Meet Ria Reddy, ’24

Ria Reddy is graduating this year with a B.A. in international relations, with specializations in international security and the Middle East and Central Asia, and a minor in global studies, with a specialization in Iranian studies.

“I chose my minor for several reasons. Everything about Iran drew me in – the people, the politics, the culture, the language. It lies at this fascinating crossroads of influences that truly create a fascinating place to study,” she shared. “And there was no better place to study it than at Stanford.” 

Some moments that stand out from her time as an Iranian studies minor include taking a class about Iranian cinema and attending a film screening with the director of 752 Is Not a Number, a documentary about the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. 

“I was deeply moved by the film, and to hear about [the director’s] conception of the film and how it came to life was very interesting. I think it's easy to get lost in big headlines, but that [screening] added this human component to all these events we talk about on the news,” said Reddy.

Next year, she will work as an Iran analyst for the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. She aims to become professionally fluent in Farsi within a year.

Read the Q&A below to learn more about Ria’s experience at Stanford.

Why did you choose to study Iran?

I chose my minor for several reasons. Everything about Iran drew me in – the people, the politics, the culture, the language. It lies at this fascinating crossroads of influences that truly create a fascinating place to study. And there was no better place to study it than at Stanford. I researched the [Iranian Studies] Program before I came here and fell in love. To take classes under Professor Abbas Milani has been an extraordinary opportunity. To attend events with some of the most influential Iranian figures has made me feel very lucky. I truly believe in the power of education, and I wanted to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to study Iran and work on policy in the region.

As you reflect on your time at Stanford, what are you most proud of?

Pursuing my academic interests so unapologetically. Coming in, I was very nervous about my interests and if I would be able to pursue them and achieve anything. Coming out, I feel like I can say I really put in the work to foster and develop my interests and find what truly engages me.

I'm also very proud of the people I found, both in academic and social settings. Some of the professors I have met and maintained a relationship with have impacted me in more ways than one. Socially, I made a strong group of life-long friends that has allowed me to grow to become a better, happier version of myself.

How has your minor changed your understanding of the world and prepared you for your next steps?

I think Iran is a fascinating place. Its geography and unique history have given it the opportunity to engage with a lot of different cultures. 

I'm very interested in nuclear weapons and the role they play in international security. The Iranian nuclear question is probably the biggest question we are grappling with in that space so to get the opportunity to learn more about it and gain skills to critically analyze it was very exciting. 

[My minor] has taught me to be a critical thinker. I very rarely take information I read at face value. I'm always asking questions, seeking out diverse perspectives, contextualizing things, etc. I think this is probably the biggest thing I've gotten from this minor. It's also equipped me with a greater confidence to explore some of the issues that surround Iran.