Spotlight on Adam North, alumnus & PhD Success

Academic success. A massive congratulations to Adam North who has recently completed a PhD. His thesis title was “The Human Body as Object and Performance. Socio-Political Critique of Structural Racism Through Bodily Performance”, which was supervised by Michael Hoelzl and Alexander Samely and examined by Andrew Boakye and Judith Gruber. Adam also studied for a BA in Theology, Philosophy and Ethics (2020) and a MA in Religions and Theology (2021) with us at Manchester. Reflecting on his academic journey so far, Adam tells us: "Manchester has been an incredible place to study. Staff in R&T and throughout SALC have been amazing mentors in my academic career and I have learnt a lot from them. I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies, and I attribute this partly to being given the freedom to pursue my research interests. From early on in my UG degree I was encouraged to investigate my interests, and this was pivotal for developing my desire to inquire into the questions that really interested me. I’ve become obsessed with the importance of the body as a means of communicating and performing the truth and this has been the driving force behind my research. I have also had a great experience teaching students across SALC and R&T who show so much promise and have been a pleasure to teach. My hope is that I can inspire some students to find their research interests, just as I was inspired by the staff who have taught me at UoM. If any students want advice on pursuing an academic career or their work then please get in touch - I will always be available, even if I am not based in Manchester. What's next for me? I intend to continue my academic path, and I am currently applying for postdoctoral fellowships. I want to develop a project focusing on how populist politicians utilise humour to appeal to voters which is a continuation of my interest in truth-telling and performativity."

Spotlight on Ruth Hadley-See Toh, alumna

Religion and politics. Dr Ruth Hadley-See Toh was a student on our MA programme on Religion and Political Life and went on to complete a doctorate on the concept of tolerance, supervised by Dr Michael Hoelzl. She now works in the Civil Service in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and leads a small team representing the UK’s interests in multilateral agriculture reform negotiations at the World Trade Organization. Ruth was recently part of the UK team that attended the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi alongside the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and regularly travels to Geneva to cover negotiations.

Spotlight on Jack Reid, alumnus

Religion, politics and policing. Jack studied History, Theology and Comparative Religion at the University of Manchester between 2005-2009, obtaining both a BA and MA, before deciding to leave full time education. Initially unsure of his exact vocational pathway, Jack worked for a former Labour cabinet minister in the Slough constituency area before then deciding to join the Police Service in 2012. Here, he has gone on to become an accredited detective constable and works on a wide range of serious and complex investigations, with a specific interest in unnatural death and historical sexual offences.

Spotlight on Rabun Maroof, alumnus

Religious studies and politics. Rabun Maroof was a student on our BA & MA programmes in Philosophy and Religious Studies 2005-2011 before he returned home to Kurdistan and Iraq. For several years he lectured in philosophy at Salahaddin University, and then became involved in politics, becoming a member of the Kurdistan Parliament, 2013-2018, and leader of the Change Movement Group. He then was appointed as a member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, 2018-2022, where he was leader of the New Generation Movement. Today he lives in the UK.

Spotlight on Georgia Loynds, alumna

Head of Secondary School Religious Studies. After completing my undergraduate studies at Manchester, I decided that I wanted to stay in education. I completed my PGCE in secondary religious studies and went on to work in several Manchester secondary schools. I am now the Head of Department for RS at Co-op Academy Belle Vue, an Ofsted rated ‘outstanding’ school, where I get to share my love of religion and theology with students every day. One of the best parts of my job is having full discretion over the curriculum; much of my KS3 curriculum is inspired by the courses I took during my undergrad at Manchester, including ‘Paul: Theology, Ethics, Philosophy’, ‘Holocaust Theology’ ‘All about Eve’ and ‘Religion, Ethics and the Environment’ all which have inspired my students. I am also involved in the coaching of other teaching staff, including the opportunity to mentor trainee teachers. Due to the exceptional study opportunities at Manchester, I have been able to share my passion with the younger generation and promote a genuine love of academic and scholarly habits.

Spotlight on Harry Farley, alumnus

Religion in the media. Harry Farley studied Religions & Theology in our Dept 2011-14 and is now a BBC producer and senior broadcast journalist. He specialises in religion and ethics and works with Martin Bashir, the BBC Religion Editor, to provide stories across the BBC's TV, radio, and online outlets. Harry  mainly covers religious affairs, politics and law but he also has an interest in north African Islamic culture. Watch or read his recent pieces on 'Working from home could led to more prejudice' (16 Nov) and 'Gay Conversion Therapy' (16 Dec 2020).

Spotlight on Kath Vardi, alumna

Religions and the Jewish community. Kath Vardi studied for a BA Religions and Theology (Jewish Studies) between 2008-2011, returning to study as a mature student having previously worked as a mental health nurse in the NHS and charity sector. Following graduation she went to Leo Baeck College in London and studied for the progressive rabbinate and was ordained in 2017. She has been working as the rabbi to a community in Surrey for the last 7 years and will soon be returning to Manchester to work with Menorah Synagogue.

Spotlight on Louis Lovell Thomas, alumnus

Accountancy and consultancy.  Louis studied Religions & Theology from 2016 to 2019. After completing his studies, he transitioned into Professional Services, starting at a mid-tier accountancy and consultancy firm in regulatory compliance. He has recently moved to a Big Four accountancy firm, where he continues his work in the same field, and he went onto gain further qualifications from the International Compliance Association. Despite his professional path, Louis remains passionate about theology and hopes to return to further studies in the future. He featured in an exhibition called Corporate Queer, which explored themes of identity and the workplace. This was showcased in the Houses of Parliament in 2023. Louis has remained in Manchester building a strong circle of friends and a good social life in the city.