I am an Australian-French researcher with a diverse background and a non-traditional path to academia.

At the age of 20, I relocated to France, where I immersed myself in French culture while completing a BSc (Hons) with The Open University. During this time, I balanced raising a child, mastering the French language, and navigating the complexities of French society. My undergraduate studies focused on history, culminating in a research project exploring the concept of an industrial revolution in Iceland.

Following my studies, I transitioned into the computer games industry, where I advanced to senior managerial roles in communication and support. My career highlights include serving as European Community Manager for globally renowned titles such as World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Hearthstone.

After three years in the music industry, I sought a new direction, which led to a move to Sussex and a return to academic pursuits. Between 2015 and 2018, I completed an MSc in Genealogical, Palaeographic, and Heraldic Studies at the University of Strathclyde. During this time, I founded a genealogical research business, Census Sensibility, and contributed to genealogical scholarship through conference presentations and publications in outlets such as Family Tree Magazine (UK) and various U.S. publications.

My journey to the PhD at Sussex was inspired by my surroundings—living in the historic Sussex County Asylum. My research seeks to honor the lives of the asylum’s patients, uncovering their stories and transforming nameless statistics into remembered individuals.