RESEARCH and development
PHD RESEARCH
I recently completed my PhD at Ulster University, where my research focused on representation of LGBTQIA+ creatives across the island of Ireland through character design.
Rather than just analyzing the final artwork, I wanted to understand the actual pipelines and the people behind them. To do that, I used a mixed-methods approach, combining survey results to create a design-task which was analysed through a tool written in Python.
It was a major three-year DfE funded project aiming to understand how personal identity influences visual design and professional workflows. Ultimately, the research delivered a methodological framework for beginning to understand hidden patterns in design. It was a demanding process, but it has given me an incredibly strong foundation in managing complex research and projects and turning dense data into clear, actionable insights.
PRESENTATION
A major highlight of my research was presenting at the 2024 Society for Animation Studies conference in Sydney, Australia, where I was honoured to receive an Emru Townsend Award. Sharing my work on an international platform was an invaluable experience that really refined how I communicate complex concepts.
I also pushed my skills locally as a finalist in the Ulster University Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Pitching my research, on stage, to a broad audience in exactly three minutes was a brilliant challenge.
Both experiences fundamentally shaped how I present, ensuring my work remains analytical yet completely accessible.
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