Background
My background is in nursing. I first engaged with higher education in 1993 when I started my first degree in Sociology and Anthropology ( Oxford Brookes University). Following this I worked as a Research Assistant for a year on a project about treatment decisions for older people and colorectal cancer (my nursing background had included cancer / palliative care). I really started to integrate my health and Sociology backgrounds during my MA in Sociological Research in Health Care ( University of Warwick): this is how I see my research and teaching now, linking theory / practice and Sociology / health. I have also been involved with teaching qualitative research methods, Sociology of Health and Illness and the Introduction to Sociology at various times, at various universities. My research career was really enhanced when I worked on a project exploring the empowerment of older people with dementia ( Oxford Brookes University), closely followed by PhD ( University of Warwick). At present I am a postdoctoral research fellow at the School of Health and Social Care, University of Reading, developing a research agenda into social aspects of ageing.

My interest in ageing developed during my MA by pure chance really. My central interest was about bodies, emotions and risk, and older bodies seemed much more challenging as a research topic. I have also had a long standing interest in promoting the empowerment and voices of people previously not heard.

PhD experiences
Title: Embodying ‘Active’ Ageing: bodies, emotions and risk in later life

University of Warwick, submitted 2007, awaiting Viva.

Click here to view the abstract

I chose this topic because bodies, emotions and risk were an under-researched area, but also a fascinating and challenging topic. My research also involves the use of visual methods that I believe enhance the research process. I studied full-time on an ESRC grant in the Department of Sociology, University of Warwick. My supervisor is an internationally renowned expert in embodiment, emotions and sociology of health, and had previously been my supervisor for my MA (1998).

Why did I do a PhD at this stage? I was nursing before I started academic work. Everyone said it was important to do a degree – hence my first journey into academic life – and I never seemed to have stopped!! In particular, I like the tensions between different areas of my career – nursing / Sociology, theory / practice, research / teaching - and finding ways to integrate them.

What I enjoyed most about my PhD was being able to pursue my own piece of research – my idea, my study, my interviews, my analysis, my writing. I think this is probably the only opportunity that I will have to do my own work.

Balancing different aspects of life – a PhD at different times absorbs a great deal of time and energy, but at the same time it is important to maintain a personal life, have some fun, and make sure the mortgage is paid. Not an easy balancing act. I think the PhD is the most difficult thing I have completed, in part because one concentrated piece of work over a long time is very hard, and may not suit my personality. My best piece of advice for others doing a PhD is: Research a topic that inspires you and you really enjoy.Never give up, however difficult the journey is, and whatever challenges are presented to you – it is worth it!!

Post-PhD
I am currently developing a research agenda into the social aspects of ageing, writing publications, and developing teaching in Introductory Sociology.

BSG/NOGS
I’ve been a member of BSG since 2000. I gave my first ever paper at BSG Oxford 2000 (9 am on a Sunday morning!!) – and I found the conference enjoyable and friendly. Being a member of BSG offers me the chance to meet colleagues working in the same area, as well as a sense of identity with others.

I was a member of NOGS while doing my PhD. I enjoyed meeting with other PhD students experiencing the same dilemmas, and presenting my research in a safe and supportive environment. It’s important for BSG/NOGS to provide opportunities for networking, so that students can have their own research heard and receive constructive feedback and support in ageing research. I think the name NOGS needs changing to a more obvious name which attracts attention.