Meet our LAHP Studentship Awardees: Kieran Wakeley

1) Hi Kieran, congratulations on your successful application of the LAHP! Tell us a bit about yourself…

Hi, thank you for inviting me to be on the Joint Faculties newsletter. I am a first year PhD research student at UCL, about to go into my second year which I’m hoping will be a little bit less global emergency focussed. I grew up in Bromley, South London, where I’m currently located. Before starting at UCL I completed my undergraduate degree in American Studies at the University of Nottingham with a year abroad at the University of Illinois,  which was probably one of my fondest academic experiences, getting to see an entirely different approach to education and being able to travel whilst studying was an amazing opportunity.

Between then and returning to education to complete a Film Studies MA at UCL, I’ve worked variously in post-production and market research whilst doing a bit of script doctoring and making the occasional short film on the side - mainly so I had an excuse to go to film festivals. The focus of my studies has been on media history, and the interaction of film and culture, with a focus on post-war American society.

2) How did you feel when you found out you had been successful in securing the LAHP?

I’m not going to lie, there was a  bit of shouting and running around involved.

3) Tell us a bit about your research.

I am currently a student at the Centre for Multidisciplinary and Intercultural Inquiry (CMII) in the School of European Languages, Culture and Society (SELCS) at UCL. Broadly speaking my research is looking at the process of liberal governmentality in post-war American classroom film. As much as U.S. Cold War culture has been defined by mainstream media since the late 1940s, my research will be examining the often overlooked 16mm format of the educational and sponsored film industries, and the specific producers who, acting on behalf of business, government, and community organisations, used the medium to promote consumerism, nationalism, social conformity, and American supremacy.

4) Why did you choose to study at UCL?

After completing my MA at UCL , working with the amazing faculty there, and experiencing the forward thinking, globally minded, and inclusive academic environment, I knew that this was the best place for me continue my academic career.

5) What song would you like to contribute to the Joint Faculties lockdown playlist?

The song I’ve chosen for you is Joint 17 by Yussef Kamaal from the album Black Focus. One of my favourite summer songs from a few years back to remind me of less quarantined times.

Find out more about London Arts & Humanities Partnership (LAHP) Studentships