I am a historian of the 20th Century with special interest in the Second World War and Holocaust, refugees, children and humanitarianism. Originally from Calgary, Canada, I am currently located in Edinburgh, Scotland, but have worked most recently in the North of England – as both a Lecturer at the University of Huddersfield and as Head of Research & Partnerships at Holocaust Centre North in Yorkshire. I’ve taught at universities in Canada, Switzerland and the UK and have also enjoyed freelance work, particularly for human rights charities and children’s charities. For many years, I volunteered at Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), while also appointed as the Secretary of my local residents’ association in Edinburgh’s Southside. 

Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the Second World War.  However, I actually began my career in Communications Studies, gaining two degrees from the University of Calgary. But the entire time I was studying, I always found a way to tie my coursework back to the first half of the 20th Century, particularly the Two World Wars. Realising I’m a historian at heart, I then transitioned to the field of History, by first undertaking a Masters of Science and then my PhD in modern history (completed in 2016), both at the University of Edinburgh.

Since then, I’ve diligently worked to expand my research and its relevance to other disciplines, including collaborating with scholars in Translation & Interpretation, Education, and English Literature to create interdisciplinary projects with excellent grant capture. My research is also complemented by training I’ve received in policy research and impact from the Civil Service College and the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. Today, my research mostly focuses on how governments, charities and other humanitarian actors create policies and undertake operations to help vulnerable people fleeing war, especially children and refugees. 

Meanwhile, I’m developing my career in the Third Sector. When I was appointed to my secondment at Holocaust Centre North in 2020, I quickly learned about management and charity governance. We identified a new strategic vision, which led a wave of recruitment of staff and trustees, overhaul of staff training, a major rebranding, and new HR and facilities policies and procedures. Working closely with a new Chair and other CoDirector, I helped to rebuild this charity ‘from the ground up’, learning quickly about financial reporting, charity governance and successful management.  I find charity work challenging and rewarding. 

I’m now looking to pivot my career to join a new team in Scotland, preferably within a role which can benefit from my resourceful approach, multifaceted expertise, and dynamic personality.