Meghan Ruane ’23, MPA ’24, is an incoming J.D. candidate at the University of Notre Dame Law School (NDLS), where she will pursue a concentration in law and technology. She is especially excited about the experiential learning opportunities available beyond the first year, including participation in the London Law Programme, legal clinics, and directed research with faculty mentors.
She recently earned her Master of Public Administration in Criminal Justice from STAC in 2024, and her capstone thesis, VORTEX: A Networked Virtual Reality Simulation Training Program for NYC’s First Responders, explores the use of immersive technology in first responder training, which reflects her ongoing interest in the intersection of computer science, criminal justice, and public administration.
A proud valedictorian of the St. Thomas Aquinas College Class of 2023, Meghan holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice with minors in Computer Science and Forensic Psychology. Her academic and professional development has been shaped by dedicated faculty members and mentors at the College who helped connect her with internships, research opportunities, and experiences abroad — including a pivotal term studying the Victorian criminal justice system at Oxford University. Their support allowed her to explore the intersections of law, technology, and criminal justice philosophy and ultimately find the right path forward.
Meghan encourages others pursuing graduate or post-graduate opportunities to invest in their interpersonal skills and embrace networking. She notes: “Everything from personable emails to interview etiquette is becoming increasingly important (and it was already immensely necessary before). I’d like to gently remind those pursuing post-grad opportunities that Earl Nightingale was too true when he said “the time will pass anyway.” People age, and graduate, and time passes — why not go to grad school? Or apply for a new job in a new location? Things you want will take time, but the time will pass anyway. Why not do it?”