Magda S Siekert

About Magda S Siekert

Seasoned academic with 16 years’ experience designing/teaching on the Middle East at prominent US universities. Currently, Senior Lecturer in Middle East Studies at Dickinson College and contributing faculty to the departments of Film and Media Studies and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Courses taught include U.S. public diplomacy and communication, Arab Cinema, Arab Feminisms, and all levels of Arabic language and culture, beginner to advanced, including specialized Arabic and dialects (diplomacy Arabic, Egyptian short stories in dialect, and media Arabic.) • Chair, Middle East Studies (2020 – 2023): Oversaw personnel management and evaluation, curriculum delivery and planning, and budget allocation and stewardship.• Committee Service: Served on various committees and a national scholarship panel.• Public Speaker: Delivered speeches on U.S. policy in the Arab world, and a teach-in on critical issues.• Expanded the Arabic language program, increased student enrollment, introduced a minor in Arabic language and culture, and designed and taught 12 new university courses• Trained in Dialogues Across Differences and implemented it in class• Previous University Teaching Experience: Georgetown University, SAIS, and AUC.Also served as Foreign Service Officer specializing in Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs in the Department of State: Strategic communication leader with 22 years’ experience in trade and health diplomacy, media and public relations, public speaking, program and crisis management. Participated in sensitive trade and defense negotiations with top policymakers. Served as spokesperson, speechwriter, and chief counsel in three regions: MENA, Latin America, and Europe. Proven record of innovation as strategist, leading campaigns to promote US policy, image, business. Led multicultural and cross functional teams in support of mission objectives. Hands on experience in all media operations: from brand promotion and countering misinformation/disinformation to press releases, talking points, and press conferences including with US Presidents and Cabinet Secretaries. • Multilingual: Fluent in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish.• Awards: Received six Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards, and finalist for the Edward R. Murrow Award, the Department of State’s highest award in Public Diplomacy.

Experience

1. Senior Lect

   Dickinson College

   Aug 2009 — Present · US

Education

• Georgetown University

  Master's degree and All but dissertation for PhD , Near and Middle Eastern Studies and Linguistics

• The American University in Cairo

  Master's degree

• Cairo University

  Bachelor's degree