About

I am a doctoral candidate in the School of English at the University of Sheffield. I have undertaken previous study in English literature at undergraduate and masters level with the Open University, and many years earlier in sociology and social policy at the University of Durham. My research interests are predominantly in the genre of speculative fiction, focusing specifically on alternative and liminal realities and their intersection with religious and philosophical belief.

My professional background is in the UK criminal justice system, having spent nearly thirty years as a senior practitioner, as well as a policy advisor in central government. I now provide consultancy services in the justice, health and welfare sectors.

My professional experience has influenced my academic interests, which are directed towards marginalised and liminal personae within speculative fiction, and literary treatments of religion and belief in this context. My current research involves the novels of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman and how these themes are manifest within their work, both as individuals and collaborators.