Staff
Daisy Curtis
PhD Research Student
Amory c360
Amory Building, University of Exeter, Rennes Drive, Exeter, EX4 4RJ , UK
Overview
In 2018 Daisy began her ESRC (1+3) funded PhD under the supervision of Dr Pepe Romanillos and Dr Sean Carter. Daisy's PhD research focuses upon how people make sense of, and engage with, 5G technology, the next generation of wireless network. The PhD research aims to critically explore some of the major themes bound up with the development of this new technology, with a focus upon the materiality of the 5G network regarding infrastructural requirements, challenges and concerns; geopolitical and security issues related to the development of the network; as well as the narratives that 5G will be 'transformative' by providing a foundation for further technological development. This research will seek to engage with proponents and opponents of 5G technology as well as potential users to provide an insight into how people make sense of, and engage with, this developing technology.
During her PhD Daisy undertook a six month placement with 5G RuralDorset hosted by Telint Ltd and funded by the SWDTP. This involved undertaking primary research and writing a report about collaboration within two 5G research and development programmes with specific focus on the DCMS 5G Testbed and Trials. Daisy also supported 5G RuralDorset’s research areas; assisted the UKTDTF (United Kingdom Telecoms Data Taskforce); and provided expert advice about the 'Stop 5G' community to DCMS, UK5G, and Matt Warman - the former UK Minister for Digital Infrastructure
Prior to this, Daisy completed her BA Geography degree at Exeter, during which time she developed an interest in a number of areas of Geography. Her undergraduate dissertation was entitled 'Culture of Smartphones': an exploration of the meanings and practices of smartphones. This research provided an insight into the complex ways in which smartphones are imbued with meanings and their varied uses as part of everyday practices, as well as how they are situated within broader narratives about technology. For her work on the BA Geography degree one of the prizes Daisy was awarded was the Lewis Memorial Prize for her academic performance over the three years.
Following her BA Geography degree Daisy undertook the MRes in Critical Human Geographies at Exeter which was funded by the ESRC (1+3). During this degree Daisy sought to focus upon other areas of Geographical research, which developed into a dissertation entitled “Dr Pepper tastes like purple”: an exploration of synaesthesia and Geography's engagement with the phenomenon. This research explored how synaesthetes make sense of, and narrate their experiences, and also argued that Geography needs to better attend to the complexity and diversity of synaesthesia as a phenomenon in and of itself. For her work within the MRes degree Daisy was awarded a Dean’s Commendation for exceptional performance.
Broad research specialisms
I am interested in diverse areas of Geographical research, and I have broad research specialisms in:
- Digital turn/digital geographies
- Knowledge politics and conspiracy theories
- Cultural geography
- Geopolitics
- Infrastructure and the electromagnetic spectrum
- Discourse analysis and visual analysis.
Representative Roles
Throughout her time studying within the Exeter Geography department Daisy has been engaged with equality, diversity, inclusivity, and wellbeing work. This has involved representing students on the Geography Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, and working alongside staff across the university, as well as the Students' Guild. This work has been recognised by awards from the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Students' Guild. Daisy continues to be involved in this area of work as a Geography PGR Inclusivity and Wellbeing representative.
Daisy is the Social Media Coordinator for the RGS Digital Geographies Research Group where she manages the research group's twitter account (@digital_RGS), and helps to organise a range of research group activities and events.
Qualifications
BA Geography - First Class (Hons) - University of Exeter
MRes in Critical Human Geographies - Distinction - University of Exeter