Lucy Cummings, our very own Seminar Series Co-Ordinator, is a 2nd year archaeology PhD student studying the henge monuments of the British Isles. Newcastle University ‘lifer’ so far – BA, MA and now PhD here in the department. Currently organising the 2nd NEBARSS conference (https://nebarss.wordpress.com). Occasionally uses twitter, follow her if you don’t mind archaeology/football related tweets.
1. How did you come to be interested in your current area of research?
In archaeology: from an open-day session ran by Dr Mark Jackson, which changed my mind from applying for a chemistry degree to archaeology!
In henges/Later Neolithic: From first year UG lectures on monumental space and enclosure of ‘special’ places in the landscape – especially when the functional use was so up in the air! It was very intriguing, and a theme through quite a few of my UG and MA pieces of work, which has now led to my current PhD topic.
2. What is the worst advice you have even been given?
‘Lose your accent to do well’ –Everyone likes the Yorkshire accent – who wouldn’t?
3. What has been the highlight of your week?
Actually ticking something off of my ever-growing ‘To Do’ list!
4. What is the most important life skill you learnt whilst being a PGR student?
That things are never as bad as they seem after a decent sleep!
5. What do you enjoy most about being part of the History, Classics and Archaeolgy department at Newcastle?
I’ve been here from UG to PGR so I definitely love it here! Everyone is friendly and encouraging, and it is a great department to be in as a student. It’s always good when you can have a laugh with your lecturers!
6. What did you want to be as a child?
A vet, and then a CSI officer – until I realised I don’t like blood/needles/wounds of any kind.
8. What is your favourite place on earth?
The Lake District is a favourite area of mine, for the walking, the scenery and also the wild animal park!
Also, skiing (anywhere) – being at the top of a snowy mountain gives you stunning views and is a great way of relaxing and clearing the mind.
9. What’s next for Lucy?
I will be co-hosting a conference here at Newcastle at the end of the month (and giving my first conference paper- scary!), then after that it will be a couple of months of focused reading and data collection to get ahead in my research.
Thanks Lucy! Good luck with the conference!