Dear BAMS members and friends

The election for up to two new Postgraduate Representatives to sit on the BAMS Executive Steering Committee opened on Saturday 10 February. If you have BAMS membership for 2018 you should have received an email from Electionbuddy with a unique link to the online election on Saturday morning. Please check your clutter and junkmail files if you have not seen this email. If you still don’t have an email from Electionbuddy contact Suzanne Hobson (s.hobson@qmul.ac.uk) with proof of membership (email receipt from EUP/Paypal) and we will arrange for you to be sent a ballot. The election will close on Wednesday 28 February 2018.

It’s not too late to join BAMS and vote in the election: https://bams.ac.uk/membership/
As above, please send proof of membership purchase to s.hobson@qmul.ac.uk in order to receive your ballot.

The four nominees are: Emily Mills, Gareth Mills, Sean Richardson and Imola Nagy-Seres. Please see below for their biographies and supporting statements.

Emily Mills, University of Nottingham
Nominated by Nathan Waddell

Emily is a third-year PhD student at the University of Nottingham. Her research, which is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) through the Midlands Three Cities (M3C) consortium, explores to what extent modern editorial theory can illuminate and resolve the challenges involved in reading and interpreting postmodern literature. Bringing postmodern fiction into dialogue with contemporary text-editing models, her research aims to shed new light on both and to investigate what is understood by the term ‘postmodernism’ in the contexts of both fiction and editorial theory. As part of her research, Emily has undertaken a fellowship at the Harry Ransom Center (2016-17), awarded through the AHRC International Placement Scheme, and she was the recipient of a Theodora Bosanquet Bursary in 2017.

Statement
My work on postmodern fiction has had two offshoots which demonstrate my suitability for the role: a concern with how practices of editing modernist fiction can help us reformulate traditional editorial theories; and a growing interest in Ford Madox Ford, which led me to present a paper considering his work in relation to Julian Barnes and the legacies of modernism at the 2017 BAMS conference.

My vision for the future of BAMS is, therefore, to expand the range of its literary-historical focus. In addition to promoting the work of BAMS at unaffiliated conferences, I propose to organise a symposium exploring how modernist scholarship influences research on the work of different chronological epochs, and especially in the post-1950 period. Such an event would bring new scholars into BAMS, particularly those who may not consider themselves modernists, and also present different opportunities for interdisciplinary research partnerships. In this respect, I would hope to work with the Midlands Modernist Network to nurture scholarly relationships between BAMS and PhD students based at the six institutions in the M3C network (Birmingham, BCU, De Montfort, Leicester, Nottingham, and NTU).

I have excellent organisational skills, having helped to organise the M3C Research Festival in 2017; I can help manage the BAMS website and contribute to its social media accounts, having contributed similarly to the New Modernist Editing project in 2017; and given my experience with matters of proofing and copy-transmission, I would be keen to contribute to the running of The Modernist Review.

Gareth Mills, University of Reading, University of Bath
Nominated by Nicola Wilson 

I am an AHRC funded second year PhD student at the University of Reading, studying Wyndham Lewis and the publishing industry. I am a contributing reviewer for the Journal of Wyndham Lewis studies and the Journal of Beckett studies, and founder and co-organiser of the Modernist Periodicals Reading Group based at Reading. Last year I founded the interdisciplinary academic outreach journal Question (www.questionjournal.com), of which I am co-editor, now available in print in bookshops and libraries in the Southwest, Wales and London. I also co-coordinate the Gender and Sexuality Research Network at Reading and manage its blog.

Statement
As the current editor of a journal and coordinator of two research groups I have developed relevant competencies in editorial processes, cross-institutional organisation, web design, administration, and social media promotion, and would be very keen to bring this experience to BAMS.

Having experience of the benefits of a setting up a lively postgraduate publishing forum with the new journal Question, one of my priorities would be the revival of The Modernist Review and its website. Where the senior quarterly publication, Modernist Cultures, offers regular insights into a current confluence of research on a specific theme (‘Global Modernism’), a postgraduate publication could not only offer a supportive, rigorous forum for new PhD work but become an exciting indicator of on-the-cusp new research in its own right.

The increasingly central place of archival work to modernist studies in general stands to benefit from BAMS’ national outreach. I would support the growth of information-sharing workshops to complement the wealth of existing skills-based support, which is mostly aimed at newer members.

Finally, I would encourage the current trend in AHRC backed doctoral training consortiums of linking publications in journals, such as The Modernist Review, to more popular online news and opinion sites. The Conversation and Aeon are emerging as influential news sources backed by academics which have had, as yet, a sporadic engagement with modernist research. Opportunities for engagement would have a good impact on early membership uptake too – thereby getting newer PGRs in the BAMs information loop earlier.

Imola Nagy-Seres, University of Exeter
Nominated by Suzanne Hobson

Imola is in the third year of her PhD studies in English Literature at the University of Exeter. Her research focuses on the phenomenology of touch in the modernist novel. She holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Leeds and completed her BA studies at Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca. Her reviews have been published in the Hungarian Journal of English and American Studies, and she is currently working on an article for the inaugural issue of the Elizabeth Bowen Review. She has written shorter pieces for The Virginia Woolf Blog and The University of Exeter Doctoral College Blog.

Statement
I have attended events organised by BAMS for two years. In 2016 and 2017 I presented papers at the New Work in Modernist Studies Conference in London and Leeds, and in April 2017 I participated at the Postgraduate Training Day in Leicester. I have found these events not only intellectually challenging but also reassuring in the sense of making doctoral students feel part of a larger community of like-minded peers and academics.

As a postgraduate representative I will contribute to the maintaining and strengthening of community spirit within BAMS. Writing a doctoral dissertation represents a challenge, but there are many ways in which students’ academic skills and mental wellbeing can be improved. I would like to organise study days with a specific focus on research skills, such as writing and editing dissertations and journal articles, preparing for the viva, and revising the thesis into a monograph. While many universities offer general workshops on these topics, I think that students would benefit more from subject-specific training and the possibility to talk to journal editors. As the representative of Graduate Teaching Assistants at Exeter, I have gained experience in organising a series of workshops for PhD students teaching English literature.

Finally, as a postgraduate representative I will ensure that BAMS continues to offer support for students to share innovative ideas on online platforms such as The Modernist Review. As stated in my biography, I have experience in writing blog posts for non-academic audiences, and would be happy to relaunch The Modernist Review.

Sean Richardson, Nottingham Trent University
Nominated by Andrew Thacker

Sean Richardson is a second-year doctoral candidate at Nottingham Trent University. He is the host of the Modernist Podcast, the founder of the Midlands Modernist Network, the curator of the Forster50 museum exhibition and the organiser of Queer Modernism(s), Transitions: Bridging the Victorian-Modernist Divide and Orientations: A Conference of Narrative of Place, amongst other conferences. He likes biscuits.

Statement
I believe BAMS is currently doing excellent work to support its postgraduate community and, if elected, would seek to continue building on the achievements of the outgoing postgraduate representatives. To do this, I would focus on:

One: Collecting feedback from our existing members. Last year, BAMS ran its first postgraduate survey. I would like to follow this up yearly, adding to the existing questions and collecting case studies. This data will elucidate how to best support BAMS members, as well as illuminate pathways for progression once the PhD has finished.

Two: Continuing to foster academic achievement at postgraduate level. Our postgraduate community is doing fantastic work, and this deserves recognition. I would like to work to produce a ‘BAMS Certificate of Excellence’. BAMS members would be able to nominate PhD students for this award, providing a mark of recognition.

Three: Diversifying our postgraduate membership. Currently comprised of mostly literature scholars, I believe BAMS can do more to reach out to those in fields such as art history, modern languages and book history, allowing for further interesting, interdisciplinary discussions.

Having run the Modernist Podcast, set up the MMN and blogged extensively on higher education issues, I am heavily invested in platforming postgraduate voices in the modernist community on a local and national level. I would love to continue this structural work as BAMS postgraduate representative, as well as provide a friendly face for members old and new. If you have any questions, you can tweet me at: @southldntabby

We have three candidates for the position of BAMS Postgraduate Representative: Stephanie Boland (University of Exeter), Crispian Neill (University of Leeds), and Helen Saunders (King’s College London). Members can vote for two candidates by clicking here be 29 February.

Stephanie Boland

Biography

I am an AHRC-funded PhD student at the University of Exeter with a thesis on modernism and non-fictional, instructional texts. I have published work in the James Joyce Quarterly, TLS, Cambridge Quarterly and various mainstream, non-academic venues.

Alongside my doctoral study, I have worked at the New Statesman as a digital assistant, working on back-end web production, writing and editing. I am particularly interested in how academics can publicise their research to the wider world, and the possibility online venues offer for sharing information and skills. I have experience organising events, managing mailing lists and am generally happy to undertake those less glamorous (but essential!) tasks crucial to the running of any organisation.

I have been nominated by Suzanne Hobson.

Statement

If elected as a postgraduate rep, I intend to use the role to build on two particular strengths of BAMS: its potential for fostering rich interdisciplinary work and the training it offers to postgraduates in modernist studies.

As an online hub for CFPs, announcements and other academic activities, BAMS is invaluable. Yet despite recent talks like Simon Shaw Miller’s musical keynote at New Work in Modernist Studies showing there’s an appetite for interdisciplinary exchange, there are still whole fields by and large not involved in the organisation.

As a postgraduate rep, I would reach out to music and art schools specifically, tapping into existing networks to reach postgraduates who might not otherwise have come across BAMS.

Similarly, while postgraduate training days provide the perfect opportunity to develop skills and network, there is scope to do more, particularly online. If elected, I would look to make career advice more accessible, in the form of web pages with dedicated guides to e.g. running a conference, or by setting up a blog or forum.

Having worked on the web desk of the New Statesman, I’m skilled at managing online spaces and working with contributors. A BAMS blog would provide an ideal space to exchange new ideas and share information about those less-discussed aspects of being a postgraduate student.

The forums provided by BAMS have been integral to my development as a PGR, and I would be honoured to contribute to the running of the organisation and help foster further growth.

Cripian Neill

Nominating BAMS Member

Dr Richard Brown, University of Leeds

Biography

I am a final year PhD candidate at the University of Leeds. The title of my thesis is ‘The Smell of Modernism: Metaphor and the Olfactory, 1900 – 1945’. My full academic profile, including peer-reviewed publications, conference activities and prizes can be viewed here.

Supporting Statement

In support of my application, I have prior experience of serving on academic committees. I am currently a postgraduate research representative for the Student/Staff Forum at the School of English, University of Leeds. I am also a contributing editor to the Open Modernisms Project, a role which supports my passion for modernist studies, and the importance of digital channels to support scholarly activity.

I am a co-founder of the Sensory Modernism(s): Cultures of Perception research group, and led the group’s successful grant capture from the Leeds Humanities Research Institute. Our award funded keynotes speakers and travel bursaries for attendees at the second Secondary Modernism(s) conference held at the University of Leeds in December 2015. Outputs from the conference included publicly-available videos of keynote presentations, and ongoing plans to publish a collection of conference papers. I am also the creator of the Sensory Modernism(s) website (http://www.sensorymodernisms.com), and fund my PhD through my work as a web developer. My strong administrative skills are further demonstrated by my contribution to a successful AHRC Collaborative Skills Development Bid in 2014, working with the Leeds Centre for Medical Humanities.

I will increase the uptake of BAMS membership among PGR students by more effectively marketing the benefits of joining. To assist this, I plan to review the current BAMS web presence and communications strategy to ensure that it represents not only the best available resource for modernist research, networking and events, but actively encourages a sense of participation and community among our members.

Helen Saunders

Biography

Helen Saunders is a third year PhD candidate at King’s College London, looking at the role and representation of fashion in the work of James Joyce. She has been awarded scholarships to study in Dublin and Trieste and teaches on the BA module ‘Writing London’ at King’s.

Statement

I would like to apply for one of the two Postgraduate Representative roles at BAMS, having been a member since the start of my PhD. I have accrued administrative experience within my own department having run KCL’s internal postgraduate research group and organized a series of ‘Skills Lunches’ for the PhD cohort, and would now like to transfer this to BAMS.

A strong feature of BAMS is its relationship to the Modernist Cultures journal. If elected, I would hope to develop BAMS’ publishing position by proposing an annual Open Access publication. While Modernist Cultures is accessible to BAMS members, having an OA element to BAMS would position it as an organisation that recognises accessibility of high-level scholarship to be a priority and demonstrates itself to be aware of issues currently facing researchers. This would also potentially encourage new members and journal subscribers via the traditional subscription model.

In addition to the ‘New Work in Modernist Studies’ series I would hope to expand the range of postgraduate activities. This would take the form of postgraduate symposia with, for example, interdisciplinary or theoretical angles; the former in particular would increase the range of BAMS’ work and acknowledge the rich research that takes place in modernist studies yet outside of literary studies.

At BAMS, I would also be placed to contribute to the society’s online and social media presence, building on the work I do for the IES Ulysses and Finnegans Wake blogs.

Call for Nominations

Election of Postgraduate Representatives on the British Association for Modernist Studies Executive Steering Committee

Nominees for two two-year postgraduate representative positions are sought from registered doctoral students who have completed their first year of study. The elected representatives will join Jamie Callison (Northampton) and Ellen Ricketts (Hull), who were elected at the beginning of 2015.

The roles involve regular attendance at committee meetings (two to three times a year), administrative support for BAMS events (notably the annual postgraduate training symposium and the postgraduate conference New Work in Modernist Studies), maintenance of the membership database, information dissemination, and contribution to BAMS’ online presence.

Candidates must be a member of BAMS; they can be nominated by another BAMS member or nominate themselves. The final selection will be made through an on-line election open to all BAMS members.

Candidates are asked to submit a brief biography as well as a 250-word proposal outlining their vision for the future of BAMS, their suitability for the role, and their envisaged contribution to the association. The name of the nominator, if there is one, should be included in the proposal. Applications should be emailed to Jeff Wallace no later than 30 January 2016.

To find out more about BAMS, and to join or renew your membership, please go to our website https://bams.ac.uk/membership/

Information about the positions can be directed to:

Jeff Wallace (Chair) (jwallace@cardiffmet.ac.uk)

Alex Goody (Secretary) (agoody@brookes.ac.uk)

or to the current postgraduate representatives:

Jamie Callison (Jamie.Callison@uib.no)

Sarah Chadfield (sarah.chadfield@rhul.ac.uk)

Sophie Oliver (sophie.oliver@rhul.ac.uk)

Ellen Ricketts (e.a.ricketts@2008.hull.ac.uk)

Call for Nominations

2013 Election of the British Association for Modernist Studies Executive Steering Committee and one Postgraduate Representative

On 31 December, the three-year terms of the members of the first executive steering committee will come to an end. We now invite nominations for membership of the steering committee and for one postgraduate representative position, for election before that date.

Nominees for membership of the steering committee will ideally be in academic posts, as members are expected to take a turn in hosting executive meetings and the annual postgraduate training symposium, and to fund their attendance at BAMS events and meetings (financial support is provided for postgraduate representatives only). According to the BAMS constitution existing committee members are eligible for re-election at the conclusion of their term of office for a maximum of two more consecutive periods. Although it is expected that a minority of current members of the committee will stand for re-election, prospective new members are very warmly invited to stand. Nominees may, if they wish, express interest in one of the named officer positions: Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Web Administrator.

Nominees for a two-year postgraduate representative position are sought from registered doctoral students who have completed their first year of study. The elected representative will join Emma West (Cardiff) and Chris Mourant (KCL), who were elected at the beginning of 2013.

Members of the steering committee attend approximately two committee meetings a year, organise an annual postgraduate training symposium, operate membership of the association, maintain and develop BAMS’ online presence, support existing modernist programmes and events (such as the several modernism centres and seminars) and generally promote modernist activity in Britain. A BAMS Conference, Modernism Now, will take place in June 2014.

Candidates require a nomination from an existing member of BAMS and must themselves be members of the association. The final selection will be made through an on-line election process open to all BAMS members.

Candidates are asked to submit a brief biography as well as a 250-word proposal outlining their vision for the future of BAMS, their suitability for the role, and their envisaged contribution to the association. The name of the nominator should be included in the proposal. Applications should be emailed to Andrew Thacker (andrew.thacker@ntu.ac.uk) no later than October 31 2013.

Information about the positions can be directed to:
Andrew Thacker (Chair) (andrew.thacker@ntu.ac.uk)
Rebecca Beasley (Secretary) (rebecca.beasley@queens.ox.ac.uk)

For information about the position of postgraduate representative, enquiries can also be directed to:
Chris Mourant (christopher.mourant@kcl.ac.uk)
Emma West (weste@cardiff.ac.uk)