Ally Keane Email & Phone Number

The focus of my PhD is to explore user experiences of Augmentative and Alternative Communication using oral history interviews, to build up a user history of these devices and the related services, whilst also examining the impact on identity using AAC (particularly focusing on voice) and adding to the methodology of oral history (namely, how do we conduct oral histories with people who are non-vocal). This project is multi-disciplinary, using many fields of history (such as oral history, disability history, history of medicine, and science and technology history) whilst also being influenced by the social sciences and speech and language therapy. Completing the PhD has improved my skills in project management and communication skills, and has allowed me to engage with a wide range of opportunities such as additional training and publishing papers.My prior academic experience has included a Distinction level Masters degree in the History of Medicine, for which I was awarded the Wellcome Trust History of Medicine MA Studentship for the year 2020-21, and an Undergraduate degree with Honours in History. I have undertaken training provided by the Oral History Society and as part of the Oral History Unit and Collective at Newcastle University.In my spare time, I have a role on the committee for the PGR Community Society, allowing me opportunities to regularly network with other PGR students and provide both academic and social events for fellow students. Outside of academia, I have worked in customer service roles for over 9 years, allowing me to build good rapport with clients and customers in various settings. I have also gained experience with events management and social media, through my role as an Activities Assistant with Give it A Go and throughout my time as President for a student society.Seeking opportunities in research, particularly focusing on disability, equality, diversity and inclusion, or PGR student experience.