Griffith Law graduate Taylor Henderson has landed a paid internship working on the future of blockchain public policy with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris.
Taylor is currently assisting with their upcoming Global Blockchain Policy Forum, which seeks to understand the challenges of using the emerging technology.
Shesays working for the OECD is exciting because they were the first to discuss blockchain’s worldwide impact.
“The first conference was held last year, and I will help convene the conference in September. I’ll also help with the Blockchain Policy Centre which develops and expands on the findings of the conference,” said Taylor.
She adds that it was her experiences at Griffith, including studying a Human Rights elective in Argentina, which honed her research skills. Skills which will be vital in her new role.
“All the work I’ve done in my Honours thesis and editing the Griffith Journal of Law and Human Dignity have put a huge emphasis on improving my research skills and academic writing,” said Taylor.
While she admits technology itself is not her strong suit, Taylor says she is highly interested in the humanitarian potential of blockchain technology.
“My thesis focused on issues of corruption and transparency within economies and governments. Blockchain could be used to greatly minimise those issues and ensure accountability,” she said.
Taylor learned of the internship while working closely with her thesis supervisor, Associate Professor Susan Harris-Rimmer.
“Sue has incredible contacts. She received an email from a former student at the OECD looking for intern recommendations. She put my name forward and it has changed my life,” said Taylor.
Taylor says she had planned on practising law and had not anticipated moving into legal research so soon after graduating.
“I didn’t expect something so incredible to come along and I think it was about being open to whatever opportunity came along and making those connections while I was studying.”