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Biography

I studied a BA in English Literature at the University of Sheffield: in my first year, I discovered a passion for Old English and Anglo-Saxon culture, which led me to undertaking an MA in Medieval English Literature at the University of Leeds. It was a natural progression from there to return to Sheffield to begin a PhD. My thesis concerned the transmission and performance of Anglo-Saxon charms. Having completed my PhD in January 2011, I am now teaching Historical Linguistics at the University of Sheffield. I specialise in Old English, and teach several modules in this field.

What motivated you to engage with the public?

I am passionate about communicating my enthusiasm for the past to students, and helping the students to pass on that excitement to the public. It’s really important that students (and academic staff) are able to share their work with the public, ensuring that both academics and members of the public can share in the wonders our history holds. I have run Old English modules at Sheffield since 2008, and always involve some aspect of public engagement.

Describe the public engagement work you have done

I have run Old English modules at Sheffield since 2008, and always involve some aspect of public engagement. For example, each semester the students visit both our local museum and Jorvik, so that they can explore how centres such as these interpret their artefacts for the public. This enables them to then consider how they might improve or develop this interpretive material in the light of their own specialised study of Anglo-Saxon England.

I am currently running a module entitled ‘Old English and Public Engagement’ in which the students learn about Anglo-Saxon language and culture, and then have the opportunity to share this knowledge with the public. The students will be supported as they create their own way of communicating with the public, and will be encouraged to evaluate their decisions and experiences as they progress through the process.