Personal statement

I specialise in the interdisciplinary and critical analysis of gender, race and A.I./digital technologies. My current research examines this intersection from the perspective of AI governance, digital justice and equality - I am particularly concerned with algorithmically-driven technopractices that oppress, marginalise and further disadvantage minority groups.

Currently, I am part of an EPSRC IAA-funded project, Accelerate AI adoption in NHS24 to support financially sustainable patient pathways (Co-I). Past funded projects (PI & Co-I) have been in the areas of data governance, digital disconnection and digital health (British Academy/Leverhulme, SUII, Sasakawa Foundation, EPSRC Network+).

I have published five books (2008, 2018, 2022, 2023, 2025) and numerous other publications in the area of digital and cultural studies. My most recent monograph, Virtual Influencers: Identity and Digitality in the Age of Multiple Realities (2025, Routledge) examines virtual and AI influencers in the context of digital culture, society and economy. My co-edited collection, Un/locking Public Sector Data: contesting social, economic and environmental values (SUP) is due for publication soon. I have also written research-led pieces for international media outlets (The New York Times, Newsweek Japan and The Conversation) and have been interviewed for BBC 10 o'clock News, BBC News, BBC Radio Scotland and Radio 4 (Thinking Allowed). 

I collaborate and regularly work with external partners from private, public and third sectors. I am currently a member of Ofcom’s Research, Evidence and Evaluation Group, and have also been part of the Independent Expert Group for the Scottish Government's Unlocking the Value of Scotland's Public Sector Personal Data Programme (2022-23). I am also part of the Scottish Parliament's Scottish Long Covid Cross-Party Group (2021-present)

I am Senior Editor for Cogent Arts & Humanities (Taylor & Francis), leading the Culture, Media & Film section. Within my institution, I am Co-Director of the Socially Progressive AI Lab (SPAI-Lab) and Chair of the Humanities EDI committee. I am also Faculty representative for the University's Racial Equity and Anti-Racism Steering Group. Previously, I was Director of Postgraduate Research for the Humanities (2021-23), and sat on the School Ethics Committee (2020-22).