Ambassador: Lee Middlehurst
- Current role:
- PhD student
- Institution:
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Discipline:
- Arts and humanities
Biography
PhD researcher (PhD completing 2011/12); professional artist; singer; stand-up comic; MC
What motivated you to engage with the public?
My academic contact has been via studying very different levels (BSc; BA; MA, and PhD studies) and subjects (Chemistry; Media Studies; Gender Studies, and Sociology) at four universities (York; Salford; Leeds, and Manchester Metropolitan) and giving presentations at several other universities (five UK universities and one Canadian university in July). I have become repeatedly aware of how reluctant many academics are to engage with public audiences. Also, they are often limited in enabling their work to be both educational and interesting except for those in similar subject areas, especially concerning PhD level researches. I have encountered numerous impediments to enabling academic studies to be publically engaging, hampered by inabilities of self-confidence and innovation.
My university and non academic works have often been shaped by innovation and public engageability. I feel it is important that academic studies are effective in their interaction with public audiences on several levels. Firstly, to facilitate effective application of academic research (such as scientific work or sociological work) that can lead to improved benefit to societal groups. Secondly, to enable public appreciation of academia. Thirdly, to demonstrate the usefulness of academic studies.
Describe the public engagement work you have done
My academic work is being promoted via innovation, adaptability and humour but draws attention to serious issues. Within Sociology there is a frequent notable fear of combining qualitative and quantitative research. My own research combines these in effective interviewing techniques and in computer development of questionnaires.
Alongside my PhD research, I have designed surveys concerning transgenderism. They have gained, internationally, ~1400 respondents so far, becoming one of the world’s largest trans data gatherings).
My artwork is innovatively high lighting recycling issues and I have had seven exhibitions so far since April 2009. I have also been a front man for six music bands (and a guest front man on four others), an MC and a stand-up comic.
