ISHR is proud to announce that Leyla Bilalova, Human Rights Studies M.A. ‘26, was awarded the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis International Fellowship for her superior academic accomplishments. Funded by a $10 million bequest from the late Kathryn Wasserman Davis, ’31 GSAS, the Davis Fellowships supports international MA and PhD students. Learn more about Leyla, her research, and future plans in the profile below.
What is your research focus? What drew you to this particular issue/set of issues?
My research focuses on civil society and human rights in repressive or shrinking civic space contexts. I’m particularly interested in how NGOs and grassroots actors adapt to state pressure through international advocacy, digital strategies, and new forms of organization. I was drawn to this topic because I’m interested in accountability and in how human rights work continues even under constraint.
Which class would you recommend to other students interested in the same issues as you?
I’d definitely recommend NGOs & the Human Rights Movement with Professor Louis Bickford. It was really helpful for understanding how NGOs actually work in practice: not just advocacy, but also fundraising, donor relationships, and the challenges NGOs face today. If you’re interested in working with nonprofits, it’s a great class. I’d also recommend Human Rights & Human Wrongs with Professor Bruce Cronin. In class, we discussed a lot about state repression and human rights violations in the 20th and 21st centuries, and how international human rights mechanisms respond. It really helps you connect theory to what’s happening in the world right now.
Where did you grow up? In which countries and/or cities have you lived?
I was born in a small city in Russia, Makhachkala, near the Caspian Sea. It’s known for its beautiful nature and strong sense of hospitality. When I was two, my parents moved to Moscow, where I spent most of my life. Before coming to Columbia, I also lived in Dubai for a while.
I think having lived in such different places has really shaped the way I see the world and helped me better understand the kinds of human rights challenges people face in different social, political, and cultural contexts.
What is a must-read for a human rights student?
I’d definitely say Discipline and Punish by Michel Foucault. While it is not an easy read, it completely changes how you think about power, punishment, and control. Foucault shows how power operates through everyday practices and social norms. For a human rights student, it’s really useful because it helps you see how violations are often embedded in systems that feel “normal,” which makes it easier to critically analyze things like policing, prisons, and state control today.
Can you describe any volunteer or extracurricular activities that you have been a part of during your time at Columbia and how this experience has impacted you?
During my time at Columbia, I was a representative for the Human Rights Studies program on the Arts & Sciences Graduate Council and also part of the Quality of Life Committee. These roles helped me connect not only with my own program, but with the broader Columbia community. Through this experience, I saw firsthand how addressing concerns and resolving issues works in practice, and how much it depends on dialogue and open communication. This was especially valuable for me as a human rights student, since many important decisions in the field are made collectively.
What has been your favorite moment in the program so far?
One of my favorite moments of the program has been the in-class discussions, especially when students bring in perspectives from their own countries and experiences. Those conversations made the material feel very real and reminded me why I wanted to study human rights in the first place.
What has been the most challenging part of the program?
As an international student, adapting to a new academic environment was challenging at first, but it also helped me learn a lot, not just about human rights, but about American academic culture.
What are your goals (professional or academic) after graduation? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I’d like to work in a nonprofit and gain more hands-on experience in the human rights field. As for where I see myself in ten years, it’s hard to predict in today’s fast-paced world, but I think what matters most is continuing to learn and grow. Law school is definitely something I might consider along the way.
What is your favorite spot to study (or spend time) on campus?
During the colder months, I feel most productive at the Engineering Library. I love the big windows and how much natural light it gets. In the spring and summer, though, nothing really compares to doing your readings on the lawn and enjoying the campus outdoors.
What is one thing that your peers would never guess about you or might find surprising?
I really love to cook. It’s something I find very grounding, and I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, especially when I need a break from studying.
What is your hometown/area famous for?
Dagestan is really known for its natural and national diversity. You have mountains and the Caspian Sea right next to each other, and many different ethnic groups living side by side, each with their own languages and traditions. That mix is what makes the region so unique.
If you were to start a bookclub, which book would be first on your list? Why?
I would choose The Lonely City by Olivia Laing because it brings together art, New York, and the experience of being alone in a big city. The book leaves a lot of room for discussion, especially around how art and the energy of a city help us understand ourselves better.
Anything else you wish to share about yourself or your experience in the program/Columbia so far?
My time at Columbia has been incredibly rewarding. The program has challenged me academically while also contributing to my personal growth. Columbia offers so many opportunities for students, both within the university and through its location. Being part of Columbia, in the heart of New York City, has allowed me to learn a lot not only in the classroom, but also through the broader academic, cultural, and professional environment.
