I am passionate about fostering student- and research-led learning experiences. My teaching approach encourages students to develop their unique creative voices while engaging critically with contemporary writing practices. I aim to equip students with the skills, confidence, and industry knowledge necessary to thrive as professional writers or creatives beyond university life.
I first came to Teesside University to study BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing and loved my experience! I graduated in 2015 and progressed onto study my MA in Museum and Artefact Studies at Durham University whilst working as a Library Assistant at Teesside. This sparked my interest in the connections between literature and museums, leading me to a funded PhD at Teesside University.
During my PhD, I was an associate lecturer in English and worked as a Library Coordinator. After earning my doctorate in 2020, I briefly worked at Durham University before returning to Teesside University as a Creative Writing Tutor, a role I find incredibly rewarding. I also research and write about literature and disability history, recently publishing a book with Palgrave Macmillan.
When I first came to Teesside as a student, I was struck by the warmth of the staff, the strong sense of community, and the exciting, collaborative research culture. My lecturers’ passion for their work was infectious, and it made me want to be part of it.
As I progressed through my BA, MA, and PhD, I became increasingly drawn to Teesside’s ethos. Making research meaningful, relevant, and accessible. Working in various roles over the years reinforced how much I valued this environment.
Becoming a Tutor in Creative Writing felt like the natural next step. I wanted to contribute to the same student-focused, research-driven culture that inspired me. Teesside isn’t just a workplace, it’s a community that has shaped who I am, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to do what I love.
Seeing our students progress to do fantastic things in their personal and professional lives is just the best. When I am told I played a part in this, it is genuinely the most wonderful feeling.
Every year, I get to work with such a diverse, talented, and passionate group of students, each who bring their own unique voice, experiences, and creativity to the table. It’s genuinely exciting to watch their confidence grow, to see them experiment with new ideas, and to help them shape their stories into something they’re proud of.
Having experience as both an academic researcher and a creative writer, I know how hard it can be to navigate the literary world, whether that’s publishing, networking, or finding opportunities to get your work noticed. That’s why I always try to bridge the gap, giving students insight into how the industry works, what publishers and editors are looking for, and how they can start carving out their own space as writers. Because of my own research background, I can also help students think about writing in a broader sense; how it connects to different disciplines, how their work can be shaped by wider conversations in literature, culture, and beyond. I’ve worked alongside writers, academics, and industry professionals, and I love being able to introduce students to those networks, whether that’s through guest lectures, industry insights, or just pointing them towards the right opportunities.
We offer dynamic research and writing community where students can actively engage in projects throughout their studies. These projects not only enhance students learning experience but also provide valuable work that can be taken into the professional world immediately after graduation, giving them a competitive edge in their careers.
Teesside’s MA in Creative Writing offers balance between academic challenge, creative freedom, and industry insight. The close-knit, supportive writing community sets us apart, both staff and students are passionate about storytelling and creating a collaborative and inspiring environment.
The course helps writers refine their craft while exploring how their work fits into the literary world. Whether you're interested in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, or experimental writing, you develop your unique voice in a meaningful way.
Our tutors are published writers and researchers with strong industry connections. That means you get expert guidance, insider knowledge, and valuable feedback to help you grow as a writer and build your career.
Make the most of your time here at Teesside and take full advantage of the resources and facilities that are on offer for you.
You’re encouraged to actively engage with the course materials, participate in discussions, and apply your learning to real-world writing and research. My teaching style is flexible, interactive, and tailored to suit different learning preferences, ensuring that all students feel supported, no matter their circumstances.
With one-to-one tutor feedback, each student receives detailed, personalised feedback on their work, helping them to develop their writing with clear guidance. As an online tutor, I focus on keeping the learning environment interactive, personal, and engaging.