I am an anthropologist by training, but my expertise is in 'death studies'. My qualitative research has focused on funeral choices and practices, young peoples' attitudes to death and dying, funeral poverty, direct cremation, natural/green burial, family dynamics at end of life and bereavement support in extra care settings. I have worked with commercial, charity and third sector organisations to deliver research projects that inform policy and practice. I have also worked extensively with artists, designers, technologists and film-makers to deliver creative projects where death and grief are the focus.
Research leadership responsibilities:
Editorial Board: Mortality: Promoting the Interdisciplinary Study of Death and Dying
Visiting Fellow: Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath
Centre Associate: Centre for Death and Life Studies, Durham University
General Council: Association for the Study of Death and Society (2012-2018)
Network Member: European Research Network on Death Rituals
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy