My name is Alejandra Letelier, and I am a Research Fellow at City, St George's University of London. I recently had the privilege of visiting the Geary Institute at University College Dublin (UCD) as part of the COORDINATE project. It was a truly enriching experience that allowed me to engage with a vibrant academic community, meet inspiring researchers, and advance my work using the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) dataset.
From the moment I arrived, Orla Doyle and Ebru Isikli made me feel incredibly welcome. Their guidance and support were invaluable, and they ensured my visit was as productive as it was enjoyable. I also had the pleasure of meeting other fellows in the COORDINATE Transnational Access Visit (TAV) program, including researchers like Jun Lin Yu from Helsinki University. It was fascinating to exchange ideas and experiences, which opened up new possibilities for future collaborations.
The Geary Institute for Public Policy is an incredible space, bringing together researchers who are tackling critical social science questions in areas such as child development, health, and education. I attended several seminars, including one on the implications of overturning Roe v. Wade, which broadened my perspective on global policy debates.
A key focus of my visit was working with the Growing Up in Ireland dataset, a rich longitudinal study that provides unique insights into the lives of children and young people. With the support of researchers at the Geary Institute, I deepened my understanding of this dataset and refined my approach to analyzing it.
Dublin itself added to the experience—its welcoming atmosphere, lively culture, and historic charm made my time there even more special.
This visit wasn’t just about academic growth; it was also about building meaningful connections. I’m deeply grateful to the COORDINATE team and everyone at the Geary Institute for making it such a rewarding experience. I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned back to my work in London and to continue the collaborations that began in Dublin.
Alejandra Letelier
Research Fellow
City, St George's University of London
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