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Hannah Little

My CV

  • Education:

    Grangefield School, Stockton-on-Tees (2000-2005), Bede College, Billingham (2005-2007), University of York (2007-2010), University of Edinburgh (2010-2011), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University of Brussels) (2012-2016)

  • Qualifications:

    A-Levels: Maths, Eng. Lang., DT, Film Studeis, BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics, MSc Evolution of Language and Cognition, PhD in Science

  • Work History:

    After I finished my MSc, I worked for a while at Newcastle College in science outreach and communication working with young people, I then went on to do a PhD at the VUB in Brussels, I worked as a research at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholiguistics in the Netherlands for a year and now I’m a lecturer at the University of the West of England in Bristol. I have also previously worked as a paper girl, a waitress in Morrison’s cafe and also a receptionist in a hotel.

  • About Me:

    I’m a lecturer at the University of the West of England who works on science communication and language evolution.

  • Read more

    I’m a lecturer at the University of the West of England, but I’m originally from the North East of England. I have two main academic interests: the evolution of language and science communication. For my research in language evolution, I use experimental methods to investigate how cultural transmission affects the emergence of structure in language. In science communication, I specialise in teach on podcasts, online video, citizen science and other online content. I also teach on science and comedy, and sometimes even does some stand-up myself!

    As well as communicating about communication, I am interested in promoting public engagement with digital rights and communicating about the problems that occur when policy to protect civil liberties does not keep up with the growth of technology.

    I also write for Babel, a magazine aimed at non-specialist readers with an interest in linguistic and language-related issues.

  • My Work:

    I am a lecturer, so my primary job is teaching, but I also do some research on science communication and also on the evolution of structure in human speech.

  • Read more

    I teach science communication at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels, specifically focussing on online engagement and digital projects. I teach lectures on podcasts, online video, citizen science and other online content and on science and comedy.

    I also do research on science communication and language evolution. At the minute I’m working on a project looking at using ESCAPE ROOMS as a way of teaching people about science. I’m also working on a project investigating the impact of the christmas lectures. I’m really interested in cultural evolution and how information is affected when it gets passed from one person to another.

  • What I'd do with the prize money:

    I’d start a science/research themed comedy night (Bright Club) in Bristol.

  • My Interview

    • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

      Short, Northern, Enthusiastic

      What did you want to be after you left school?

      A set & prop designer, but A-Level English Language made me want to be a linguist.

      Were you ever in trouble at school?

      Ohhhh yes.

      Who is your favourite singer or band?

      Ben Folds

      What's your favourite food?

      Halloumi cheese

      If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

      I hope to progress human knowledge, even in a tiny way, i hope I never lose sight of where I came from and I hope to inspire my students to great things, no matter where they come from.

      Tell us a joke.

      I didn’t used to believe in synaesthesia, but then I saw scents.

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