Lamia Zia

Prof. Lamia Zia, an academic and researcher, has over a decade of extensive experience in international and digital communication. Previously a Model UN Advisor, she now serves as a lecturer in the Communication Department at the University of Maryland. Before joining the University of Maryland, Lamia taught at the College of Media and Communication, Texas Tech University. Her academic journey is marked by an impressive array of qualifications, holding three cross-disciplinary Master’s degrees in Political Science, Development Communications, and Journalism. 

Presently, she is pursuing her doctorate in Statecraft and National Security at the Institute of World Politics, with a focus on cybersecurity within digital communication.

Lamia’s research interests are multifaceted, encompassing visual communication, conflict resolution, public diplomacy, and soft power, with a particular focus on the intersection of war and imagery. She has also served as a senior fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict (IPAC) at Texas Tech University, where her research was centered around the influential role of iconic imagery in shaping perceptions of peace and conflict in South Asia, with a special focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan. This important work has notably enhanced the understanding of how visual media can impact and potentially transform regional conflict dynamics and peace initiatives.

A strong advocate for women’s roles in peacebuilding, Lamia co-authored a pivotal study linking the increase of women’s participation in Parliament to the introduction and passage of laws protecting women in Pakistan. This work was published in the Journal of Political Studies. Her career in journalism, including a senior correspondent role at Geo News in Islamabad, was marked by extensive travel and cultural exploration, enriching her perspectives and work.

Lamia’s contributions extend to international diplomacy and research. She has worked with award-winning journalists, research scholars, and U.S.-Pakistani diplomats in Washington, D.C., and was a visiting fellow at the U.S.-Pakistan Women's Council. In 2004, she was honored with a British Council fellowship, conducting research at the Panos Institute London on strategies to reduce maternal mortality in Pakistan. Her findings were published in renowned media outlets, The Daily Iowan, The Express Tribune, Daily Times, and IowaWatch.

A global traveler, Lamia’s experiences in London, Scotland, Japan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Canada, Germany, Pakistan, and the USA have profoundly influenced her professional journey and worldview.

She is committed to bridging the gap between academic theories and practical applications in national security and communication. She is particularly focused on the evolving role of digital media in global politics and national security, leveraging her extensive background in digital communication to enrich her academic contributions.