What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I am a PhD researcher in Communication and Media, and I have been at Loughborough for nearly 4 years. My research explores the different practices people use to share memories of a national social injustice. I specifically explore how YouTube ‘vlog’ videos, quilt making and music allow people to participate in the movement of justice for Grenfell Tower.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

My day usually involves reading lots of books and writing! The projects I work on have varied throughout the years, but right now I am preparing for my viva (PhD defence exam), writing a publication and working for a research assistant role.

In the morning, I’ll prepare for my viva, which usually involves reading through my thesis and answering different practice questions. After this, I’ll work on a publication. Right now, I am writing a book chapter about the qualitative research methods we can use in social justice research. I love writing, but it can be a bit tricky at times, so once I feel myself slipping into a philosophical rabbit hole, I know it’s time to have a break. I like to have a walk around campus to see all of the gorgeous flowers and hear the birds sing – it’s a trusty remedy for writer’s block!

Once I feel refreshed, I’ll work for my research assistant role. The School of Social Sciences and Humanities was recently re-awarded a bronze Athena Swan award for gender equity and my role helps with implementing action plans. The focus is on the joys of gender diversity and it’s delightful to help make inclusive spaces for our trans, nonbinary and intersex staff and students.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

Gosh, there have been so many! Back in 2022, two colleagues and I co-hosted the first Queer East Midlands film festival, for LGBTQIA+ History Month. This event celebrated the joys, challenges and mundane aspects of being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It was a wonderful community initiative and we had people all across the world submit their films, which was truly heart-warming!

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

Submitting my PhD was a feeling like no other! Towards the final days, the ‘to do’ list felt like it was never going to end (I sometimes still dream it hasn’t). Once I pressed submit, I walked to EHB and sat outside with a cup of tea, overcome with happiness, relief and shock. I am the first in my family to attend University, so it was a special moment for all of us! I hope that I’ll never forget that feeling.

Which University value do you most resonate with and why?

It’s great to work for a University that champions many values that I am also committed to. ‘Responsibility’ particularly resonates with me – change happens when we reflect on our own actions, care for those around us and recognise how we are, collectively, working together.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

I LOOOOVE fiber art! In my time at Loughborough, I have hosted many sewing workshops in partnership with LU Arts and the PhD SSN. It’s so much fun to teach people to sew and to help guide their creations – sewing spaces always allow for good natter and putting the world to rights, which I enjoy just as much!
In my own time, you’ll probably find me sitting at my sewing machine. I love the cosiness of sewing and the transformative quality it has. I am currently making a vest to wear for my PhD defence exam. I’m making it in the same way you would make a memory quilt: cutting up old clothes that have special memories attached to them and sewing it back together to create nice patterns. I picked up the quilting bug after working with the Grenfell Memorial Quilting group for my PhD research. They make amazing memory quilts for protest and their practice has stuck closely with me since!

What is your favourite quote?

A couple of months ago, I was listening to Mary Burke’s BBC Radio 4 show “Who Cares?”. In episode 5, she read an excerpt from the poem “Joy Chose You” by Donna Ashworth: “Joy is supposed to slither through the cracks of an imperfect life. That’s how joy works. You cannot truly invite her, you can only be ready when she appears and hug her with meaning.”

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Lilia Boukikova at L.Boukikova@lboro.ac.uk