C.V.

PhD English

University of Leeds, 2017 – 2020 (expected)

• Thesis: Ecomasculinities and the Old West in U.S Fiction, 1970- Present
• Supervisor: Dr Hamilton Carroll
• Fully funded by a School of English Scholarship

MLitt Modern and Contemporary Literature and Culture

University of St Andrews, 2014-15

(Awarded 2016)

• Dissertation: Music and Graphic Narratives (high distinction)
• Dissertation described as “excellent and highly innovative” by examiners
• Achieved the highest dissertation grade and the second highest overall grade within my cohort

BA (Hons) English, First Class

Staffordshire University, 2008-2012

• Dissertation: European Postmodernism in the Novels of Umberto Eco (first class)
• Achieved the largest number of first-class modules in my cohort, and for several years
• Achieved full marks in assignments from modules on Ecocriticism (L6, 30 credits), Gothic Studies (L5, 15 credits) and Magical Realism (L5, 15 credits), and across the full module for Shakespeare: The Tragedies (L6, 30 credits).

Freelance Writer

Self Employed, 2014-Present

• Magazine and newspaper articles, copywriting, blogging
• Work published or forthcoming on platforms including the Ploughshares blog and The Guardian
• Experience working for local and national businesses
• Writing Services

English Teacher and Lecturer

Changsha Social Work College, 2013-2014

• Prepared and delivered Oral English and Advanced English workshops and seminars
• Lectured on “English Speaking Countries” (delivered in English); a module examining the history and culture of the US and the UK
• Prepared individual lectures on “The Gunpowder Plot in History and Popular Culture” and “Music and Landscape: Aaron Copland and Ralph Vaughan Williams”
• Set and marked presentations, tests, and exams
• Tutored three students in preparation for a national English speaking competition
• Co-organised an English Film Club and Choir

English Teacher (TESOL)

Jinghuayuan School, 2013-2013

• Taught classes of 14-15-year olds at an English summer school
• Delivered welcome address and closing remarks on behalf of foreign teachers to over 500 staff and students

Advertising and Marketing

Gallery Lofts, 2012-2013

• Organised local advertising campaigns on the radio and in print
• Designed and commissioned the production of leaflets, posters, and other promotional materials
• Updated and maintained the website
• Maintained social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Proof-reader and Indexer

Henson Editorial Services and North Staffordshire Press, 2010-2012

• Proof-reading and indexing academic texts (sports science, sociology)
• Used specialist software such as Textract and Kudu
• Completed courses “Introduction to Publishing” and “Editing Skills”