Abby McLean

Abby McLean is a first-year master’s student in Cultural Studies. She graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Global Development Studies, where she developed a keen interest in the intersection between culture, development, and neoliberalism. Abby’s research area of interest involves how the growth of neoliberal consumerism has impacted culture and global development, specifically the commodification of culture in relation to tourism and development. She is also a textile artist who is passionate about slow and sustainable fashion and interested in how the cultural meanings of crafting and textile/clothing production have been changed by neoliberalism. 

Outside of academia, Abby enjoys writing and publishes essays and other pieces on her blog, 'Abby's Anthology'. She loves to travel and has spent time living in both Europe and Africa. She believes that experiencing different cultures and connecting with strangers in new places is the best way to learn about the world. She is also passionate about community engagement and has held many leadership positions within the Queen’s community. Her time as the Global Development Studies Student Council President sparked her passion for student government and continues to motivate her to incorporate advocacy work into her daily life.