About

I am an award-winning Post-Graduate Researcher and Future 50 Scholar in the School of Museum Studies and a fellow of the Institute for Digital Culture at the University of Leicester, where I’m currently working on my PhD project titled “Creating Accessible Digital Culture Experiences and Research Practices with and for Autistic Adults”. My research is deeply rooted in disability rights and ethical, collaborative research practices. I take a transdisciplinary approach to my work, drawing on my background across the museums & heritage, education, user technology, art, and academic research sectors.

I hold a BSc in Anthropology and Archaeology from Portland State University and an MA in Museum & Artefact Studies with Distinction from Durham University. During my MA, I focused on accessibility in museum settings, while also critically evaluating a set of female figurines from Ancient Egypt, which challenged traditional interpretations of the artefacts. It was here that I earned the Geoff Egan Prize from the Finds Research Group in 2022 and published my first academic paper with the Durham Archaeological Journal. My passion for material studies, heritage resource management, and solutions to accessibility issues continues to drive my current research.

In addition to my academic journey, I’ve spent over 11 years in the technology sector, working in various roles at Apple Inc., including Mobile Technician and Creative. At Apple, I discovered my love for teaching and mentoring, where I was able to blend technical expertise with creativity, guiding young and seasoned artists alike in exploring digital art forms. Additionally, my time as a Database Systems Coordinator at Rockefeller University strengthened and my ability to make complex ideas more approachable to a wide audience as well as my communication and teamwork skills.

After completing my MA at Durham University, I spent two years as an Arts & Humanities Teacher at an International Academy in Seoul, South Korea. I developed a curriculum that incorporated my studies in the humanities and led a multi-month archaeological workshop for children. Watching my students develop new passions and engage with the material confirmed my belief in the power of accessible, multi-modal education to inspire and make lasting impacts.

Currently, I’m in the 3rd year of my PhD, recently completing my fieldwork in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, Jewry Wall Museum and MBD. I am a committee member of the IUK Immersive Tech Network Accessibility Working Group. I also serve as the Lead Exhibitions Curatorial Volunteer at Leicester Museum & Galleries and freelance as a Digital Heritage Content Creator. My social media platforms, under the handle @PhDShelbyAdventures, have allowed me to share my passion for accessible digital heritage and museum studies with a broader audience.

Throughout my career, a common thread has always been my desire to learn, create, and make a difference in the world. Whether through research, technology, or education, I’m committed to spreading knowledge, fostering equity, building relationships, and positively impacting the lives of individuals.