About

Jane Palmer hails from County Cork, Ireland. She is majoring in Political Science and Global Affairs. Jane embarked on a transformative adventure in the summer of 2023 as part of the first cohort of the Kellogg Pre-Experiencing the World Fellowship in Livingstone, Zambia. There, alongside 8 students, she delivered a series of workshops to students aged 14-22. This month-long immersive experience exposed her to the complexities of global affairs and international development, leaving an indelible mark on her world perspective. At fifteen, Jane won an EIL Ireland Intercultural Learning Explore Award to study in France and stay with a host family for a semester. Completely immersed in French, she gained advanced proficiency and a love for the French language. These cumulative experiences have steered Jane towards researching Africa.

Beyond academic endeavors, Jane works part-time as a Tour Guide for the Notre Dame Office of Student Admissions and is an active member of dorm life in Lewis Hall. Jane has a passion for sports and this passion along with her Irish heritage converge in her role as commissioner and assistant coach for the Notre Dame Gaelic Athletic Association Team. 

It is at the heart of her involvement in the Kellogg Developing Researchers program to learn how to conduct research in the hope of better understanding the nuances of political science and global affairs in real-world contexts. Jane has an innate sense of curiosity and a deep drive to uncover new information, learn, and answer burning questions and world issues. Her research interests lie in exploring themes of human rights and the empowerment of women and youth in Africa.

KDR Project Advisor:
Katie Jarvis

Major(s)
Global Affairs
Political Science
Minor(s)
French