Natalie Margaret Smith

I began my PhD in September 2020, and am supervised by Dr Bernhard Struck (University of St Andrews), Dr Kathrin Zickermann (University of the Highlands and Islands) and Dr Fredrick Thisner (Swedish Defence University). My doctoral research focuses on the management of otherness and the creation of Swedishness during periods of territorial expansion and decline (1645-1845). This project examines how historians, scientists and poets working on behalf of the Swedish Empire created ideas of both belonging and exclusion, particularly with their portrayals of Finns and Sámi people. It places Sweden within the broader field of Empire Studies.

In addition to my PhD research, I have served as an editor for the Scottish Archeological Research Framework in 2022, 2023 and 2024. I am a co-founder, editor and writer for Scilicet, a blog which seeks to share archival anectodes through a history of knowledge framework. 

My DEI work has included conducting an audit for the Sensory Audit Project, which is the first step in a long-term commitment to make the university more accessible for those with sensory sensitivites. Additionally, I have written blog posts for the School of History during LGBTQ+ History month.  

I have tutored on the following modules:

• MO1007: The Early Modern Western World - St Andrews
• ID2007: Enterprise and Creativity - St Andrews
• Fortsättningskursen militärhistoria, delkurs 4. Uppsatsskrivande och uppsatsventilering (Continuation course for Military History part 4. Essay writing and essay ventilation) - Swedish Defence University

Additional teaching duties

• Coordinator for the School of History Academic Skills Project, a framework for subject-specific academic skills. This involved designing and implementing a suitible curriculum of skills-related workshops, and adminstoring the program.