Meet the Class of 2024: Quinn Riordan
Quinn Riordan, a senior majoring in international studies, has spent her entire undergraduate career at Saint Louis University’s campus in Madrid. While there, she formed close ties with her classmates from around the world, explored Europe and served others in the community.
As she prepares to graduate this spring, Riordan shares what inspired her to pursue her studies in Madrid and what she hopes to do next.
Why did you decide to attend SLU-Madrid?
I’m from the suburbs of Chicago and lived there basically my whole life. SLU-Madrid seemed like such an amazing opportunity to explore the world and move somewhere completely outside of my comfort zone.
Was it a difficult transition?
I don't think it was that difficult. It's obviously hard to be far away from your family, but because everyone was in the same boat, we were able to form a very tight community. I've met so many cool people, and I think SLU-Madrid attracts people who are a lot more independent, adventurous and willing to put themselves out there.
You’re majoring in international studies, which is fitting. Why did you pick that major?
I originally came in as a political science major and switched to international studies because I wanted to take more environmental science courses. International studies allowed me to merge political science courses with more STEM-focused classes. I want to do something in environmental policy and it’s important to know the science behind it.
Quinn Riordan, left, also studied abroad during her time at SLU.
What got you interested in environmental studies?
My mom studied marine biology, so I’ve always been aware of environmental issues. I also did a lot of climate activism in high school. I took “Oceanography and Sustainable Development for Latin America,” and really loved it.
I did a project for the sustainable development course on marine reserves, which also connected to a trip we took to Cabo de Palos for the oceanography course. We learned about the benefits of marine reserves for not only biodiversity and the health of the ocean, but also economically for the fishermen and the region. It was cool how I was able to connect two different concepts from the two different classes.
You’re also a very involved volunteer in Madrid. What do you do and what is it like serving in such a different environment?
I teach English to students from primary school to early high school. It was very nerve-wracking in the beginning, but they’ve been very sweet. A lot of them are from families that have immigrated to Spain from Latin America. It’s been really amazing getting to know and learn from them.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I'm applying to a few different master's programs. My top would be a Johns Hopkins program in global security studies with an energy and environmental security concentration, which is really interesting. I'm looking at different programs in environmental policy, but I don't know if I necessarily want to go into government work.
My dream job would be something that combines environmental policy work with multimedia journalism to provide education about climate change or environmental issues. That would be super cool.
Latest Newslink
- SLU/YouGov Poll: Voters say Economy, Abortion, and Criminal Justice/Public Safety Are the Most Important Issues in 2024 Missouri Governor’s RaceMissouri voters will hear from gubernatorial candidates Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe and Representative Crystal Quade Friday, Sept. 20, in the first debate in the race for Missouri governor. The SLU/YouGov Poll asked 450 likely Missouri voters in August: “What issue in the 2024 Election is the most important factor in your vote for Governor of Missouri?” Voters then answered in their own words what was important to them when voting for Governor.
- SLU Researchers Identify Sex-Based Differences in Immune Responses Against TumorsResearchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine investigated differences in T-cell responses between male and female patients with lung cancer that may help direct future treatments. T-cell responses are part of the adaptive immune system, which is part of the body's "smart system" that monitors for threats and fights them with customized defenses.
- Department of Energy Awards Saint Louis University Nearly $1 Million to Create a Climate Resilience CenterSaint Louis University has received a $964,848 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to create a Climate Resilience Center at SLU. The project is one of 10 centers funded by the DOE in states nationwide.
- SLU’s Farzana Hoque Named a YWCA Metro St. Louis 2024 Leader of DistinctionNominees are put forth by their peers and selected by an independent panel based on their professional achievements and contributions to the community. Farzana Hoque, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine and acting internship co-director, will be honored at the 44th Annual YWCA Leader Lunch on Friday, Dec. 13.
- SLU’s Alec Pollard Receives International OCD Foundation Outstanding Career Achievement AwardAlec Pollard, Ph.D., professor emeritus of family and community medicine, recently received the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)’s 2024 Outstanding Career Achievement Award. The IOCDF Awards recognize exceptional individuals and professionals for their dedicated efforts in advancing awareness, advocacy, and understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- SLU Pregnancy Loss Researcher Denise Côté-Arsenault Receives Fulbright Specialist Program AwardDenise Côté-Arsenault, Ph.D., the Hemak Endowed professor of maternal child nursing, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award, the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board recently announced.