National Peace Essay Contest
Staff Biographies

Heather Kerr-Stewart is the program manager of the National Peace Essay Contest at the United States Institute of Peace. She holds a Master's of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and a B.A. in international relations from West Virginia Wesleyan College. Heather also studied at the London School of Economics and participated in an economic field study of Russia, Ukraine, and Latvia. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, gardening, volunteering at the Warner Theater, and playing tennis.

Janice Hoggs is administrative assistant in the Education Program of the United States Institute of Peace. Prior to joining the Institute, she served as program assistant at the World Resources Institute. She has also served as assistant to the Head of the Investment Office at the International Monetary Fund, and as staff assistant at the Washington Office on Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Humanities from Messiah College.

Erik Knollenberg is a program instructor for the National Peace Essay Contest awards program. He works as a Program Associate for Educational and Visitor Services at Meridian International Center. Erik holds a B.S. in International Studies from Michigan State University. Additionally, he has studied at the University of Zimbabwe and with Yale University in Tanzania. Apart from living in Australia, Erik has traveled to Hong Kong and Japan, and throughout Africa and the Caribbean. His hobbies and interests include languages, museums, soccer, friends and ethnic foods.

Christine Anderson is a program instructor for the National Peace Essay Contest awards program. She works full time as Deputy Director for Educational and Visitor Services at Meridian International Center. She has an M.A. in education from the University of Virginia and has a B.A. in international relations from Wheaton College. Christine also spent a year studying at the London School of Economics. She is an avid traveler and has spent time in Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, Latin America and every US state except Alaska. Christine's hobbies include boxercise, jogging, and ethnic foods. Christine organizes and volunteers for the Meridian Tutoring program and the Global Education Network. She enjoys spending time with her golden retriever Chelsea.

Leelai Demoz is a program instructor for the National Peace Essay Contest awards program. Currently he lives in New York City and is an actor and producer. Leelai graduated from Northwestern University with a B.S. in Speech. He began acting professionally as a child and has appeared on stages worldwide. He has also appeared on numerous television shows. He is currently producing a film about the South African singing group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Leelai's hobbies include playing drums and practicing capoiera. Leelai loves to travel and has been to Europe, Africa, and Australia. His next trip will be to either Cuba or West Africa.

Mamie K. Murphy is a program instructor for the National Peace Essay Contest awards program. She works as a Program Associate for Educational and Visitor Services at Meridian International Center. Mamie holds a M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico. She has worked as a teacher in New Mexico, Germany, Guam and Alaska. Apart from living in Germany, Guam and Australia, Mamie has traveled throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the United States. Her hobbies and interests include traveling, hiking, running, reading and watching movies.