Emily Sams-Harris
MSc Gender, Policy and Inequalities, Class of 2023
Name: Emily Sams-Harris
Programme and year: MSc Gender, Policy and Inequalities 2023
What are you currently doing and where?
After graduating from LSE Gender, I went to work for the Canadian federal public service as a Policy Analyst. I loved the opportunity to apply feminist theories to the work I was doing. Then in August 2024 I was diagnosed with an auto-immune brain injury called Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis which has reshaped my life.
Why did you choose to study at LSE Gender?
LSE Gender was recommended to me as a place to learn from some of the world's leading scholars in feminist gender theory working on cutting edge projects. As a Canadian, the idea of connecting with other international students was another huge reason why I decided to study at LSE Gender.
How do you use what you learned at LSE Gender in your current role?
LSE Gender really affirmed the notions of systemic accountability and a need for policy change that doesn't focus on individuality. I will always be grateful to the faculty of LSE for their commitment to intersectional change. It also really refined my critical analysis skills. As a public servant, writing policy briefs this is a huge skill to have.
What advice do you have for current and/or prospective LSE Gender students?
Say hello to what comes at you during your time at LSE Gender. Whether that is a fellow student, the faculty, office hours, LSE student groups or other activities, if you can, find supports during your time at LSE. There are many supports during your time at LSE Gender.
Anything else you want to share about your time with us or the work you are doing currently?
You don't have to do your program alone. Higher education asks a lot of students but by finding colleagues, study groups and mentors, there is so much joy that can be found in your time at LSE Gender.
Is there a particular highlight about your time at LSE Gender you would like to share?
There was a particular day during the dissertation writing process that some LSE Gender pals and I were in the LSE Gender office all working on our individual projects. Sometimes it would be complete silence except for the sounds of keyboards typing and other times we would all break out into complete laughter. It was moments like that where scholarship and friendship came alive.