Read about this month’s International Studies Student Spotlight. Students were asked to share an influential experience they had that connected to their International Studies major or minor.
January 2025 - Allison Tate
BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); minor, Community Action and Social Change ‘27
Hometown: Whitehall, MI
Affiliations: Peace Corps Prep at the University of Michigan, Secretary of Sigma Iota Rho, Ford Presidential Fellow & Co-President of the Gerald R. Ford Leadership Forum at the University of Michigan, UM-CSG Policy and Governmental Affairs Committee Member, Professional Development Chair of Delta Gamma Phi: Professional Pre-Law Sorority, BlueMUN, Planet Blue Ambassadorship Program, UMICH Votes Fellowship Program
“This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity through U-M to serve as a 2024 Donia Human Rights Center Fellow with the Social Change Initiative (SCI). At just 19 years old, I spent my summer immersed in international human rights work in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This transformative experience allowed me to engage deeply with pressing global issues related to law, equality, and international cooperation. My time abroad was enriched by travel across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and England. I visited vibrant cities like Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Oxford, and London, each offering unique historical and cultural insights. These journeys illuminated the complexities of international relations and societal dynamics, providing a multidimensional understanding of the regions’ shared and divergent histories.
As part of my fellowship, I analyzed over 1,500 pages of international relations theory and Northern Ireland court proceedings. This deep dive into human rights protections and legal frameworks enhanced my ability to critically evaluate complex cases and their implications for international norms, sharpening my research and analytical skills. I played a key role in organizing SCI’s Fall 2024 conference in collaboration with the Irish Center for European Law, focusing on the implications of the controversial ‘Legacy Act.’ Serving as a featured speaker alongside Advocate-General Anthony Collins of the Court of Justice of the European Union was a highlight, providing invaluable experience in public advocacy and policy discussions. My fellowship culminated in the publication of my research, ‘Human Rights and Equality in Northern Ireland: Article 2 of the Windsor Framework Reaches the Courts—What’s at Stake?’ Sponsored by the Donia Human Rights Center, Queen's University Belfast Human Rights Centre, and SCI, my study examined the implications of the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal decision in [2024] NIKB 11 Dillon et al. Having my work featured by The Press Association and Irish Legal News was a humbling acknowledgment of the topic's importance and relevance.
This experience profoundly shaped my academic and career aspirations, deepening my passion for international security and human rights. It reaffirmed my commitment to advocating for equitable global governance and the protection of fundamental freedoms. I am deeply grateful to Martin O’Brien, Professor Christopher McCrudden, the SCI staff, and the Donia Human Rights Center for their mentorship and unwavering support.”
Future Plans: “In the immediate future, I plan to volunteer with the Peace Corps in the Youth in Development sector following my graduation. This opportunity will allow me to gain valuable on-the-ground experience working with communities and understanding the challenges and potential solutions in youth development. After my service with the Peace Corps, I intend to pursue law school with a focus on international human rights law. My long-term career goal is to contribute to the post-conflict human rights sector. I envision myself working with international organizations and NGOs to help rebuild and protect the rights of individuals in post-conflict societies. I am deeply committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by conflict and to promoting justice and human dignity on a global scale.”
