Melodi Var Ongel

Melodi Var Öngel is a humanitarian, researcher, and musician whose work bridges human rights and the arts. She holds a B.A. in Social Science and Music from Bennington College and an M.S. in Human Rights from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Syracuse University.

Prior to her doctoral studies, Melodi worked with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), gaining experience in human rights research and practice. She has also designed and led peacebuilding projects in conflict-affected communities, supported by the Davis Projects for Peace.

Her research focuses on peace and conflict studies, human rights, and law, with particular attention to peacebuilding in frozen conflicts and divided societies, as well as collective action movements.

Alongside her academic work, Melodi is an accomplished musician. In 2019, she delivered an acclaimed TEDx talk on her documentary songwriting project in Cyprus, Songs Across Boundaries. Through this work, she explores how storytelling and music can foster communication and help imagine alternative futures.