Jamaica Leech is an intern with the Media and Communications team at the United States Studies Centre.

What is your educational background?

I am currently in my second year at the University of Sydney undertaking a Bachelor of Arts and Advanced Studies. I am majoring in Politics, International Relations and American Studies. I am interested in the Great Power Competition, particularly US foreign policy within the Indo-Pacific region.

What have you been working on in your time here at the USSC?

During my time here at the USSC, I have had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects – with a particular focus on Australia-US relations. Projects include the 70th Anniversary of the ANZUS Alliance and the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 as well as the recently announced AUKUS Partnership. Further, I have explored the future of the Indo-Pacific and how this will be impacted by the Biden Administration.

I am grateful for both the knowledge and skills that I have developed from the USSC Internship Program.

What do you hope to do with your experience from the USSC?

The real-world experience I have gained at the USSC has been invaluable and has boosted my confidence entering professional environments. Going forward I would like to do further research into US foreign policy and am seriously considering this field for my honours. Further, I am now drawn to working professionally in US and International Relations organisations. I have thoroughly enjoyed the communications aspect of my role and would love to fuse this with my areas of interest going forward.