Zehra is a Ph.D. student in Public Policy & Administration at the VCU Wilder School. While pursuing her studies, she also works as a graduate teaching assistant. Her research focuses on economic development and education policy with a focus on the impact of policies on Muslim communities and migrant populations. She previously served as a policy analyst at the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance. She earned a Master of International Affairs with a concentration in Economic and Political Development from Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs. She got her B.S. in business administration from Bilkent University, Turkiye.