Profile

Academic and General Interests 

I am an Aberystwyth Graduate with a BA (Hons) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Welsh language and literature. I love the university and the town and consider Aberystwyth to be my second home. I am an avid reader of a wide range of literature including history, theology, philosophy, and politics. I love writing for my academic blog and personal research and work hard to keep up to date with the latest academic literature.

My academic research interests generally fall within the domain of early modern history, especially eighteenth-century Welsh history. I am enthusiastic about early evangelical history in Wales and the wider world, particularly as this found expression in the life and work of Thomas Charles of Bala (1755–1814), William Williams, Pantycelyn (1717–91), and the American philosopher-theologian Jonathan Edwards (1703–58). I am a member of the Wesley Historical Society (WHS) and I have contributed to their journal.

I learnt Welsh as a second language in comprehensive school before moving to Aberystwyth to study for a degree in Welsh. I am deeply interested in the history of Wales and the story of Welsh literature. I was awarded an MPhil in 2016 for my thesis on the influence of Jonathan Edwards on the prose of the Welsh evangelical William Williams, Pantycelyn and have published a peer-reviewed article for The Proceedings of the Wesley Historical Society on my research.

I have taught introduction to history modules at Aberystwyth University and taken seminars on early modern American history. I enjoy teaching and I am a highly accomplished public speaker and spent several years as a lay preacher in Reformed evangelical churches in South Wales. I studied for a PhD in history at Aberystwyth University under the supervision of Dr David Ceri Jones, but ultimately decided that it was not the right course for me despite learning many transferable research skills. Though I studied for several years, I chose not to submit a thesis. 

With respect to healthcare, I completed a level 3 access diploma in healthcare with Coleg Gwent in Ebbw Vale and qualified with 42 distinctions and 3 merits, as well as passing all compulsory units. I also passed a course in counselling skills at Coleg Gwent. I spent a year studying Mental Health Nursing at the University of South Wales (USW), but ultimately decided to apply for training as an occupational therapist (OT). I am interested in occupational therapy since the training involves both mental and physical health. 

In 2022, I was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) after several years in secondary mental health care and some considerable time spent in hospital. I have a keen interest in promoting psychological well-being, ending the stigma surrounding mental health, and promoting various therapeutic approaches to over-controlled mental health issues. I sometimes write about autism, mindfulness, and psychological therapies on my blog for the benefit of those who have limited access to therapies or who are currently on a waiting list.

I am an accomplished musician and receive tuition in music theory, piano, and harpsichord. I enjoy playing hymn tunes and music from the baroque period. My favorite composer is J. S. Bach.