 While conducting research in Barcelona, his first few attempts to find volunteers to take part in his studies failed. But he did eventually discover a better way to connect with radicalized Muslim men. One of the best ways was to use a fixer. Someone from the area who was already trusted by the communities could speak their languages and understood their cultural norms. Nafis found a few young men who fit the bill and hired them as research assistants. One of them especially stood out.