Olivia Waller is a current graduate student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, pursuing a Master of Global Governance. Prior to joining the Balsillie School, Olivia graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science and a minor in International Development Studies. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong interest in international affairs, global governance, and public policy, with particular interests in political behaviour, international and domestic law, and diplomacy.

In the final year of her degree, Olivia successfully completed an Honours Thesis titled Scrolling into Extremes: The Polarizing Effect of Social Media on Immigration Attitudes. Drawing on quantitative research methods and statistical analysis, she examined how traditional and social media influence public attitudes toward immigration and political polarization. Through this project, Olivia developed advanced skills in data analysis, and academic writing while strengthening her interest in the ways information environments shape political behaviour and policy outcomes. Her thesis reinforced her desire to pursue graduate research focused on governance, democracy, and the evolving challenges facing policymakers in an increasingly interconnected world.

Beyond academics, Olivia has sought opportunities to contribute to her community while developing valuable leadership skills. As an Orientation Volunteer at the University of Guelph, she welcomed incoming students, assisted with transition programming, and helped foster an inclusive and supportive campus environment. Through these experiences, she developed strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills while gaining a greater appreciation for community engagement and mentorship.

Olivia’s academic interests lie at the intersection of global governance, public policy, law, and diplomacy. She is particularly interested in understanding how international institutions and domestic governments navigate complex transnational issues, including human rights, democratic resilience, and global security. Building on her undergraduate research, she is interested in exploring how media and public opinion influence policymaking, as well as how governments can strengthen public trust and democratic institutions in an era of rapidly evolving information technologies.

Through the MAGG program, Olivia hopes to deepen her understanding of global governance, international law, and diplomacy while exploring interdisciplinary approaches to addressing complex global challenges. She looks forward to engaging with faculty and peers from diverse backgrounds with various perspectives, expanding her research interests in democratic governance and international cooperation, and developing the analytical and policy skills necessary to contribute to effective and equitable governance.