I am a UK-based PhD candidate interested in philosophy, art, anthropology, and ecology. I originally studied fine arts at UCC before moving into social anthropology at the University of St Andrews. I am now a student at the University of Aberdeen in the final year of my PhD program focusing on environmental anthropology.

My current area of study focuses on the connection between how lived experience in our environment is reflected in the relationships, entanglements, and ontologies we form about our environment. Specifically, my work looks at how ancient trees are managed, cared for, and organised within the scope of UK policy, land management, and from the perspectives of those working closely with trees.

I have spent a year in the field, conducting qualitative research that investigates how people engage with the natural world, such as through labour, technology, and policy. Much of this work has involved hands-on activities surrounding conservation, monitoring, and restoration, as well as looking at various motivations behind positive engagement with the environment and how different ways of thinking about natural assets may affect how they are treated. The ultimate aim of my research is to explore how we, as humans, can form better relationships between the environment and each other.

The inspiration for my writing comes from classical English literature and European philosophy. I write fiction and nonfiction in my spare time. I am a particular fan of absurdist writing and cosmic horror.

Professionally, I have worked as an English teacher both in the UK and abroad. I then worked in the writing industry before moving to non-profit fundraising and research. I also volunteer at a local orchard project in my spare time, working to regenerate lost local fruit trees.

From working as an educator to moving toward different modes of communicating ideas, my time in these industries has shown me the importance of education and writing as tools for social change. I strongly believe that through widening the scope of environmental education, we can make the greatest difference in our current political and ecological issues. My current thinking is that a nuanced and holistic approach to environmental ideas is not only more inclusive of diverse thought but necessary to engage people in a way that interests them, which is ultimately the first step toward action.

By writing, I hope to meet this agenda in at least some small, meaningful way and encourage others in their own pursuit of knowledge.