A Note on the Masthead

Over the summer, MERIP’s executive editor Katie Natanel rotated off the editorial team after three and a half years. Katie joined at the beginning of MERIP’s partnership with Exeter’s Institute for Arab and Islamic Studies, stepping into what was then a new position within the organization. Behind the scenes and throughout MERIP’s pages, she guided the publication through ten issues—beginning with the Politics and Passions of football surrounding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and ending with the spring 2025 issue, New Gender Frontlines. Alongside managing editor Marya Hannun, she brought care, attentiveness and deep commitment to MERIP’s mission. It was a true pleasure working with Katie, and MERIP is glad she will remain part of the intellectual community even as she pursues new projects at Exeter and beyond.

MERIP is also thrilled to introduce Katie’s successor, Billie Jeanne Brownlee. Billie Jeanne is a political scientist based at Exeter specializing in media, displacement, social movements and political mobilization across the region. Beyond her research, she has spent considerable time working with international organizations on migration and refugee issues. It has already been a fruitful partnership, and MERIP looks forward to continuing to collaborate with Billie Jeanne and Exeter.

Last but not least, MERIP warmly welcomes back Michelle Woodward, a former managing editor who has served as MERIP’s photo editor for many years and is now stepping into the role of staff editor. Michelle has been part of MERIP in various capacities for a long time, and the publication is eager to benefit from her skill and experience as it curates the magazine and other content on the new website. Simultaneously, MERIP extends sincere thanks to Alyssa Bivins and Michael Kaplan, two hard-working doctoral students at George Washington University, who assisted the editorial team over the past few years. They have been integral to MERIP’s production process and will be missed as they step back from editorial duties. MERIP wishes them the best of luck in their future endeavors.