Globalization Student Highlight: Jaimie’s Perspective

Curious about a Master’s in Globalization? Hear from a student Exploring Data, Decolonization, and Interdisciplinary Learning!

As we come to the end of one academic year, and approach another, we would like to wrap up with our final interview of our 2025 graduates.

We sat down with Jaimie Somerville to talk about her path to the Master’s in Globalization program, how its flexible and interdisciplinary structure supports their goals, and why data privacy and digital sovereignty are at the heart of their research.

What led you to decide to continue your education with a Master’s in Globalization? What is your ideal future path with this degree?
“Ultimately what led to my decision was the interdisciplinary aspect of the Globalization program, as I recognized the value in diversifying my studies and pursuing a multi-faceted approach to my research as the department allows. With this degree and the value it adds, I hope to be able to use what I have learned here and apply it to areas like public policy, foreign policy, and global governance and bring a nuanced approach to whatever projects I end up working on.”

Can you give a brief introduction to your research for your Major Research Paper?
“My research is focused on finding a suitable global data governance approach to personal data privacy and regulation from a human-rights-based perspective. I’m challenging the exploitation, lack of transparency, and alienation of people from the data they produce in this age of information where data is the most important resource now. Specifically, looking at the issues of digital colonialism and data sovereignty will help to unpack the ‘why’ behind a global governance approach, and hopefully lead to the ‘how’ this can be done, while ensuring the legacies of colonialism are not being integrated into the regulatory frameworks.”

What is one aspect about the Globalization master’s program that you love?
“My favourite aspect, aside from the community and relationships I have been able to build, is the ability to cater my education to my interests and future goals.
Being an interdisciplinary program, the courses you can choose to take come from all different departments, which has helped me diversify my learning while also being able to study what I enjoy and delve deeper into topics I have explored before.”

What would you like to say to prospective students thinking of a Globalization minor or masters?
“To future students, I would encourage them to engage in Globalization through a minor or the master’s program because it helps you to become a critical thinker.
It allows you to understand the contemporary world in a way that no other discipline can offer quite as well because it emphasizes diverse and alternative approaches to our social, political, economic, theoretical, and cultural perceptions of the globalized world.”