Personal profile

Research overview

I began my PhD in 2022 under the supervision of Dr Derek Patrick (School of History) and Professor Sir Hew Strachan (School of International Relations). My research focuses on the officers of The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), 1902-1918, examining their selection, socialisation and professional relationships, and development of group identity in the Edwardian era and the First World War.

My research seeks to understand how and why certain people were chosen to lead Scotland’s soldiers in peace and war, considering the role of the two defining features of the group, Scottish national identity and elevated social status, in the selection process. Further to this, it examines how these officers lived and worked together, analysing how the national and social demographic of the officer corps impacted professionalism, socialisation and esprit de corps

Previously, I studied history at the University of Dundee, graduating with first-class honours, before undertaking a Master of Research degree on the Officers of The Black Watch, 1902-1914, under the supervision of Professor Graeme Morton, graduating with distinction.

In addition to my PhD project, I currently tutor on the module MO2008, 'Scotland, Britain and Empire (c. 1500-2000)', and am a member of staff in the University Collections department (archival collections).

I am also a Postgraduate Member of the Royal Historical Society, a member of The Society for Army Historical Research and The Western Front Association, and am a researcher for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Education/Academic qualification

Master of Research, History, Distinction, University of Dundee

Award Date: 15 Nov 2022

Master of Arts, History, First Class Honours, University of Dundee

Award Date: 11 Jun 2021