PHD THESIS
 

PhD Thesis Title: The Individual in International Humanitarian Law

PhD Supervisor: Professor Andrew Clapham 
 

PROFILE

Marisa is a PhD Candidate in International Law at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Her research lies at the intersection of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Prior to her doctoral studies, she worked in the Legal Division of the International Committee of the Red Cross and as a Researcher at Swedish Defence University. She previously completed internships with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Human Rights Watch. Marisa also has experience providing trauma-informed legal aid to asylum seekers and refugees through her work with Fenix Humanitarian Legal Aid on Lesvos, Greece. Alongside her PhD Research, she is also a Research Assistant at the Global Migration Centre.
 

Areas of expertise
 

• International Humanitarian Law 
• Human Rights
• Individual Responsibility 
• Treaty Interpretation
  
   

Academic work experience
 

• Research Assistant, Actors Beyond the Territorial State and Durable Solutions to Internal Displacement in International Law, Global Migration Centre 
• Researcher and Research Assistant, Swedish Defence University, Stockholm 

Other Work Experience
 

• Legal Officer, Fenix Humanitarian Legal Aid
• Associate, Legal Division, International Committee of the Red Cross
• Intern, UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UPR, CEDAW Committee and HRC)
• UN Advocacy Intern, Human Rights Watch
   

Fellowships, Grants and Awards
 

• Graduate Scholarship, The Geneva Graduate Institute, PhD in International Law (2025-2029).