Meet the Intern: Emily Hay
Hi everyone!
My name is Emily and I’m one of the new PGR Office Interns for 2021-2022. My role mainly focusses on running PGR events – including the big competitions like 3MT and VYT, weekly events like the soon-to-be-returning lunchtime walks, and learning opportunities like This PhD Life. Myself and Adam (the new PGR Comms Intern) will both be working to encourage PGR community building, and to organise and amplify opportunities for connection amongst PGRs, be they online or (gasp) in person.
Where I’m From
I’d love to give you a really interesting story about all of the wonderful, exotic places I’ve lived in my life, but unfortunately I’m Scotland born and bred. I’m originally from Edinburgh (a fantastic place in itself – though it doesn’t hold a candle to Glasgow), and I moved to Glasgow to do my undergrad at UofG in 2016. Five years on and I’m still here doing a PhD – so if that doesn’t tell you what a fantastic place Glasgow is to be a student at any level then I don’t know what does!
Despite having lived here all my life, I love travelling around Scotland – especially the Highlands and Islands. Back in 2019 I spent a week driving the North Coast 500 and pitching a tent at different stops along the way, and despite the volatile weather (there’s a reason the Highlands are so green and lush) it was one of my favourite trips I’ve ever done. I’ve also loved previous trips to Skye and Arran, so I’d really like to spend more time exploring the different islands along the Scottish coast. If you get the chance and are able to work out the transport, I’d 100% recommend you attempt some of these trips – it’s the perfect way to use your PGR annual leave.
Spotting (and looking remarkably similar to) some Highland cows near Applecross on the North Coast 500.
My Research
I’m a first-year PhD researcher in Scottish Literature, looking at the self-presentation of Mary Queen of Scots in poetry and letters between 1567 and 1587 and how this contrasts with how other people wrote about her in the same period. It’s a real rollercoaster of murder accusations and salacious relationship rumours, which ends, ultimately, with heads rolling. My thesis aims to wrest the textual identity of that controversial queen back into her own hands from those of the men writing about her.
Colourful houses in Portree on the Isle of Skye.
My Interests
When I’m not planning events and competitions or writing about the early modern equivalent of tabloid gossip columns, I love to make things - especially with textiles. I’m an avid knitter, a crochet enthusiast, and in the past year a small weaving loom has also come into my possession (though I’ve not quite got the hang of that yet). I sew a bit, but getting my hands on a sewing machine and learning how to make my own clothes is high on my agenda of hobbies. Other than that, you can often find me going about my daily chores listening to an eclectic mix of musical theatre soundtracks and gritty podcasts about feuding nobles throughout history. I’ve also recently taken up a (very) amateur film photography hobby, as I like being forced to print the photos to keep them, so you may see me with an old Olympus film camera at our in-person events this year.
Me enjoying a rare sunny day on a trip to Skye.
This Year
We’ve undoubtedly had a weird few years when it comes to PGR events, and leaving the virtual behind for in-person interaction definitely won’t be all plain sailing, but I’m excited to explore new hybrid ways to connect PGRs over the next 12 months. As we are allowed to gather face to face again, it’s important that we take the available opportunities to reconnect in ways that were impossible in full lockdown, but that we don’t lose all of the benefits that accompanied remote working and online events.
Though I can’t wait to get started working on all aspects of PGR events, I think I’m most looking forward to running the 3MT, VYT and Love Letter competitions as I love hearing about the diverse range of research being undertaken by UofG PGRs. I’m especially excited to give people a platform to communicate their research topics to new audiences. It is a little daunting to be taking responsibility for such big, established events at UofG, but regardless of the challenges that lay ahead, I’m excited to explore new opportunities for connection and collaboration amongst PGRs, and I feel really privileged that I get to be the person to spearhead those initiatives. I hope to see all of you there!
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions or you want to pitch a new event to me between now and Christmas – I’m always open to new ideas!
