Seven Questions with... Cerys Bradley

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future? 

I did a PhD studying Dark Net Markets and the ways they respond to different law enforcement operations. When I was studying, my plan was to stay in academia but that didn’t quite work out. Since graduating, I’ve done a couple of different things, including research for an LGBT+ hate crime charity, teaching, and making podcasts. 

What was the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL? 

I think probably the eugenics walking tour, Bricks + Mortals, that I made with Subhadra Das in 2017. The walking tour visits a number of buildings and lecture theatres on the Bloomsbury Campus that are named for eugenicists and explores the history behind them. 

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL? 

I worked at each of UCL’s museums whilst I was a student. I wouldn’t really say they’re hidden, but if you haven’t visited them already you definitely should. When I was working at the Art Museum, I got to see one of their storage containers which was pretty incredible. There are so many interesting pieces, including early sketches and practice pieces. It was really interesting to see the process. Also, art students would reuse their materials, so it was cool to see sketches on top of sketches.  

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London

1. Join the Kilburn Cosmos rugby team. We play in Gladstone Park on Tuesdays and Sundays and are a great team for people who’ve never played before and want to try it out. 

2. See shows. There are so many great theatres in London, particularly small ones. I’ve seen some great stuff at the Camden People’s Theatre and I like any theatre that’s actually just a room in a pub (e.g., the Canal Café Theatre or the Hope Theatre or the King’s Head). 

3. I’m struggling to think of a third one – I didn’t want them to all be sports based but I don’t really get out much and, recently, my partner and I did a velodrome experience in the Olympic Park in Stratford and it was really fun. It was firstly extremely cool to cycle in the actual Olympic velodrome but the session was also great. Cycling in the velodrome kind of felt like swimming laps but without all the bad bits of swimming like getting your ears wet.

What's one thing you'd like to see in a post-Covid world?

Universal Basic Income. 

Who inspires you and why? 

I’m currently very into print making. I have been making lino prints and I just got a screen printing kit (which is very hard and messy but fun). So I spent a lot of time on Instagram watching print making video and being inspired by print artists. I really like _strangford and numberfoursofttaco. 

What would it surprise people to know about you? 

I’m actually coming back to UCL in September (le gasp). I’m doing a PGCE in Further and Adult Education (maths) at the IOE. This very much surprises myself as I thought I was done with higher education but here we are. I’m looking forward to it, though and, especially, to being able to teach more formally with a regular paycheque.

Photo credit: Miranda Holms