Experience

Data Analyst, Universal Music Group, London, UK – Aug. 2017-Jan. 2018

I conducted research into audience behaviour on music streaming services. I developed strategies for identifying and describing the traits of taste communities, such as ‘progressive jazz fans,’ and I constructed typologies to characterise changes in the streaming behaviour of new releases. The role developed my commercial awareness and ability to distill research findings for non-expert audiences. 

User Researcher Internship, Parliamentary Digital Service, London, UK – Jul. 2017

I undertook a two-week work experience placement with the user research team at the Parliamentary Digital Service. This role developed my understanding of how user research fits into the product development cycle and I gained hands-on experience conducting user interviews, participant observation, and data analysis.

Teaching Assistant, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK – Jan. 2016-Jun. 2017

I was the seminar leader for a third-year module on the “creative economy,” run by the Department of Geography. The course explored how the “creative economy” and cultural industries are being shaped by geographical processes related to globalisation, digitisation, and flexibilisation. The role developed my leadership and verbal communication skills.

Education

PhD Web Science, University of Southampton, UK – 2015-Present

Thesis title: 'Taste in the Digital Age: Music Streaming Services and the Performance of Class Distinction' Supervised by: Prof. Susan Halford, Dr. Brian J. Hracs, Dr. Nicholas Gibbins.

MSc Web Science (with Distinction), University of Southampton, UK – 2014-2015

Selected modules: Web Architecture, Semantic Web Technologies, Science of Social Networks, Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Methods for Assessing Technology

BA Music (with First Class Honours), University of Southampton, UK – 2011-2014

Winner of the 2014 Edward Wood Memorial Prize for Best Music Student

Skills

Qualitative Research Methods

I have training and experience applying qualitative research methods to the study of digital technologies. I have experience with a range of data collection methods, including interviews, focus groups, and participant observation, as well as different approaches for analysing qualitative data, including thematic and narrative-analysis techniques. I have experience incorporating visual and ambulatory techniques into interview situations, such as performing app ‘walk-alongs’ with participants.

Written and Verbal Communication Skills

I have developed strong written and verbal communication skills and I am confident communicating my ideas in a range of formats to expert and non-expert audiences. I have published articles in academic journals and conference proceedings, and presented my work to a global audience at academic conferences in the social and computer sciences.

SQL, Microsoft Excel and Tableau

I have intermediate SQL skills and familiarity with the Google Big Query platform. I am comfortable writing queries involving table joins, nested queries, and aggregate functions. I have experience manipulating data in Microsoft Excel, including the use of pivot tables and LOOKUP functions, as well as the data analysis software, Tableau, for creating visualisations and dashboards.

Activities

Learning Support Volunteer, Southampton City College, Southampton, UK – Apr. 2017-Present

Event Manager, Pint of Science Festival, Southampton, UK – Feb. 2017-Jun. 2017

Digital Makers Assistant, Southampton Central Library, UK – Jan. 2017

PGR Student Representative, University of Southampton – Jan. 2017-Jun. 2017

Fundraiser, The Rainbow Project, Southampton, Sep. 2011-Jun. 2014

International Musicians Seminar Volunteer Programme, Mar. 2013

Cheltenham Jazz Festival Volunteer Programme, May 2013

Music Society President, University of Southampton, Jan. 2011- Jan. 2012

Interests

Musician I am an active guitarist in the local Southampton music scene. I compose for and perform with my own jazz-fusion quartet, Quortl. I have also played guitar for a pop-gospel choir, Jazzmanix, performing around the south coast and abroad.

Volunteering I dedicate some of my spare time to volunteering in the local community. I enjoy working with young people and inspiring them to invest in education.