Anna Muggeridge
A PhD student from the University of Worcester has spoken of her pride at seeing her first academic paper published during the same week as her graduation ceremony.
Anna Muggeridge, who studied for a PhD in History, researched women’s engagement in politics and public life in the Black Country in the first half of the 20th Century. Part of her research has recently been published as a chapter in a new book on the politics of women’s suffrage, as part of the Royal Historical Society and the University of London’s New Historical Perspectives series. She said: “I am very proud that my first publication from my doctoral research has been published during graduation week.”
Anna also spoke of her pleasure at having successfully passed her viva in order to complete her PhD, despite the challenges of the last two years during the pandemic.
“I was very fortunate to be supported by a community of postgraduate students working on similar topics - our Friday afternoon Zoom sessions were a highlight of the pandemic!” she said. “And, of course, by my supervisors, Professor Maggie Andrews and Professor Neil Fleming. I remain incredibly grateful for their expertise, support and kindness throughout my studies, which has enabled me to grow and develop as a scholar and I would like to thank them both very much for all they have done to help me get to this point.”
Anna, whose route into PhD study was supported by a funded doctoral scholarship from the University of Worcester, also said that the focus on the Black Country was a particularly pleasing aspect of her work.
“My research examined the ways in which women engaged in, and with, politics and public life in the aftermath of enfranchisement, with a particular focus on women in the Black Country, an area which has seen relatively little serious academic study until now,” she said.
“I am thrilled to be finally graduating,” Anna added. “I am also delighted to be remaining in Worcester for the time being. I am very lucky to be working with Maggie as a postdoctoral research assistant on her new Leverhulme-funded project on Lady Denman, and will take up this role in spring next year. In the meantime, I am very much enjoying working at the Tudor House Museum in Worcester, and as an Associate Lecturer in the Department of History, getting to work with and learn from our wonderful undergraduate students.
“I am very grateful to the University for the opportunities I have gained here, and in particular staff in the School of Humanities for all their ongoing support.”
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