My core interest is the relationship between people and place. Cities are, for me, the richest sites within which to explore these relationships, because their stories and associations are so layered. I firmly believe that cities can be the most socially-resilient places.
My work examines how places are experienced, by locals and visitors alike.
I first studied history, with a focus on early modern Europe, leading to interests in nationalism and identity and, more vaguely, the idea of Europe. My master's then zoomed-in more on how identities, as fluid concepts, are negotiated in Europe today.
I've continued to apply my historical research skills - from conducting archival research for an institute investigating human rights abuses in Southern Africa, to serving as a researcher in the development of a historical feature film.
A little more recently though, I've picked up a little experience in ethnographic research, looking at how identity dynamics and associated pluralities are negotiated in urban settings. This comprised some work contributing to a project on Speaker's Corner.
I do think that being a Londoner with heritage in Northern Ireland has shaped my perspective on identity. I'm grateful that London's cosmopolitanism has been a constant in my life and I think I remain sensitive to the risks of fixed or essentialist identity claims.