Anna McDermott

Anna McDermott – Postgraduate Education Officer

My name is Anna McDermott, I am a passionate and dedicated student currently working towards my Masters of Arts in Philosophy. As your Postgraduate Education Officer, I would be fully committed to enhancing the academic and professional experiences of students undertaking postgraduate endeavours at Queen’s University Belfast. I believe I am well qualified for this role because of my experience as the current Postgraduate School Representative for the School of HAPP, as well as my role as Events Coordinator for the British Postgraduate Philosophy Association (BPPA). Additionally, I have a significant background in philosophical research, teaching and event facilitation, and I strive to serve and represent students and their ideas as this year’s Postgraduate Education Officer.

 Key Priorities for Postgraduate Students

• Cost of Living and Funding Opportunities
• Accessible Employment and Skill Development and Opportunities
• Strengthening Mental Health and Well-Being Frameworks

My focus is, small scale changes which impact the daily lives of students.

 My Experience and Vision

Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently sought to advance philosophical education beyond the traditional classroom. From teaching philosophy to primary school students, to organising high school-level ethics information days, as well as organising national philosophy conferences and seminar series. My work has been primarily concerned with making philosophy accessible, engaging, and relevant to all. As the current BPPA Events Coordinator, I have experience in: organising conferences, workshops, and reading groups; bureaucratic work, such as reviewing abstracts and formalising submissions; and communicating with both lecturers and students across the UK and Ireland in a formal, professional manner.  As this year's Postgraduate School Representative for HAPP, I have been attentive to student feedback, enacting upon their requests where I saw there was a serious concern/issue, and attended student council and academic board meetings in order to provide transparency and due diligence in my role. Ultimately, I endeavour to foster a thriving community of academic and social engagement for postgraduate students both in Queens and further afield, seeking to help provide solutions to students who have difficulties in their day-to-day life.

My vision for students is to create an inclusive and supportive network whereby all students can flourish academically, socially, and mentally. I want to ensure that students (not just from HAPP, but from the university as a whole) can have great academic experiences and success, as well as providing a space to share their ideas in an encouraging, confidence building setting. 

Key Areas of Focus:

1. Academic Excellence, Employment and Skill Development Opportunities

• Tailored Workshops: Organize practical and career-relevant workshops on research writing, teaching methods, and professional skills. No more generic training—these sessions will align with your career aspirations.

• Expanded Academic Events: Increase access to national conferences, interdisciplinary seminars, guest workshops, and reading groups.

• Student-Led Platforms: Create opportunities for students to present their work, fostering collaboration, feedback, and visibility within the academic and professional community.

• Career Path Clarity: Advocate for clearer, more transparent pathways to academic and professional success. 

• National and International Networking: Facilitate events that connect students with peers and professionals across the UK, Ireland, and beyond, broadening their academic horizons.  I aim to organise networking events and establish a platform where students can engage with key figures in their field, fostering collaboration and broadening academic horizons. 

• Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Host academic events and workshops featuring underrepresented voices, ensuring greater inclusivity. I will advocate for the creation of academic events centred around marginalised voices and guest speakers who can facilitate workshops in respective employability areas. 

2. Mental Health and Well-Being

• Enhanced Support Systems: Advocate for improved mental health resources, including counseling and stress management workshops. I will champion the creation of a PhD support center offering frequent non-academic events and social activities, including weekly gatherings and day trips.

• Inclusive Social Events: Organize morning and afternoon events, family days, and initiatives tailored to the needs of commuters, carers, and parents. 

3. Addressing Financial Challenges

• Cost of Living Support: Build on the excellent work of previous officers by advocating for financial aid and well-being support for all students.

• PhD Funding Opportunities: Collaborate with higher education institutions and associations to secure new funding opportunities, with a focus on transparency and accessibility for postgraduate students.

Why Vote for Me?

The reason I am the most viable candidate for this position is I have first hand experience with the challenges and needs of students in HAPP. Several of the priorities above stem from things I personally wanted enacted as a student. These were further developed through conversations with my peers. My background in facilitation, research, and event organisation, uniquely equips me to advocate for your needs and, more importantly, deliver the opportunities you deserve. I will work tirelessly to ensure that postgraduate students have the resources, support, and voice needed to succeed.

Let’s work together to make postgraduate education an enriching, supportive, and empowering experience for all. 

Vote Anna McDermott for Postgraduate Education Officer 2025/2026.