Throughout the transatlantic programme, students gain exposure to US public administrative and advocacy systems and learn about US-based social challenges in settings such as Capitol Hill offices, nonprofits, research labs, and advocacy organisations. 

The Washington Ireland Program was first initiated in 1995. Each year, 30 emerging leaders are selected, who have demonstrated passion and ability to spark change in communities across the island of Ireland. They are each assigned a high-profile placement in Washington DC, matched with respective students’ skills and interests.  

Lauren Clements, a Psychology student at Queen’s spent her time in the States on placement at Capitol Hill for Congressman John Mannion from New York's 22nd District. Lauren arrived at the University through its Widening Participation’s Pathway Opportunity Programme which supports students from underrepresented backgrounds on their journey to Queen’s. 

Lauren shared:
“The Pathway Programme at Queen’s was the perfect prerequisite to WIP. Both experiences have really built my confidence, and WIP has grown my understanding of how policy and politics work in action through my work placement, and the many forms of leadership we were exposed to.

“I am passionate about advocating for a person-centred approach to medical care for vulnerable patients and WIP really instilled in me that leadership doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful, and this concept, combined with the endless generosity shown to me by my host family, will forever inspire me to strive to create meaningful change.”

Declan McKeown just completed his third year of Physics with Astro-Physics at Queen’s. He couples his interest in how the world operates at the most fundamental physical level, with a marked curiosity on what drives people at both an individual and societal level.

Having spent his time in Washington on placement at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Declan said:
“These past eight weeks have been completely transformative both personally and professionally. Meeting Dr. Norah Patten who is set to become the first Irish woman in space and Eric Fanning, the former Secretary of the US Army and CEO of Aerospace International Associations, were some of my key highlights, as was delivering a quantum mechanics masterclass to my WIP peers. 

“The programme constantly encouraged me to grow and step outside my comfort zone. My host family’s curiosity and storytelling sparked so many inspiring conversations, I’ve gained lifelong friends, greater confidence, and a renewed drive to make a positive impact on others.”

The full list of Queen’s students participating in this year’s program are:

• Declan McKeown – Physics with Astro-Physics
• Ellie-Jo Taylor – Law with Politics
• Jessica Graham – Law
• Lauren Clements – Psychology
• Lee Walker – Law with Politics
• Luke Teggart – Law
• Rebekah Dunbar – Law with Politics
• Thea Ligget – Law

Notable Queen’s Alumni include deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA (2002), Member of the Legislative Assembly and former Minister for Justice, Claire Sugden (2010), and former Seamus Heaney Centre Fellow, Tara McEvoy (2014).

Media

For media enquiries contact alana.fisher@qub.ac.uk