China Affairs Forum
Meet our E-Board

President
Ryan Szafran
Ryan is a graduate student pursuing a degree in Security Policy while completing a Bachelor's in International Affairs and Physics. Before college, Ryan served as a Chinese Cryptologic Linguist in the U.S. Air Force where he learned to translate Mandarin and author intelligence products. He is particularly interested in studying how technology shapes global competition between powers.

Vice President
Ryan Peele
Ryan Peele is a rising junior majoring in International Affairs at the Elliott School, with a minor in International Business. He started at CAF as a newsletter contributor before becoming Social Media Director his sophomore year. He hopes to keep people more informed and engaged with China-related news and issues, and is particularly interested in Beijing’s efforts on the international stage as it seeks to gain more global influence.

Director of Operations
Michael Cinque
Mike Cinque is a senior at the Elliott School of International Affairs double majoring in International Affairs and Economics. He has previously worked as Director of Finance and Director of Research. Mike's research interests pertain to economics of energy infrastructure, particularly relating to Chinese renewables. He is working on a study measuring the relationship between solar energy infrastructure penetration and electricity price volatility with a time series econometric model.

Director of Finance
Muhan Li
Muhan Li is a rising sophomore at GW pursuing BA in International Affairs and Economics. Her academic interests include economic development in South Asia and the international relations of the Middle East, with a particular focus on Iran’s regional and global role. Originally from Tianjin, China, she also attended art school and has a background in fine arts.

Director of Social Media
Oliver Zulick

Director of Outreach
Jack Sepulvado

Director of Events
Keheng Li

Director of Research
Aiden Wegener
Aiden Wegener is a third year student at the Elliott School of International Affairs pursuing a Masters Degree in International Economic Policy with supporting Bachelor’s degrees in International Affairs and Economics. Aiden’s research interests focus on China’s comparative economic policy, particularly in the realm of regulation. Additionally, Aiden’s work experience was in the Taiwan sphere, and he is currently learning Japanese.

Director of Research
Chessie Dowdy
Chessie Dowdy is a senior majoring in Economics with a minor in Mathematics. Her current research is focused on the impact of exchange rates on Chinese outbound tourism. Outside of CAF, Chessie is involved with the Undergraduate Economics Society.

Director of Newsletter
Lindsey Spain

Director of Newsletter
Surya Ambatipudi
Surya Ambatipudi is an undergraduate student from San Diego, CA attending the George Washington University studying international affairs and international business. He is especially interested in policy and research surrounding China, South Asia, and European Union. Surya has studied abroad in France for a year and can speak English, French, Telugu, and Hindi.

Journal Chief Editor
Max Jackson
