Can you introduce yourself?
I am originally from Scotland and studied law and international law in the UK, first at Durham University (LLB) and later at the University of Nottingham (LLM). I then moved to the Netherlands in 2018 for a PhD position at the University of Maastricht, before moving to Nijmegen for my current role in 2022. I teach in a variety of courses in the ELS Bachelor's and in the IEL Master's programmes, including "International Law and Crisis" and "Global Environmental Justice" (both LLM courses). In addition, I am the Managing Editor of a law journal, the Hague Yearbook of International Law, and a member of the University Works Council.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
I chose to specialise in international law partly because I find the subject so interesting, and partly because you can study and work in international law anywhere in the world. Being originally from Scotland, and having studied in the UK, I would never have been able to come to the Netherlands to live and work if I had specialised in domestic law. International law is hugely diverse and constantly evolving - it covers everything from the law of war to environmental protection to indigenous rights and far, far more. One day I can be presenting a paper on human rights and the climate crisis, the next I can be teaching students about the intricacies of the rules on jurisdiction before the International Court of Justice. I love the variety that international law offers.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
My current research focuses on treaty interpretation and the jurisdiction of international courts and tribunals. For example, I recently explored how international environmental law can be used to interpret human rights treaties, improving human rights protection in cases of environmental harm. I'm also starting a project examining how and when international courts can exercise jurisdiction over historic wrongs like enforced disappearance and torture that happened many years ago. I tend to focus on general international law issues (like treaty law, the law of international courts and tribunals, or of state responsibility) and then applying that law in different areas, from human rights to sport law or the law of the sea. In this way, my research allows me to be constantly learning and exploring, and it keeps my work varied and engaging.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Focus on what interests you, what you enjoy, and what you're good at. Do your research to make sure that you have a good idea as to what subjects are covered in a particular Master's programme, and what they are all about. It is good to think about the job market afterwards (particularly things like "where do I want to live?") but don't tie yourself down to a particular career path. The job market changes constantly, and there will always be new opportunities for skilled graduates.
What is the best part of working with students?
I love that teaching is always a mixture of give-and-take: I bring the expertise and knowledge of the law, but students always come with new ideas and perspectives. It keeps the subject fresh, interesting, and relevant. It is also important for students to know that whatever they go on to do after their study (whether they become lawyers, work for NGOs, go into academia, journalism, or something else), they can have an impact on international law. I try to teach students to think critically about international law, where it comes from, how it is used (and abused), and their own potential role in that: I see this as an important part of my responsibility as a teacher.