I’ve been consistently supported throughout my research by my supervisors as well as my peers and other academics both in my department at Birmingham and in the wider Midlands4Cities consortium. As a Midlands4Cities-funded PhD student, I have also been fortunate to have access to professional, pastoral, and financial support for my research. Some highlights have been a research trip to the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh, a summer school at the University of Manchester, and presenting at various conferences at Birmingham, Warwick, and Oxford. I was also fortunate enough to be awarded a Research Fellowship at the Harry Ransom Center in Austin, Texas, through the AHRC International Placement Scheme.

I previously completed my undergraduate studies in English Literature at the University of Birmingham, before going to the University of Oxford to complete an MSt in Victorian Literature, and then choosing to return to Birmingham for my PhD. During my Master’s programme, it became clear to me that the English Literature Department at the University of Birmingham would be the right fit for my doctoral studies. I made this decision based on a few important factors: the expertise of my supervisors, my overwhelmingly positive experience as an undergraduate; the standard of teaching and research; and the supportive and collaborative culture of both the department and the Nineteenth-Century Centre.

The highlights in undertaking my research have definitely been in the archives. Consulting original letters, diaries, poetry, and many other works by the writers I am studying is such a unique and exciting experience. Even when the material isn’t massively fruitful for my research, just being able to hold and engage with these archival documents is a privilege. Most recently, I consulted some volumes of poetry originally owned by Oscar Wilde! Another highlight was working as the Research Centre Assistant for the Nineteenth-Century Centre (19CC), and more specifically, planning and hosting the 19CC Postgraduate Symposium.

I’ve gained significant experience in three main areas, all of which have prepared me for a career in academia: teaching, presenting my research, and producing research for publication. During my PhD, I have planned and taught seminars for the first time, presented my research and large and smaller scale conferences, and published my first journal article.

The amount of opportunities I’ve had access to during my time here. As my list of highlights demonstrates, I’ve been able to apply for all of the professional development opportunities I could hope for, and all of these opportunities have been both personally and professionally enriching for me.

I’ve always loved the arts and culture scene in Birmingham. I try to go the theatre as much as possible, and I’ve seen quite a few shows at the Rep, the Alexandra, and the Hippodrome. We’re relatively close to Stratford-upon-Avon, too, so I’ve seen quite a few productions at the RSC as well. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is incredible too, as are the Ikon Gallery, the MAC, and lots of others – including the Barber Institute on campus!