Board of Directors, from May 2017The Virtual Centre for Late Antiquity (VCLA) is a non-profit, independent research organization. It was incorporated in England and Wales in May 2017 as a private company limited by guarantee, without shareholding, with Section 60 exemption from using "Limited" in the name on grounds of educational objects and an asset lock.The objects of the VCLA are to promote research and public understanding of Late Antiquity - the period from about 200 to… Show more Board of Directors, from May 2017The Virtual Centre for Late Antiquity (VCLA) is a non-profit, independent research organization. It was incorporated in England and Wales in May 2017 as a private company limited by guarantee, without shareholding, with Section 60 exemption from using "Limited" in the name on grounds of educational objects and an asset lock.The objects of the VCLA are to promote research and public understanding of Late Antiquity - the period from about 200 to 700 CE. At the beginning of this period, Western Eurasia and North Africa were dominated by the Roman and Parthian empires. By the end of it, Christianity and Islam had become dominant, in a more politically fragmented world. The period also saw profound economic, social and cultural changes.I am the instigator of the VCLA and a co-founding member of the Board of Directors.The VCLA conducts in-house research and development. The VCLA's R&D is currently focused on digital archaeological reconstruction. This has non-profit applications in both research and teaching.***Research Director & Executive Director, from November 2018The Virtual Centre's programme of work requires a delineation between non-executive and executive roles, as part of good governance and management. I took on the executive lead, being appointed to the combined position of Research Director and Executive Director, remaining on the Board (ex officio). Show less

ArchXR Digital Studios SRL is an independent Romanian company. It collaborates with the Virtual Centre for Late Antiquity (VCLA) to produce academically researched and beautifully presented content, for the provision of 3D XR products and services. In partnership, the VCLA and ArchXR engage Untold Histories Travel Ltd to deploy this content in the tourism sector.

An opportunity has arisen for the use of specialized digital content within the tourism industry. This content is produced in partnership by the Virtual Centre for Late Antiquity (VCLA) and ArchXR Digital Studios SRL.Untold Histories Travel Ltd is an independent, outbound tour operating company, established in the UK to take this potential forward. As market engagement will be largely international, the company has (as of November 2024) a wholly owned subsidiary, Untold Histories Travel… Show more An opportunity has arisen for the use of specialized digital content within the tourism industry. This content is produced in partnership by the Virtual Centre for Late Antiquity (VCLA) and ArchXR Digital Studios SRL.Untold Histories Travel Ltd is an independent, outbound tour operating company, established in the UK to take this potential forward. As market engagement will be largely international, the company has (as of November 2024) a wholly owned subsidiary, Untold Histories Travel (International) Ltd, through which are expected to be arranged: international retail sales; international corporate client contracts; overseas local supplier contracts; and overseas representation offices, branches or subsidiaries. Show less

Member of the Centre for Late Antique Religion and Culture (CLARC) in the School of History, Archaeology & Religion.Contributed to the Centre’s ‘Sons of Constantine’ project, notably as a conference panellist at the following very enjoyable occasions:· Leeds International Medieval Congress, Panel: ‘The Later Roman Empire in Transition: The Sons of Constantine – III: Culture and Reform’. Institute of Medieval Studies, University of Leeds, July 2014.· 7th Celtic Classics… Show more Member of the Centre for Late Antique Religion and Culture (CLARC) in the School of History, Archaeology & Religion.Contributed to the Centre’s ‘Sons of Constantine’ project, notably as a conference panellist at the following very enjoyable occasions:· Leeds International Medieval Congress, Panel: ‘The Later Roman Empire in Transition: The Sons of Constantine – III: Culture and Reform’. Institute of Medieval Studies, University of Leeds, July 2014.· 7th Celtic Classics Conference, Panel 2: ‘In the Shadows of Constantine and Julian’, L’Université de Bordeaux III, France, September 2012.· Colloquium on ‘The Sons of Constantine’, Cardiff University, January 2011 (prior to taking up the Honorary Research Fellowship). Show less

Principally engaged in preparatory work for the establishment of the Virtual Centre for Late Antiquity, of which I became a founding director.

Participated in the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, with an estimated "world-leading" contribution (i.e. 4* estimate - the top score) for a major article in "Past and Present".Taught courses ranging from ancient Greek to early medieval history, at first-year undergraduate up to postgraduate level. This included a concentration on the history of Late Antiquity. Strong student feedback, especially on modules that I designed and/or led.Also served as departmental… Show more Participated in the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, with an estimated "world-leading" contribution (i.e. 4* estimate - the top score) for a major article in "Past and Present".Taught courses ranging from ancient Greek to early medieval history, at first-year undergraduate up to postgraduate level. This included a concentration on the history of Late Antiquity. Strong student feedback, especially on modules that I designed and/or led.Also served as departmental Library Representative, with a couple of major digital acquisitions as well as the general running of monograph purchases and review of journal subscriptions on behalf of immediate colleagues.Arrived on a fixed-term position of three terms and left after six. Show less

A considerable part of this period was spent on cancer research - evidence of the wide range of careers you can enjoy with a History degree!Latterly (2011-13), I was a Trial Coordinator in the Children's Cancer Trials Team in the Cancer Research Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Birmingham, dealing with a steady flow of highly confidential patient data and statutory reporting obligations, sometimes on tight regulatory timelines. This was a lovely team of people to be part of:… Show more A considerable part of this period was spent on cancer research - evidence of the wide range of careers you can enjoy with a History degree!Latterly (2011-13), I was a Trial Coordinator in the Children's Cancer Trials Team in the Cancer Research Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Birmingham, dealing with a steady flow of highly confidential patient data and statutory reporting obligations, sometimes on tight regulatory timelines. This was a lovely team of people to be part of: friendly and vibrant.Before that (2010-11), I was a Senior Data Manager in the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, also in Birmingham, where confidential and statutorily regulated data handling was also basic to the role. This post came with the added interest of being based in two hospitals, working with Research Nurses and Consultants, and frequently encountering patients (with the benefit, of course, of a clean bill of legal health via what was then known as a Criminal Records Bureau check).Not unrelated, but from a different angle, I also worked (2007-8) in Regulatory Operations at a pharmaceutical company in Windsor - Pharmion, subsequently acquired by Celgene - which was focusing on a portfolio of cancer drugs. My role was heavily geared around the production and management of documents, some of which were then submitted for European regulatory approval. I recall a couple of bonuses for my humble part in some of this. Thalidomide was on the list, which was particularly interesting. And I was sent on trips to Boulder and Amsterdam, which provided enjoyable interludes. Show less