Meet the Team
Exploring the Past: Co-ordinator
Dr Richard Marsden
I hold a PhD in Modern History from the University of Glasgow and a Masters degree in Medieval Studies from Cardiff University, so I like to think that I’ve got the last thousand years or so pretty well covered. In addition to my role coordinating Exploring the Past, I work as a Regional Manager for the Open University organising the delivery of Arts and Humanities modules across the South West of England.
I also teach History and Heritage Studies at the OU. Before that I had a pretty varied academic career, having lectured in History at Cardiff Metropolitan University, been a researcher at the University of Glamorgan and a tutor at Cardiff University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning. Prior to that I was an Academic Skills Advisor at Cardiff Met and also worked in that university’s Academic Registry, plus for several years I held the post of Senior Examiner in History at the OCR Examining Board. If you are interested in joining the Exploring the Past pathway or have any queries about it, then please do get in touch.
Exploring the Past: Tutors
Dr Crystal Addey.
I am a lecturer and researcher in Classics and Ancient History. I completed my PhD thesis (University of Bristol 2009) on ancient Greek oracles, divination and their connections with ancient philosophy & have published a number of articles on these subjects. I currently teach Classics to both undergraduate and postgraduate students in the School of Classics at the University of Wales Trinity St. David. Previously I lectured in Ancient History at Cardiff University’s School of History Archaeology and Religion. My research interests include Greek and Roman religion, magic in the ancient world, ancient philosophy and the use of anthropology for the study of ancient history.
Dr Rachel Bowen.
Originally from Llanelli, I studied history at Cardiff University and was awarded a PhD in 2006. My research interests cover the late medieval and early modern period. I am particularly interested in gender, sexuality and identity and my PhD research focused on interpretations of the body in medieval and early modern England. Previous I taught on topics such as nationality, disability, hermaphrodites and transvestites.at Cardiff University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning and I currently teach on the MA in Early Modern History at Swansea University. I have also worked in a variety of non-academic roles: in the civil service, as a music librarian and am presently Policy & Social Inclusion Officer at Mind Cymru. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, running and endure watching the Llanelli Scarlets.
Dr Gideon Brough.
I am from Cardiff and I love this brilliant city! I have had the good fortune to have undertaken postgraduate studies at the Sorbonne as well as at Cardiff University. I teach on medieval subjects: primarily medieval Wales, medieval France, the Hundred Years’ War and pretty much anything involving warfare, diplomacy and identity. I recently completed a doctoral thesis examining the diplomatic links between Wales and France throughout the Middle Ages. My other academic interests include Revolting Peasants, the Papacy, the Bretons and medieval England. I have taught adult learners of all levels here at Cardiff, at the Open University and at Université Paris XIII. I also served in the British Army for a number of years and very much enjoyed it!
Dr Christina Hatzimichael Whitley
I am a specialist in Greek Bronze Age Archaeology and have previously taught in a number of higher education settings. I have delivered courses to undergraduates at both Cambridge University and at the School of History & Archaeology at Cardiff where I have also worked as a research associate. In addition, I have taught courses on Greek Archaeology to adult learners at the Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning. I specialise in Minoan Crete, and my interests and research lie in the administration in prehistoric societies, literacy, state formation and gender. I am co-director of the Praisos survey and excavation Project (Crete).
Dr Daniela Hofmann.
I may not be Cardiff-born, but I am definitely Cardiff-bred! I completed my BA, Ma and PhD in the School of History and Archaeology and have also taught undergraduates here over a number of years. My research interests are pre-historic archaeology, the architecture, art and burial customs of Neolithic central Europe, as well as archaeological theory more generally. I have just spent two years working as an Early Careers fellow at Oxford University, trying to turn my PhD research into a book, perhaps even one people will buy. I also have two years experience as a field archaeologist and am looking forward to get back to that when the volume is finished.
Dr Gethin Matthews
I studied for my PhD at Cardiff University, and spent a couple of years lecturing at Cardiff before starting on my current post at Swansea University. My principal research fields are the history of the Welsh in the Gold Rushes and the impact of the First World War on Wales, but I also have a strong interest in how history is presented to the general public on television. I spent over a decade working in the television business trying to get programmes made on historical topics, so I have first-hand experience of the obstacles and challenges.
Dr Alun Williams.
I have recently completed a PhD in Ancient History at Cardiff University, focusing on the influence of contemporary political and colonial ideas on British historical writing about ancient Greece. Prior to that, I studied for a degree in History and Ancient History, followed by an MA in History (also at Cardiff), and in 2009 won a scholarship to study at the British School at Rome. My research interests include, but are not confided to, the following: European perceptions of antiquity from the eighteenth century to the present, the influence of Classical antiquity on debates about empire, and warfare and imperialism in the ancient world.
Dr Juliette Wood.
I studied folklore and Celtic literature at Aberystwyth, the University of Pennsylvania and Oxford. I now live in Wales and lecture at Cardiff University for the School of History, Archaeology & Religion & the School of Welsh. My areas of research include Celtic studies, the history of magic and the history & practice of folklore. I have also taught adult learners for many years in the Centre for Lifelong Learning on many diverse topics including Gothic literature, witchcraft and shamanism. I have written several books on aspects of Welsh folklore and have been a professional consultant on matters folklore to TV and media production companies. My personal website is: www.juliettewood.com
