Yulia works with the World Bank's ICT practice, focusing on analytical research related to the use of data and ICTs for development. Yulia recently graduated from the American University School of International Service with a Masters degree in Comparative and Regional studies, specializing in Russia, Eurasia, and International Communication. Before coming to the World Bank, Yulia was a Research Assistant with the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where she researched Central Asia’s current economic and infrastructural reconnection. Her Masters Thesis at American University focused on the role of ICTs in the self-organization and political participation of civil society in Russia. Yulia’s main research interest is the technology/society nexus, specifically how Open Data and Big Data analytics can transform societies and contribute to sustainable development.