PhD Graduation Cohort 2024
HEIs: University of St Andrews
Funding: AHRC DTP
Project Title: Meanings and uses of numeracy in Scotland and northern England, c.1660–c.1800
Supervisors: Dr Sarah Easterby-Smith, Dr Amy Blakeway, Dr Jacqueline Rose
What was your research about?
My research was on the social history of numeracy in early modern Britain. I was interested in the ways in which people at all levels of society learned and used number skills in daily life, and how the practical application and social meaning of this knowledge evolved amidst wider processes of economic, social and cultural change.
What made you apply for the SGSAH AHRC DTP?
I realised towards the end of my undergraduate studies that I was interested in academia, and the further down the rabbit hole I went, the more interesting it became.
Which aspects of your PhD did you enjoy the most?
The archival research was fantastic. Getting to see new towns up and down the country and search for new evidence was the aspect of the work I enjoyed most. But the sense of community and camaraderie with other PhD students was probably the most rewarding part.
How has your PhD helped you to decide on a career path?
The wide range of experiences that the PhD offers, from intensive research and writing to teaching, public speaking and project management, have all set me up well.
And now?
I am now a post-doc at Glasgow University on an AHRC-funded project about early modern how-to books.
One piece of advice you would give an incoming PhD researcher?
Get into the habit of writing often. It will provide you with a storehouse of material that you can draw upon as required and will make the final write-up less daunting. The process of continual redrafting also improves the quality of your work.
CONNECT WITH JAMES (he/him)
Email: James Fox
Bluesky: @jamesafox.bsky.social