Doctoral Researcher
I’m an ESRC-funded PhD candidate in Law, researching AI-generated image-based sexual abuse.
Research Interests
My doctoral research is a study of legal solutions to protect victims from image-based sexual abuse using AI nudification tools. The research incorporates comparative law and socio-legal methods as well as feminist theory.
My Master’s research focused on the adequacy of the UK law, especially the Online Safety Act, in preventing online sexual abuse with the use of deepfake and AI technologies.
Broadly speaking, I am interested in the intersections of law, technology and feminism.
Prior Education and Experience
I completed my MRes in Socio-Legal Research at the University of Exeter in September 2024. In July 2023 I graduated from the University of Exeter with an LLB (Hons). I also hold Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience from Memorial University. During my law degree, I completed two law firm internships, one in Manchester, UK, and one in St. John’s, Canada.
Volunteer Experience
Throughout my neuroscience degree, I volunteered for a number of organisations, including Easter Seals, Planned Parenthood, and the End Sexual Violence NL. In August 2017, I was appointed to the Premier’s Youth Council in Newfoundland & Labrador. During my time at Memorial University, I also ran for and was elected as Women’s Representative with the students’ union.
During my law degree, I had the opportunity to join the Women’s Equality Panel with the Student Guild, and have completed pro bono work with Citizens Advice and the University of Exeter’s Access to Justice Clinic. I was also elected Subject Chair for law with the Exeter Guild. After completion of my final year of law school, I began volunteering with ROMILDAMOR‘s legal team, where I provided legal support to survivors of human trafficking, child marriage and other forms of gender-based violence, and provided additional support to the organisation in the role of Governance Manager.
Bar Admissions
I passed the Uniform Bar Exam in the State of New York in July 2025, and am currently in the process of completing other requirements for attorney admission.
I completed my NCA Certificate of Qualification and expect to begin articling in Canada in 2027, with the aim of obtaining a license to practice in 2028.
Courtney’s CV
If you’re interested in my CV, you can view it here.