies. She has been an active member in many events and clubs, planning and executing the yearly Saturnalia and Floralia events, chartering and president of the Veterans Club, active member of the Dramatic Arts Program. She created this website as one of her final contributions to AUR