Published Writing
Fundraising and Pride
The reality of American universities’ fundraising strategies…. Does Scotland really want to cultivate a “culture of giving?” Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Anorexia in Academia
In the high-pressure environment of universities, some students develop eating disorders to gain a sense of control. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Confidence and Motivation
In moving from details to the big picture thinking, I suffered a crisis of confidence and discovered that a PhD is about a lot more than intellect. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Gender Bias on the Web
Case studies on student advice websites show disturbing sexist tendencies. Maybe I should take up stripping to fund my PhD? Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Just the Right Place
After a formidable search through the social science departments of Scotland, I found the perfect fit: a place with radical politics, a visionary attitude, and helpful people. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Funding
The politics of funding for international students: subsidising the wealthy and excluding the poor in a country that wants “fresh talent.” Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
The Eureka Moment
The beautiful sensation of seeing everything fall into place, just for a moment: an intellectual high. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Gentrification
The politics of student accommodation: examining Edinburgh council’s proposal to limit student housing. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Illness
The flu, from a PhD perspective: not what I expected. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
What’s it for?
Reflections on the wider purposes of higher education, beyond vocational training. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Freshers’ Weeks
Cultural differences between students in Edinburgh and Glasgow: demographics, class, and attitudes. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Looking Ahead
Reflections at the start of my PhD. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Indentured Servitude: The Real Tragedy of Student Debt
My personal experience with student debt, and the wider politics it reveals. Published in WireTap Magazine, and on AlterNet.
Tuition Fees Create a Debtor’s Prison
The reality of student debt in America, its effects on wider society, and hard questions for Scotland. Published in the Scotsman.
Danger of Top-Up Fees
Warning that student debt brings heavy social burdens. Letter to the Editor in the Scotsman.