Dr Simonds was awarded her PhD in International Studies at Queen’s University Belfast, a highly ranked Russell Group institution. Her PhD was fully funded by the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy. Her thesis explored the experiences of maritime insurers and seafarers in the effort to deter piracy off the coast of Somalia, with specific case studies that addressed the carriage and use of weapons, criminal designation of piracy, and vessel-based deterrence strategies. Dr Simonds is qualified to teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). She has held affiliations with the British International Studies Association (BISA), the European International Studies Association (EISA), and the International Studies Association (ISA). She retains a position as Visiting Research Fellow at Liverpool John Moores University as part of the Centre for Port and Maritime History. As an early career researcher, she has received additional financial grants from Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Chester to assist with attendance at academic conferences. Dr Jessica Simonds is committed to contributing to a holistic and positive university experience for all. She held the esteemed position of President of the Queen’s University Politics Society (2013/2014) and Vice President for Postgraduate Taught Students (2015/2016) at Queen’s Students’ Union. She also won the prize for School Representative of the Year in 2016.