Published Writing
We’ve Got Fascists to Fight
Speech from anti-Trump demo, 30 January 2017. Also published on Common Space and in The National.
Research Ethics
Ethics paperwork protects the rights of research participants… But is there more to ethics than paperwork? Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
An Unlikely Gunman
Sociologists are supposed to help understand troubling social phenomena like murder — not become murderers themselves. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Intellectual growth
Marking first-year essays has reminded me of where I started, and everything I’ve learned along the way. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Essay-writing
All British university students are required to write essays…. So why isn’t essay-writing taught anywhere? Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Tutoring and Technology
My first experiences with tutoring, and why technology can supplement real teaching — not replace it. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Useful for Whom?
Universities pursuing the advancement of society — or the advancement of business interests? Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
New Year
The start of my second year brings me out of silence, and into questions about what kind of academic I want to be. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Reflections on Technology
The technology that is indispensible to modern research, and low-tech solutions for the problems it creates. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Reading and Transformation
My style of learning and understanding has completely changed — and now I understand the point of a PhD. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Luck and the Waiting Game
In the scramble for limited funding, it’s a game of hurry up and wait — for students and departments alike. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Venture-Capitalism and Higher Education
In many sectors, we invest in the areas that promise the greatest short-term rewards. Is this an appropriate model for educational funding? Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
Procrastination
The important role of procrastination in the intellectual process: maybe it’s not just laziness. Column on the Education page of the Scotsman.
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.