Meet Bailey Nicolson, ’24

Bailey Nicolson is graduating with a degree in international relations (IR) with honors, and a focus in international comparative governance and world economy.

As an IR honors student, she conducted an independent research project under faculty guidance, which she presented at a conference this spring. Her honors thesis focused on “the role of OPEC in global oil markets and what membership has meant for developing, oil-rich countries,” she shared.

During her time at Stanford, Nicolson also participated in Stanford in New York and studied abroad in Istanbul through the Bing Overseas Studies Program. “Both programs were so fun, and I made many lasting friends through them,” she said.

After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to study international development and political economy. Read the Q&A below to learn more about Bailey and her favorite experiences as a Stanford student.

What has been your favorite class at Stanford and why?

Political Economy of the Southern Cone! It was comprehensive and so engaging. It combined interesting material that was economics, history, and diplomacy-related in a way that prepared me to tackle questions and apply what I learned to other classes.

As you reflect on your time at Stanford, what are you most proud of?

Finishing my honors thesis. With the help of so many friends and mentors, I was able to take two research trips (one to the UK!) to do archival work. Presenting my research at the end of May was one of the highlights of my undergraduate career.

How has your degree program changed your understanding of the world and prepared you for your next steps?

IR is a great major because of how interdisciplinary it is; you take classes that are sciencey and environmental, history classes, economics classes, and a lot of other things in between. I feel prepared and ready to tackle a number of issues and a diverse array of topics!