Alex McDermott

Outreach Officer, Durham Union Society, student, Durham University & DM alumnus Alex is in his first year studying Politics and International Relations at University College, Durham. He is a Lord Kitchener and a Laidlaw Scholar and Outreach Officer for the Durham Union Society. Alex first competed in Debating Matters as a sixth form student at …

Adam Albazy

president, Durham Union Society & student, Durham University Adam Albazy is President of The Durham Union Society. He is a Politics and History finalist at Durham University, specialising in Middle Eastern affairs. After university Adam hopes to pursue a career in law and is a prospective GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) student.

Nigel Emmerson

partner, Womble Bond Dickinson Nigel heads Womble Bond Dickinson’s Housing Group, and is client partner for a number of major organisations in the sector, including Grainger, The National Trust, The Wellcome Trust, Southern Residential, Retirement Bridge and Hearthstone Investments. Womble Bond Dickinson is seen as market leader in the housing sector and, since Nigel joined the firm in 1992, …

Aaron Allen

senior fellow, the Center for European Policy Analysis

Ethan Green

writer, researcher & DM alumnus Ethan has produced award-winning research into the collapse of Roman democracy, and has spoken or written widely on a range of topics — with a particular interest in British Enlightenment history. A Debating Matters Alumnus, Ethan went on to lead his university’s debating society and represent them at the European …

Emma Zaoli

Student of International Relations at Durham University Emma is an 18-year-old student studying International Relations at Durham University. She grew up in Madrid, Spain, where she attended school before moving to the UK for her degree. She is passionate about debate and has participated in the World Universities Debating Championships as well as many Model …

Dr Paula Lightfoot

Environmental Scientist Paula has worked in evidence-based nature conservation for over 15 years, with experience in the public, academic and charity sectors.  She completed her PhD in marine data science at Newcastle University and lives and works in Northumberland. With interests in a wide range of political, cultural and social issues, Paula is passionate about …

Joris Sabinius

Software Engineer Joris is a software engineer, living and working in Berlin. He has a passion for the tech industry and an interest in philosophy. Joris believes debate is a crucial framework that shapes open societies.

Anne Hodgson

Freelance language service provider Originally from Washington DC, Anne received her MA in Political Science and History from the University of Konstanz. She worked as an exhibitions coordinator in Dresden and Singen before going freelance as a language services provider in 1998. She provides intercultural communication skills training, teaches presenting and writing skills, edits and …