During the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, Brooke Szucs could not return to Australia from Japan and continued her studies at The University of Queensland (UQ) online. While she had good access to her teaching staff, Brooke was eager to expand her global engagement opportunities to support her professional development.

She found the perfect fit in the U21 Global Citizens programme, drawn by its sustainable development focus and the chance to discuss critical issues with students from over 20 countries. The programme’s online format was ideal for Brooke, as she balanced her final studies at UQ with her needs as a neurodivergent student.

The opportunity to see other people’s perspectives was thrilling. It both affirmed and challenged my own views.”

With her undergraduate degree completed, Brooke continued her journey at UQ, driven by her passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Brooke’s innovative approach led to her involvement in several impactful projects, including a central role in the U21 Disability Mapping Research project led by Prof. Paul Harpur at UQ. This project, involving collaboration from more than 20 global universities, addresses critical issues around accessibility and inclusion in higher education.

Inspired by this work, Brooke is hoping to undertake her PhD at UQ, focusing on practical solutions to improve exchange opportunities for neurodivergent students across the U21 network. Her research aims to break down barriers that prevent neurodivergent students from fully participating in global exchanges, ensuring they have access to enriching international experiences.

As a global network, U21 is committed to advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Brooke’s project exemplifies this mission. Her research is designed to produce real-world outcomes, such as improving training for support staff to create tailored, inclusive global experiences, offering neurodivergent students the chance to thrive on a global stage.