University of the West of England

Faculty Member, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Senior Lecturer

About

Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences (Social Anthropology) at the University of the West of England, Bristol.

Biography:
I received My PhD from the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology at the University of Hull. A Social Anthropologist with interdisciplinary interests, I joined UWE in Sept 2000 and am currently based in the Department of Health, Community and Policy Studies. I am an active member of the British Sociological Association, a fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute, and am the Book Review Editor for the international journal 'Health:' (Sage Pub).

Research Interests:
Primarily I am interested in alternative (non-mainstream) health and healing practices, the people who practice them, the ideas and principles underpinning them, and the individuals who use them. I have a particular interest in the use of crystals and gemstones in healing. Whether their usage is about health or lifestyle is a key question. What role do they play in an increasingly evidence-based and rational health culture?

My current research project is centered on investigating the use of Alexander Technique for patients at a pain management clinic. I am also co-authoring a book on psychosocial theory for social welfare and health professionals, due for publication some time in 2013.

I supervise students for doctoral research on a range of subjects connected to qualitative studies in health, particularly complementary medicine and spirituality and health.

Contact Information