Phil’s research interests include the sociology of harm and control, state punishment, poststructuralist philosophy, feminist theory, and practice-based research. Her work investigates how critical theory, and creative and collaborative approaches to research can help us imagine and build a more just society. Alongside more traditional social science approaches, Phil’s research practice includes writing fiction and poetry, and making films.
Phil completed a PhD in Visual Sociology from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2018. In this project she explored the concept of crime using poststructuralist philosophy and creative collaborations. Most recently she was based at the University of Glasgow as a researcher on the Distant Voices project (2017-2021). This project used collaborative songwriting with people who had experience of the criminal justice system, to explore and challenge ideas about crime, punishment and reintegration.
Phil is passionate about the democratisation of knowledge and accessible scholarship. She has published a number of academic articles in open access journals, these are also available to access on her website. Her short story collection Crime Series, poetry collection Stir, and play The Girls Get Younger Every Year are also available open access on her website.
Phil’s first degree was in Dance and she has previously lectured in Cultural Studies at the London Contemporary Dance School, Trinity Laban, and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. She has also worked as a graduate tutor in Criminology and Sociology at Goldsmiths. She has guest lectured at University of Glasgow, Goldsmiths and the University of Surrey. Phil will hold an affiliation with the University of Glasgow during her fellowship.
