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.
I have made the decision, in the light of my own struggles with mental health, to train as student counsellor with New Pathways. 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 intend to bring my transferable skills from academia into the world counselling and psychotherapy, and pursue research interests in this area such as mindfulness and psychological therapies. I spent a year studying Mental Health Nursing at the University of South Wales (USW), but ultimately decided to follow the psychological route, rather than the more medicalised option of nursing. I am also seriously considering studying for my PGCE in Welsh as a second language.