Profile

Hannah Little
My CV
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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)
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Qualifications:
A-Levels: Maths, Eng. Lang., DT, Film Studeis, BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics, MSc Evolution of Language and Cognition, PhD in Science
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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.
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About Me:
I’m a lecturer at the University of the West of England who works on science communication and language evolution.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I’d start a science/research themed comedy night (Bright Club) in Bristol.
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My Interview
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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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My Comments