“How David Bowie Fans Transformed Brixton After His Death”

I am ecstatic to share that the journal article I wrote last year based on my thesis research has just been published in the peer-reviewed Wiley Journal of Popular Culture - Special Issue: "Exploring the Popular Culture and Tourism Place-making Nexus," Volume 52, Issue 6. This is my first full-fledged academic publication, and the entire …

Presentation: ‘Make Tiny Changes’ at CMCS19

Here's my full presentation from August 30, 2019, at the Centre for Media and Celebrity Studies conference in Times Square, New York City. I was a bit shaky, and emotional, but battled through to talk about how fans of Frightened Rabbit rallied together to raise awareness and funds for mental health initiatives through community-building activities. …

Navigating No Man’s Land: The Graveyard of the Outcast Dead

The Cross Bones Graveyard resides in London SE1, and dates back to medieval times. It is believed that up to 15,000 people are buried in the unconsecrated ground. Originally used as a graveyard for "single women" which was coded language for sex workers. They were known locally as "Winchester Geese," as they were licensed by …

Fan Rituals of Memorializing David Bowie

On April 5th, 2019, I participated in the MALS Lightning Talks. This is an event for Masters students at the Graduate Center, CUNY to showcase their research in three minutes. I spoke about the fandom rituals that memorialize David Bowie in Brixton, his hometown in South London. Watch my speech above, or read the transcript …

Following David Bowie’s Life in Brixton

The main focus of my Masters research is dead celebrities and how fans react to their death and in memorializing them create and shape the narrative of that celebrity's legacy. One of the main celebrities I focus on is David Bowie, and specifically how people interact with him through his hometown of Brixton, a neighborhood …