I am a PhD researcher affiliated with the United Nations University – CRIS, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University (Belgium), focusing on multistakeholderism in international trade governance. A particular area of interest to me is inclusion and exclusion of diverse interest groups in multistakeholder mechanisms established in the framework of the European Union's free trade agreements. Previously, I worked as a research fellow at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, a lecturer at the Riga Stradins University, and a project manager and advisor for the European Movement – Latvia where I am currently a board member. I also served as expert for three opinions of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). My education includes Master's degree in International Relations (with distinction) and Bachelor's degree in Political Sciences (International Relations – European Studies, with distinction), both from Rīga Stradiņš University. In 2015-2016, I was a Fulbright Visiting PhD Student Researcher at the George Mason University (Washington, DC metropolitan area).