I am Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Media Production at Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media, and Culture (JOMEC), and Course Director of a new (2025) MA degree in AI and Digital Media Production, which aims to equip the next generation of storytellers with the practical skills and critical insights needed to utilise GenAI technology in their creative work. The role builds on my 2024 PhD thesis entitled: ‘Talking Heads: The use of virtual human presenters for the delivery of news content’, which explored human engagement with and potential uses for artificially intelligent, computer-simulated, on-screen presenters. The research explores factors necessary to maximise audience engagement with ‘virtual humans’, such as design aesthetics, content genres, personalisation, audience demographics and psychographics. It also identifies how best to resolve ethical considerations, and monetise the technology. The work was multi-disciplinary and was supervised jointly by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Journalism at City, University of London.
During my PhD research time, I created a module on Cross Media, which I taught to students of BA Corporate Communication at the Danish School of Media & Journalism. I was also a Guest Lecturer at Copenhagen University, teaching Branded Content to postgraduate students of Film and Media. (Above are some online video lectures created for students). Earlier, in 2020, I earned an MA by Research from the University of Birmingham. My thesis titled: ‘Old News, Young Views’ was on the use of digital and social media channels by broadcasters to appeal to audiences aged 16-34. I also hold a BA in Politics and Sociology from the University of Liverpool.