University of Limerick Alumni Spotlight: Morgan Baker

In the latest instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series, we speak to Morgan Baker, an international graduate of the MA in Irish and Global Conflict History at University of Limerick, now working with Oxfam.   

Tell us a bit about yourself.  

I am from Kansas City in the United States, although I have family scattered all across the country from the east coast, to the midwest, to the west coast. My interest in political history, and more specifically foreign policy, traces to my undergraduate studies at Boston University. With Boston’s close historical links to Ireland, I also had a keen interest in studying Irish history at some point in my life.  

Why did you choose the MA in Irish and Global Conflict History at UL?  

As someone who grew up in the 1990s during the Troubles, I had a deep curiosity about the era of severe violent conflict here in Ireland. UL’s postgraduate history programme in this field greatly appealed to me as a way to gain more knowledge about the circumstances and consequences of that period. I also chose the programme because it was a one-year degree that included a written dissertation component, which provided an opportunity for original archival research.  

What did you enjoy most about the MA in Irish and Global Conflict History?  

I thoroughly enjoyed the in-class group discussions related to historiography and history discipline methodology. Specifically, there were certain assigned readings that provoked critical thought along with debates regarding revised accounts of history. I additionally enjoyed our class trip to Dublin and Belfast to view significant sites and memorials concerning The Troubles. Furthermore, I enjoyed the historical seminar series, in which academics from other universities visited UL to give stimulating talks. These were fantastic opportunities for students to meet academics within their field and even network with colleagues.  

What was the most important thing that you learned while doing your master’s?  

The most important thing that I learned during my programme was the process of developing an original research project and carrying it out in a manner to meet academic standards. This process included crafting a feasible research proposal, amending it during the course of exploratory research, developing a literature review including historiography, and even coherently communicating my research-in-progress to my instructors and colleagues.  

How did UL support you in your studies and are there any lecturers who played a pivotal role during your time at UL?  

UL provided the resources needed for my studies, including my dissertation research project. I found the Glucksman Library to be a fantastic source to borrow relevant books, and there were numerous occasions when the UL library acquired digital journal articles and book chapters that would not have been available to me, had I not been a student.  

As for lecturers who played a pivotal role during my studies, I would like to recognize Dr Aaron Donaghy for his steady guidance and support. He was always quick to reply to my emails and would arrange in-person or video call office hours, even on short-notice in some cases. He understands when critical moments arise for his students, prompting additional communication and assistance.