Sophie Donnellan

Sophie (she/her) is a senior studying International Relations. Her primary specialization is Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources and her secondary specialization is International Security. She is minoring in French and is a CISAC Honors student. A fun fact about her Stanford experience is that she has studied off-campus for three quarters: Stanford in Washington, Stanford in Paris, and Stanford@SEA. Sophie spoke with us about her interests, favorite IR classes, internships and more!

What are your primary research interests?

I am primarily interested in the study of international climate security. My CISAC Honors thesis focuses on the securitization of climate mobility. Through my thesis research, I seek to answer the questions of how countries discuss climate-induced migration within international organizations and why certain countries frame the issue differently than others. I am inspired by the work of scholars like Sherri Goodman, Christina Gerhardt, Joshua Busby, and Jake Bittle who focus on how our conceptions of international and national security are shifting due to the climate crisis. At the heart of my research interests is understanding what it means to be human in the face of climate change.

What is your favorite IR class so far and why?

My favorite International Relations class I have taken at Stanford is the Politics of Climate Change, taught by my major advisor Dr. Amanda Kennard. In this class, I developed a rich understanding of the history of climate change politics, both in the US and internationally. I also had the opportunity to learn more about climate change governance in other countries like India, China, and Australia, and I explored what makes climate change a wicked problem to solve. This foundational class was a jumping off point for me to further explore the intersection of climate change governance and international security.

Can you tell us a bit about a recent internship experience?

This past summer and fall, I was a research assistant intern to Ruth Greenspan Bell at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. My research with Ruth focused on the intersection of climate change and behavioral science. I helped Ruth to develop a book proposal by developing a literature review that outlined relevant takeaways from comparable titles. Throughout the internship, my research explored topics ranging from individual decision-making for social good to the effectiveness of carbon tracking apps. As a research assistant, I learned to communicate proactively and problem solve on a variety of tasks. I learned about the nonfiction book publication process and developed a deeper understanding of the ways psychology and behavioral science can help us understand the world. This experience also taught me the value of educating the public on climate governance. Climate security impacts everyone, and when informed, the public can vote, act, and mobilize accordingly.

Any hobbies or outside interests?

At Stanford, I am the Vice President of the Society for International Affairs at Stanford and was formerly the Captain of our competitive Model United Nations team. In these roles, I bring my passion to building accessible, intellectual, and student-driven communities with shared interests in international issues. I also enjoy spending time volunteering on Stanford’s farm, exploring beautiful California with friends, and playing three traditional Irish music instruments.