Marketing & Communications Portfolio
Elizabeth Lawler
Marketing Officer
Elizabeth is a graduate of the ANU, holding a Bachelor of International Security Studies and Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Affairs. She has a keen interest in peace studies and nuclear politics, with a particular focus on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. She is currently studying a Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) at Deakin.
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Lucy Tompson
Marketing Officer
Lucy is currently completing a unique double degree in International and Global Studies (Honours) and Mathematics, with a minor in French and Francophone Studies at the University of Sydney. Passionate about the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Pacific region, sustainable development and First Nations diplomacy, her honours thesis delves into the dynamics of New Caledonia’s regional integration. As a Marketing Officer, Lucy hopes to harness her marketing experience to elevate young voices in international affairs, fostering global dialogue and engagement.
Alexandra Perkins
Marketing Officer
My name is Alex and I am in my final year of studies at the university of Melbourne pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Politics and International studies and Media and Communications. I am so excited to be a part of the YDS team and pursue my passion for politics and international affairs while developing my skills in marketing and communications. In the past I’ve worked as a digital media intern at The Australian Institute of International Affairs and before that I was the Freshman Representative at my college where I was responsible for the weekly newsletter.
Klara Bajan
Marketing Officer
Hi I’m Klara, a student who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Global Studies with a minor in French at Latrobe University in Melbourne, Australia. I have recently completed studying a semester abroad at Sciences Po in Lyon, France. I have specific interests in languages and language learning, cross cultural communications, social media, public relations, geopolitics and cyber warfare. My journey has equipped me with a diverse skill set and a global perspective that I'm excited to bring to the team!
Events Portfolio
Sophie Romer
Events Officer
Sophie is currently studying a Masters in National Security Policy at the Australian National University. Previously, Sophie also completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in international relations and geography. Sophie’s academic interests focuses on contemporary geopolitical issues, particularly those in the Asia-Pacific.
Simran Keswani
Events Officer
Simran is currently undertaking a Combined Bachelor of Commerce and Economics (majoring in finance and economics) at the University of New South Wales. She has a range of experiences volunteering at organisations such as UN Youth, SEVA and Salvation Army whilst also working on her own charity initiative called The Case Closed Project. Her interests lie in foreign policy issues and the role of youth in conflict resolution and peace building.
Adam Bourne
Events Officer
Adam is currently completing his Bachelors of Security Studies and Masters of Counter Terrorism at Macquarie University. His interests in international relations include State of Exception theory, systems of hybrid and asymmetrical warfare, biosecurity and energy security. As an events officer at YDS, he hopes to design events that engage young people with new and emerging ideas about international relations.
Mina Dinh
Events Officer
Mina is in her final year of a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Relations at Deakin University. Being born and raised in Vietnam, Mina has developed a strong interest in the Southeast Asia region. More specifically, she is passionate about human rights, especially about strengthening education rights and opportunities to children in the country, region, and all over the world. Mina is also minoring in Public Relations, with high hopes of leveraging the key knowledge and skills gained in the two fields to connect multiple stakeholders and coordinate programs that help to develop a better world. As an Events Officer, Mina is looking forward to fostering an engaging forum where like-minded young scholars and professionals can interact and nurture their understanding about global issues.
Amelia Grace Wilson-Williams
Events Officer
Amelia is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Communications (Social and Political Sciences) at the University of Technology Sydney. She has experience volunteering for various charities and organisations including What Were You Wearing? Australia. Amelia is a New Colombo Plan Alumni, after completing a Virtual Law Professional Practicum in Jakarta, Indonesia. She will be completing an additional New Colombo Plan supported program this June in Medan, Indonesia. She was a delegate at the 11th University Scholars Leadership Symposium, which was hosted at the United Nations in Bangkok, Thailand in August 2023. Passionate about Australia’s relationship with Indonesia, Amelia aspires to work in the domain of public international law post-graduation. As an Events Director, Amelia looks forward to planning and hosting exciting events for students and young professionals to network with one another whilst learning about international affairs.
Connect with Amelia here.
Milly Doherty
Events Officer - Media Club Lead
Millicent has completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Relations and Government at Griffith University, majoring in International Relations. Millicent is currently completing her Practical Legal Training with the College of Law and will be admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland in August 2024.
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She has volunteering experience at Local Community Legal Centres and as a Unite2030 ambassador, having attended the Solutions Hub to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals during the United Nations Global Goals week in New York. Her interests lie in foreign policy and the role of international law.
Podcast Portfolio
Thien Bui
Podcast Host
Thien is a Bachelor of Global Studies student specialising in International Relations, where her studies have led her to both Malaysia and Italy to investigate local responses to global affairs. In Thien's spare time, she volunteers for Possible Dreams International and has previously volunteered as a tutor for refugee and migrant children. Thien is a cocktail bartender with a drive for all things creativity. She is most passionate in investigating policy pathways across Southeast Asia, as well as spotlighting matters of human security and refugee rights.
Oz Malik
Podcast Host
Oz is an advisor, artist and local leader based in Naarm (Melbourne). Oz graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Masters in International Relations and also completed an honours in Urban and Regional Planning. Oz's key areas of interest include cultural diplomacy, soft power issues and foreign policy. He has been a delegate with DFAT Australian ASEAN & Indonesia and interned with Australia council for arts where he was involved with the international arts team. He is currently on the Dandenong arts advisory board, Westminster Bridge steering group, and beholden to his cat, who he also advises. In Melbourne, you can mostly find Oz in a cafe, loving watching and talking about films and I'm a huge Essendon footy fan.
Poppy Bell
Podcast Host
Poppy is an International Politics and Economics student, currently working as a Public Affairs Analyst in the renewable energy industry. Her passion lies in promoting youth perspectives in international affairs, integral to advancing future-conscious causes such as climate and gender justice. She is particularly interested in the intersectionality of the climate crisis and social disadvantage in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as issues of immigration and access to education. In her free time, Poppy is an avid writer, and cinema and theatre enthusiast.
Sara Ozrain
Podcast Researcher
Sara recently graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communications from Murdoch University. She currently works full-time as a Law Graduate whilst completing her Practical Legal Training ahead of her admission to practice in August. Sara is actively involved in the human rights sphere and has a passion for international law and international relations.
Our Team
Publications Portfolio
Hajrah Nasir
Editor
I’m Hajrah Nasir, an international relations student at Macquarie University with a strong interest in global security, human rights, and leadership. I am an active participant in the Global Leadership Program and the Women in Business Society, where I engage with future female leaders. As the Social Media and Communications Officer for the university’s Model United Nations (MUN) society, I’ve honed my digital marketing and engagement skills. My volunteering experience, including refugee support and mentoring underprivileged children, has deepened my commitment to advocacy and community service. Additionally, I hold certificates in Data Analysis from Google and the Science of Well-Being from Yale, complementing my academic pursuits and global outlook.
Eliza Wilson
Editor
Eliza is currently completing a Bachelor of Asian Studies at The Australian National University and is studying abroad at Kansai University, Osaka. Within her studies, she focuses on Asia-Pacific Security Studies, Gender Security and Japanese language studies.
Eliza is particularly interested in investigating international affairs through a gendered lens. Further, she focuses on intersectional studies such as gender security post-conflict, and gender issues that arise due to the impacts of climate change.
She wants to raise awareness of these issues and promote effective ways for Australia to respond.
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Connect with Eliza here.
Melissa Li
Editor
Melissa is in her final year of Master of International Relations at The University of Melbourne with an interest in international governance and policies. Her background in Psychology, Philosophy and French, helps provide different perspectives of international affairs. Melissa’s interests lie in the geopolitical relations in the Asia region and is currently completing a Minor Thesis centred around this area.
Gideon Daley
Editor
Gideon (he/they) is an editor with YDS, and has previously worked on the marketing team. They have a Bachelor of Arts, and are currently studying a Diploma of Community Services. When he isn’t studying, Gideon works as a freelance writer and scribe. Gideon is particularly interested in migration, international law, corporations as non-state actors, and human rights!
Brodie Knox
Editor
My name is Brodie Knox and, outside of YDS, I am currently a Policy Officer in the Australian Public Service. I studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics in University, majoring in the last, with a minor in Mandarin. I have a keen interest and understanding of global economics and its influences on diplomacy, especially its centrality in the modern global industrial economy. Throughout University, I had a keen interest in China and the rise of its growing economic power through the Belt and Road Initiative. Since, I have grown increasingly interested in the rise of South Asia (Indian Subcontinent) and Southeast Asia (ASEAN) as a counterbalance to China and the U.S. However, my interest almost always comes from the soft power of the global economy.
Amy Hamilton-Jones
Editor
Amy is currently a Juris Doctor student at Griffith University and plans to specialise in international law. She is also a recent graduate from a Bachelor of Arts at The University of Melbourne, where she majored in Anthropology. With extensive experience as an English tutor and writer, Amy is passionate about communications and empowering young people to have a voice within international affairs. She is excited to contribute to the Young Diplomats Society as an Editor and to help create written content for such an incredible for-purpose organisation.
Sam Wake
Editor
My name is Sam Wake, and I am recent graduate from the University of Western Australia where I studied International Relations and Economics. I have completed research in Jakarta on access to medication and development policies for the region. I also had the opportunity to undergo a yearlong exchange program, living with a host family and studying in Madrid. I plan on continuing my studies with a master’s on development economics; to understand how policy can best be used to empower marginalized groups from around the world. In my free time I absolutely love a quiz night to test that geography and politics knowledge! Whilst I also love to get outdoors and be active, be it playing soccer, rock climbing or anything in between.
Hayley Tobin
Editor
Hayley is an Australian National University student pursuing a Bachelor of International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts, and is currently on exchange at Sciences Po in Reims, France. In her degrees, she majors in History and minors in Economics and French, with a geographical focus on Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. With a lived experience that comes from growing up overseas in Cambodia, Zimbabwe and Uzbekistan, she has a keen interest in development, human rights and humanitarian aid. On the side, Hayley tutors IB students in Mathematics, History and English, is the Diplomatics Liaisons Officer for the International Relations Society at ANU, and has completed a virtual internship with Think Pacific.
Elizabeth Lawler
Editor
Elizabeth is a graduate of the ANU, holding a Bachelor of International Security Studies and Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Affairs. She has a keen interest in peace studies and nuclear politics, with a particular focus on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. She is currently studying a Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) at Deakin.
Tian Tian Dorge
Editor
Hey, I'm Tian. I am in my fourth year studying for a Bachelor of Arts/Law at the University of New South Wales and previously completed a Chinese language program at Peking University. I'm currently working as a clerk at a law firm, and I've previously enjoyed working as an international development assistant at UQ. My primary interests revolve around international affairs, with a particular focus on national security, development, and human rights.
Hayley Cheung
Editor
Hayley is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Politics and International Relations. Her key interests lie in geopolitics, foreign policy, and national security, with a specific focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. She has extensive traveling experience across Asia and has specifically volunteered in local communities in Cambodia and the Philippines.
Georgia Mansell
Editor
Georgia has a Honours Degree in International Relations from the University of Adelaide and is PhD candidate in the School of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary University of London. Her Doctoral research is fully funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council and focuses on the ethics of war and conflict as it relates to more-than-human life. She is passionate about advocacy in academia and in her spare time enjoys hiking, reading and jazz music.
Emma Huang
Senior Correspondent
Emma is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne majoring in Economics & Psychology. Her interests lie in psychology and public policy, particularly in the application of psychological theories to policy and global education & health policy. In addition to this, she is passionate about advocating for career literacy for young people and will be going on exchange to Renmin University of China to study international relations & foreign policy in September 2024.
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Connect with Emma Here.
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Nicolas Buitrago
Regional Correspondent (Europe)
Nícolas Buitrago holds a BA in International Studies and French from RMIT University. His interests in post-conflict reconciliation and migration movements were influenced by his passion for travel, photojournalism and participation in international development projects, focused on the complexities of creating an environment for sustainable peace in Bosnia and Colombia, and the displacement challenges facing tribal communities in India. Nicolas has further study interests in climate change policy and youth’s role in peacebuilding processes, particularly in countries emerging from conflict.
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Connect with Nicolas here.
Rupert Azzopardi
Regional Correspondent (Australia & The Pacific)
Rupert Azzopardi is undertaking a Master’s of International Relations at the University of Melbourne, having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Film and Cultural Studies. During his undergraduate degree, Rupert was published for his short fiction, and has a passion for writing of all forms. In his course so far, he has specialised in Southeast Asia as a nexus of global interest and investment, and how Australia may reimagine its responsibility and attitude towards the Indo-Pacific. Having a strong interest in the mediating role of Indo-Pacific secondary and middle powers, Rupert wishes to contribute to policy and work on ASEAN-Australian and Pacific-Australian relations into the future. Outside of YDS, Rupert brainstorms with friends the ways in which the A-Leagues may not go broke (work in progress), writes, and bartends.
Shajara Khan
Regional Correspondent (North America)
Shajara Khan graduated from UNSW with a Master of International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts (Korean Studies). During her master's, she worked on her dissertation analysing how ideology plays a major role in U.S. politics, which has led to the role of North American correspondent.
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Connect with Shajara here.
Tahlia Beckitt
Regional Correspondent (South East Asia)
Tahlia is currently studying International Relations at Curtin University and was the Future of Work delegate at the 2023 G20 Youth Summit in India. A former intern at Castle Asia in Jakarta, Tahlia is highly interested in Australia’s relations with Southeast Asia and the potential for effective and respectful diplomacy and cooperation between Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific. Tahlia has also engaged as a speaker at the 2023 World Food Forum Flagship Event and volunteers for the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership.
Niamh Fitzgerald
Regional Correspondent
(East Asia)
Niamh Fitzgerald is a recent graduate from Sciences Po Paris with Master of International Security, specialising in Asian studies and Intelligence studies. Previously, she completed an exchange semester at Peking University and earned a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science from Monash University. Her interests lie in the realm of security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly with a focus on China, the Pacific Islands, and Australia.
Jemma Trelour
Regional Correspondent (South & Central Asia)
Jemma has recently completed her studies at Griffith University in Government and International Relations – security, conflict, and human rights, and Criminology and Criminal Justice. Alongside her studies, she is the Youth Vice President at the Australian Institute of International Affairs Queensland, and has served as an Alumni Ambassador for the New Colombo Plan. Additionally, she has volunteered abroad for climate change and refugee outreach initiatives in Europe, North America, and South East Asia. She is passionate about Eastern European politics, and is determined to make an impact in the humanitarian sector by actively bridging solutions through Russian and German language.
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Evangelia Wichmann
Regional Correspondent (Latin America)
Evangelia Wichmann is currently engaged in humanitarian work in Thailand, focusing on improving access to safe drinking water in Myanmar. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts in International relations/politics and French at the University of Melbourne as well as a Diploma in Chinese Studies. Fluent in German, French, and Italian, Evangelia spent the first six months of 2023 in Taiwan to further improve her Chinese skills. In August, she will relocate to Paris to pursue a dual Masters degree in International Development and Political Economy through Sciences Po and the London School of Economics. Her ultimate goal is to work in the field of international women's rights and climate change.
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Connect with Evangelia here.
Daniella Byishimo
Regional Correspondent (Sub-Saharan Africa)
My name is Daniella Byishimo. I am the new YDS regional correspondent for Sub-Saharan Africa.
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I am a current second year student at the Australian National University studying International Relations. I have a huge interest in economic policy. I mainly like to focus on the development of the African region and the Global South.
I hope to work in Multilateral development banking.
Bayan Sohailee
Regional Correspondent
(Middle East & North Africa)
Bayan, a graduate of Western Sydney University, holds a unique triple degree in International Studies, Social Science (Peace and Development), and Creative Leadership and Critical Thinking, alongside a Bachelor of Science from the same institution. He is also currently pursuing a Master of International Relations at the University of Sydney. His academic journey reflects diverse interests in politics, development, social issues, and science.
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Bayan is not only academically dedicated but also passionately committed to various domestic and international causes. As a Kurdish-Iranian refugee, he holds profound respect for human rights, justice, and equality. Recognised as Young Volunteer of The Year in Western Sydney, Bayan aspires to contribute meaningfully to the global community and advocate for a fairer, more equitable world.
Ojasvi Rana
Senior Field Correspondent
Ojasvi Rana is an intern with the Economic Security and Emerging Technology programs at the United States Studies Centre. She is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering Honours and Bachelor of Arts in Economics as a Dalyell Scholar. Ojasvi is involved in Sydney’s start-up ecosystem and received a scholarship to join the Startmate Student Fellowship and interned with SpeeDx, a cutting-edge molecular diagnostics company. She is looking forward to going on exchange to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York later this year. As an FC senior correspondent, she's excited to bring a multidisciplinary perspective into the 'Field Issues' and the fortnightly 'Breakdown'.
Malika Knapp
Field Correspondent (Global Health)
Malika is currently studying a double degree in International Relations and Medical Science at The Australian National University. Passionate about the intersection between global health, gender equality and geopolitics, she has volunteered for NGOs and nonprofits in Tanzania, Nepal and Cambodia focused on women’s empowerment and promoting youth political participation. She is a former Girls Run The World embassy program delegate and recipient of a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant for a political economy study tour in Papua New Guinea. Malika will undertake an exchange semester at Stockholm University in September and in the future she aspires to work in the field of global health diplomacy and international development in South East Asia.
Amy Mance
Field Correspondent (Global Economics)
Amy Mance is a second-year student studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) at Curtin University. Amy is particularly interested in the Australia- Indonesia relationship and is enrolled in the Diploma of Indonesian at Deakin University, in addition to having undertaken the ACICIS Business Professional Practicum in 2024 as a Euan Crone Scholar, supported by the Australian Institute of International Affairs. In her spare time, Amy volunteers as the Secretary of the Australia-Indonesia Youth Association’s WA Chapter and enjoys playing social and competitive netball.
Ellie Drenth
Field Correspondent (Climate Change)
Ellie is a passionate environmental justice advocate and currently works in climate change adaptation for the City of Melbourne, though she has also previously held roles as a Park Ranger and Climate Change Consultant. She completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management & Sustainability) at Deakin university, and recently graduated from UNSW with a Masters of Environmental Management with Excellence. Her interests lie in developing equitable and inclusive environmental policies and programs that embed a gender lens and youth voice.
Connect with Ellie here.
Eliza Wilson
Field Correspondent (Gender Equality)
Eliza is currently completing a Master of International Law and Diplomacy after attaining a Bachelor of Asian Studies from The Australian National University. Eliza is particularly interested in investigating international affairs through a gendered lens. Further, she focuses on intersectional studies such as gender security post-conflict and gender issues that arise due to the impacts of climate change.
Connect with Eliza here.
Melissa Dib
Field Correspondent (International Law)
Melissa Dib is a fifth-year Law and Business (Human Resource Management) student at the University of Technology, Sydney. Her passion for international law has led to her currently planning to write her honours thesis on analysing principles of international law peacekeeping regimes with a particular focuse on the regime in Southern Lebanon.
In addition to YDS, Melissa is currently an intern at the New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties and the UTS Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research. Her experience varies from education and tutoring, mentoring, legal research and advocacy. She was nominated as a finalist for the 2023 Female Law Student of the Year awards and has represented her university in various national competitions. Melissa is passionate about the interplay between international law principles and their ability to effectively meet the needs of nations and their constituents, whilst also ensuring human rights are being adequately protected.
Catherine Quaden
Field Correspondent (Cyber & Technology)
Catherine graduated from university last year with a major in Politics and International Studies. She now works as a consultant at Long Street Advisors, helping clients to overcome connectivity challenges and enable meaningful digitisation. In her current position she provides technical expertise and research support for projects which seek to empower citizens, government and economies through digital technologies. Catherine has a particular interest in ensuring internet connectivity is safe and equitable, particularly for vulnerable cohorts such as women, LGBTQI+ and other-abled persons.
Rosie Bendo
Senior Editor
Rosie, born Kaurna Yarta, is undertaking a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Bahasa Indonesia, minoring in English) at the Australian National University.
Alongside this, she works as a Sessional Academic at the ANU, where she tutors a course convened by Professor Asmi Wood. Rosie is also an undergraduate researcher with ANU Law Reform and Social Justice. In her other roles, she works to amplify youth voices and promote constructive dialogues and analysis.
As am a former Anak ACICIS, she has studied Law and Bahasa Indonesia at Universitas Atma Jaya and interned at KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), a Jakarta based Human Rights NGO. She has also worked for the Australia Pacific Youth Dialogue to attempt to aid Australian relationships abroad.
In her spare time, she enjoys going to op-shops to source a sustainable wardrobe, reading Indonesian literature and tending to her houseplants.
Kate Langley
Senior Editor
Kate is a policy analyst in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water for the Commonwealth Government. Currently, she is a key member of a dynamic Taskforce working on Australia’s commitments to the United Nations Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, with a goal to safeguard the country's biodiversity by 2030. Previously, she led a global team in migration policy as a Research Manager and Migration analyst.
In addition to her government role, Kate is an Australian Global Shaper, supported by the World Economic Forum, advocating for youth involvement in policy-making and impactful change. Kate has dedicated over six years to volunteering with Amnesty International Australia, serving as the South Australia and Northern Territory Youth Advisory Group representative and contributing to youth-driven global affairs initiatives, as well as sitting on the SA/NT Activism Leadership Committee. Kate's international engagement extends to her recognition as an ASEAN-Australian Young Leader and participation in prestigious programs such as the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations, the United Nations Young Leader’s Program, and the Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program sponsored by DFAT. Kate holds a Masters of International Relations with First Class Honours and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Studies, both from the University of Melbourne.
Bella Baker
Contributing Writer
Isabella is a Dalyell scholar at the University of Sydney studying a Bachelor of Arts and Advanced Studies in Global and International Studies. She is interested in global affairs, national security and human rights with a particular focus on Australia’s relationship with China and the Indo-Pacific.
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Connect with Isabella here.
Lachlan Forster
Contributing Writer
Lachlan Forster is an honours student in International Relations and History at La Trobe University, having graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2023. Lachlan was a 2023 New Colombo Plan Scholar for Singapore and Malaysia, and has worked with the Victorian Government and the Malaysia Australia Business Council. Lachlan has been previously published by the Victorian State Parliament, the Herald Sun, Young Australian in International Affairs and YDS.
Miranda Chen
Contributing Writer
Miranda is a fourth-year student studying a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at the University of Sydney. She is majoring in International Relations and minoring History. She is passionate about foreign policy and seeks to incorporate this and her studies into her writing at YDS.
Ridmi Dolamulla
Contributing Writer
Ridmi is an activist and gender equality advocate. Ridmi has a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Hons) and postgraduate studies in Family Violence Prevention. She has completed a quantitative analysis on women's use of contraception in primary care, and research on international student experience of family violence in Australia. Ridmi volunteered with Radio Lollipop at Monash Children’s Hospital, and works with start ups & social business such as Alex Makes Meals in her spare time. She is also currently completing her Master of Public Health and she hopes to specialise in sexual and reproductive health.
Lachlan Cropley
Contributing Writer
In a growing world of mass information, Lachlan Cropley wants to cut through and discuss topics that matter to him, such as ethics, soft power diplomacy and many others that don’t get front row seats in the media. Lachlan has a wide range of experience, from graduating with honours at Deakin University in International Relations and Indonesian studies to working with, creating, and implementing Artificial Intelligence and Whole-of-Government policies and projects for the Australian Public Service. As a passionate individual for a fairer world where more can be discussed openly, Lachlan writes so that people can engage, discuss, and inform each other and himself.
Hannah Scallion
Contributing Writer
After graduating with a Bachelor of International’s Studies specialising in global Security, Hannah is currently completing an internship at the International Criminal Court in its public information and Outreach unit as she combines her passion for international affairs with her communication and journalism skills.
Pascal Samfat
Contributing Writer
Pascal is completing a Bachelor of Politics and International Relations at Australian Catholic University (ACU). He is currently studying Japanese Language and International Studies at Toyo University, Tokyo, on a student exchange program for the spring semester.
Pascal has developed a keen interest in food insecurity and its association with climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, and gender inequality. He has experience volunteering at charity organisations such as Foodbank Victoria, and is currently volunteering at Second Harvest, Tokyo.
In 2023, Pascal was selected by ACU to complete a prestigious 12-week Parliamentary Internship with the Parliament of Victoria, where he collaborated with an MP and completed a report with policy recommendations on the Victorian 2022 flood event and flood mitigation strategies for the regional townships.
Pascal is excited to embark his journey with the YDS community as a contributor writer on various political topics.
Neisha Scully
Contributing Writer
Neisha Scully is a final year Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) student at the Australian Catholic University, and a 2023 New Colombo Plan Scholar for Thailand. Whilst on her program Neisha studied international law subjects in the International L.L.B program at Thammasat University Law School and undertook Thai language training. Earlier this year, Neisha also attended the 3rd Global Peace Summit at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, as a peace delegate with Humanitarian Affairs Asia. Neisha is passionate about boosting Australia’s diplomatic ties, whilst ensuring peace, security, and adequate human rights standards globally.
Laura Innocenti
Contributing Writer
Laura Innocenti is a PhD candidate at Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, where her research delves into civil society, historical narratives, and memory studies, with a strong focus on Russia and the post-Soviet space. Her dissertation, "War and Migration: Russian Activists' Memory Debates in their New Host Countries," investigates how Russian memory activists use historical narratives to challenge state-driven discourse and advocate for social change.
She holds a Master’s in International Relations from Monash University and a Bachelor's in Applied Foreign Languages (English-Russian) with a translation focus from Aix-Marseille Université. Outside her academic pursuits, Laura is passionate about languages, triathlon, and loves spending time in nature.