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Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Chloe Vanderlugt

By Diana Corredor
In our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, we highlight students whose academic journeys reflect the depth and impact of a Social Science education at Western University. This edition features Chloe Vanderlugt, a fourth-year Honours Specialization student in Political Science, whose time at Western has been defined by exploration, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the student community.

Vanderlugt chose the Faculty of Social Science for its breadth of study and the flexibility to delve into her interests in political science, governance, and leadership. “My time in the Faculty of Social Science has been exactly what I hoped it would be: an environment filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute as a student,” she shares. From engaging in research to leading student initiatives, Vanderlugt has embraced every opportunity to expand her knowledge and impact those around her.

One of the defining experiences of her undergraduate journey was her role as a research intern through the Social Sciences Undergraduate Summer Research Internship (USRI) program. Under the mentorship of Dr. Cameron Anderson, Vanderlugt explored the impact of economic recovery efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic on voting behaviour in Canada. This experience strengthened her qualitative and quantitative research skills, introduced her to tools like STATA, and deepened her understanding of the intersection between policy and public perception—insights she now carries into both her studies and leadership roles.

Beyond academics, Vanderlugt has made a profound impact on student life through her leadership in the Social Science Students’ Council. Serving as President of the Council, she represents over 9,000 students—the largest faculty at Western. “Coming into university as a first-generation student and becoming Faculty President is a role I am so grateful and proud to hold,” she says. Through this position, she has worked to foster collaboration, advocate for student interests, and spearhead initiatives that enhance student wellness and academic success.

Reflecting on her time at Western, Vanderlugt recognizes how the Faculty of Social Science has shaped her both personally and professionally. “My undergrad opened me up to a community filled with opportunity and mentorship, which shaped me into the student I am today. Coming to Western for my undergraduate degree was the best decision I could have made.”

Chloe Vanderlugt’s journey is a testament to the power of education, research, and student leadership in shaping future changemakers. Stay tuned for more inspiring success stories in our series and follow our social media channels to see how our students are making an impact in the world.

 

If you want to share your own story or know someone who should be featured, please reach out to us!