Svetlana Markova is a researcher and communications specialist at the Public Opinion Research Group in the World Bank Group’s External and Corporate Relations Vice Presidency. In this role Svetlana focuses on the Country Opinion Survey Program – a program that assesses the views of the World Bank Group’s key stakeholders globally in a systematic and independent way. In addition, Svetlana provides guidance and advice on a range of research projects for clients within the World Bank on developing opinion research strategies that gauge attitudes of target audiences in order to strategically reform policies, programs, and activities. Svetlana holds a Ph.D. in Journalism and Public Communication (with focus on Human Development) from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Lomonosov Moscow State University. Svetlana’s background also includes working as a public relations specialist at the Edelman PR Agency and as a reporter and editor at the Russian News Agency “NOVOSTI”.