“The Perfect Mentor”

Excellence in Faculty Research

Fulbright scholar and PhD candidate Houyame Hakmi is studying at Fairfield for a six-month period under the mentorship of Alfred Babo, PhD, associate professor of sociology and anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Hakmi is a passionate advocate for change and the founder of two NGOs dedicated to youth development and advancing the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals in her homeland of Morocco.

Her research, titled “The Effectiveness of the African Union in Managing Intra- State Conflicts: A Case Study of Mali,” focuses on the West African nation as it grapples with ongoing conflict. Through her exploration of African conflict prevention mechanisms, diplomatic efforts, and strategic frameworks, Hakmi aims to uncover insights that could help Mali and other African countries develop more effective approaches to conflict resolution and prevention.

Passionate about her project and the need for change, she said, “Even if my research leads to just 0.001 percent progress in discussions or actions, I would do it.”

Growing up in Morocco, Hakmi frequently engaged in discussions with her father about the political conflicts and socio-economic challenges facing the West African region. These conversations, combined with her history classes, sparked a profound interest in the socio-political climate of the continent and set her on a path of exploration.

After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Mohammed IV Polytechnic University in Morocco, Hakmi began her PhD studies. She was introduced to Fairfield University and Dr. Babo while seeking partnership opportunities with American universities as part of Fulbright’s joint-supervision program. After exploring various options across the U.S., she determined that her focus on conflict prevention aligned with Dr. Babo’s expertise and life experiences, making him what she describes as “the perfect mentor.”

Dr. Babo grew up in the Ivory Coast, in the same West African region as Hakmi. A sociologist by training, his interdisciplinary areas of expertise span political anthropology, policy anthropology, and African studies. Having lived in the U.S. for twelve years, Dr. Babo brings valuable insights from his firsthand experiences of conflict in Africa, making him a key voice in conflict prevention research in the U.S., especially through his involvement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Regarding the complex political dynamics of the situation in Mali, Dr. Babo emphasized the importance of local voices. “Many countries are trying to fix the problem,” he said. “Who is listening to the Malians themselves?”

A collaborative environment with diverse experiences and backgrounds not only fosters intellectual growth but also sparks innovative thinking. As Hakmi delves into her research at Fairfield from the perspective of a political scientist, she has found Dr. Babo’s expertise as a sociologist and anthropologist instrumental in deepening her understanding of the issues at hand, allowing her to grasp complexities that extend beyond a purely political science lens. “It helps me look at my work from different angles,” she noted.

Dr. Babo reflected on the nature of their partnership, highlighting the significance of building relationships and interdisciplinary connections to expand one’s perspective. He noted that his decision to work at Fairfield was influenced by the collaborative environment. “At lunch, I can walk with someone from the English department,” he said, contrasting it with his experiences at other universities where departments tend to operate in silos.

Appreciative of the opportunity for open collaboration, Dr. Babo sees it as a significant asset for Hakmi’s time at Fairfield. “I encourage her to utilize all the resources available to her here,” he said. “We are grateful to Fairfield University for providing more than what other Fulbright awardees receive. Not everyone has the same opportunities she has here.”

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