Samantha O'Donnell

Samantha O'Donnell is an interdisciplinary feminist researcher and lawyer who specialises in research on gender-based violence through an intersectional lens. She is currently a Research Fellow with the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women at the Melbourne Law School. Samantha completed her PhD in Criminology at the University of Melbourne in 2025 and examined gendered violence, bordering and state violence. She also holds an MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Oxford, a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of International Relations from the Australian National University. Samantha’s approach to research is informed by her experience as a lawyer, working across the community and government sectors. Samantha has published her research in leading criminological and legal academic journals and has also published in more accessible formats.