Catriona Anne Blackburn

This masters degree was a combination of film theory, writing and production of a short fiction film dissertation. I graduated with a distinction and the prize for the highest overall grade of my year.

This degree was a mixture of medical, physical, biological, evolutionary and social and cultural anthropology. I developed a deep understanding of biological complexities within human behaviour as well as cultural theories and evolutionary psychology. I wrote a first class dissertation research project in my final year as well as a first class film, edited and filmed myself. I graduated with first class honours.

This 15 hour course explored, from a psychological perspective, how we relate to other people and the world about us through our body.

My film received a high 1st and was accepted into film festivals as well as being written about in the Women CineMakers magazine. 

My film project received a 1st and was accepted to 7 film festivals receiving 2 prizes. 

Working with Dr. Jennifer Leigh, Nicole Brown and Pheadra Petsilas on research of embodied teaching practice. Including film and written publication. 

Working with Dr. Jennifer Leigh on Exploring Embodied Academic Identity through creative research methods

Working with Dr. Jennifer Leigh and Nicole Brown on Ableism in Academia - post conference films.

Nicole Brown: UCL Institute of Education Jennifer Leigh: University of Kent Phaedra Petsilas: Rambert School of Dance. JS Leigh, P Petsilas, N Brown, C Blackburn, 2019

Phaedra Petsilas, Jennifer Leigh, Nicole Brown & Catriona Blackburn (2019) Creative and embodied methods to teach reflections and support students’ learning, Research in Dance Education, 20:1, 19-35, DOI: 10.1080/14647893.2019.1572733

This role involved co-ordinating with a co-representative and putting forward opinions and relevant points of the student consensus at faculty meetings for the School of Anthropology and Conservation at the University of Kent in Canterbury. 

This role involved meeting and teaching new parents how to safely carry their children in slings. The role involved publicising events through social media, planning events and organising rentals of slings. This role also involved a gentle and understanding approach to potentially vulnerable people.

After training for the role of breastfeeding peer supporter, which involved a course of breastfeeding learning as well as understanding of Kent county council's safeguarding initiative, I performed the role of supporting mothers with breastfeeding. My role involved creating a safe environment for potentially vulnerable mother's to divulge not only information about their breastfeeding struggles but potentially post-natal depression struggles. If the need was more than was within my range of responsibility I would refer these women to appropriate professionals such as their health visitors or the local lactation consultant.