My time in the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice as a Leverhulme Doctoral Scholar has come to an end.  After an incredible three years, it is a bittersweet feeling.  Having passed my viva in February, which focused on the use of Artificial Intelligence in the courts, I have spent the last few months reflecting on the great experience I had during my time at Queen’s.

The PhD journey was immensely enjoyable. Being able to work with top academics over a sustained period of time, with people who genuinely care about the quality of my work, was incredibly fulfilling. The support network in the Mitchell Institute and the School of Law made an enormous difference, too. A group of friends on the LINCS/LINAS PhD programmes (along with ‘Friends of LINAS’!) provided great support over the years, undoubtedly elevating the quality of my work. It made it much easier to make it into the office on Monday mornings!

I have many memorable experiences from my time in the Mitchell Institute. One of the most unforgettable was attending the Law and Society Annual Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in June 2023. This opportunity, generously supported by the Leverhulme LINCS Doctoral Training Programme, allowed me to present some of my PhD research on an international stage. Another highlight was the trip to the University of Cambridge, where I presented a paper co-authored with Professor John Morison at a workshop on ‘Judging and the Judiciary’.

I was also able to attend a two-week-long Law and Technology Summer School at Fundação Getulio Vargas in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, generously funded by the School of Law and the Leverhulme LINCS Doctoral Training Programme. These experiences not only enriched my research but also expanded my professional network. Perhaps most beneficial of all, however, were the countless coffee sessions with friends in the Mitchell Institute which kept me sane throughout. I’d also like to personally thank Sawers Deli for all of the support sandwiches – a real oasis during some tough days in the office!

Additionally, I had the privilege of co-authoring a publication with colleagues from the Mitchell Institute. The collaborative experience was fantastic, and I really enjoyed being able to brainstorm and bounce ideas off each other in such a comfortable environment.

Every PhD journey has its challenges. For me, balancing extensive research, teaching responsibilities, and conference presentations was a significant hurdle. But the past three years have been a period of growth. My research skills have developed significantly, and I have cultivated a much deeper understanding of the essential role law plays in society – something which is particularly important given the rapid pace of technological development. My time in the Mitchell Institute has undoubtedly prepared me for my future endeavours, and I hope to take these skills with me to my new post as a Research Fellow at University College London.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for their generous support and opportunities. Special thanks to the LINCS Doctoral Training Programme for funding my research and to the School of Law for their support. I’d also like to say a particular thank you to Professor John Morison, Valerie Miller, and Jason McKillen whose guidance and friendship have been instrumental in my journey.