Isabelle Haynes: Bridging Cultures and Disciplines for Sustainable Development 

Isabelle Haynes, an MSc candidate in Migration Studies at Oxford University, brings a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and academic experience to her work in sustainable development. With French, British, and American roots, Isabelle's journey from Classical Archaeology to International Relations, and now Migration Studies, exemplifies her multidisciplinary approach to global challenges. 

Drawn to the Oxford SDG Impact Lab by positive recommendations and her previous experience with sustainability initiatives, Isabelle sought to engage with sustainability in a new organisational context. The Lab's masterclass series proved instrumental in preparing her for the research project. 

"The masterclass series offered a refreshing blend of research and practical application," Isabelle reflects. "Each week, we were introduced to different challenges related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with experts elucidating the complexities of these issues." The series provided essential contacts, an overview of SDG frameworks, and advanced methods training for data collection and analysis. This comprehensive preparation set the stage for Isabelle's hands-on work with Oxford City Football Club (OCFC). 

Applying the insights gained from the masterclasses, Isabelle worked on developing sustainability strategies for OCFC, gaining valuable insights into local-level SDG implementation. She learned about community-specific obstacles and the importance of local partnerships. "I was impressed by the quantity of community resources available, including social capital like volunteer networks," she notes. 

A highlight of her experience was facilitating a meeting between the OCFC site manager and a local solar assessment expert, showcasing the power of collaborative problem-solving. This hands-on experience reinforced Isabelle's appreciation for interdisciplinary approaches to complex challenges. 

Following the completion of her Masters, and an internship with the Ministry of Defence, she'll be joining UN Tourism in Madrid, continuing to build on the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) work initiated by the Oxford SDG Impact Lab. Isabelle's experience with the Lab has not only provided her with this opportunity but also reinforced her commitment to advancing sustainability and the SDGs at every level. Her journey from archaeological heritage to international organisations showcases the importance of multi-disciplinary backgrounds in shaping a more sustainable future.