Skyler Hawkins

Dr Skyler Hawkins

Lecturer in Politics of Race & Ethnicity in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology

What area does your research focus on?

My research explores the intersection of race, gender and politics. Exploring political and popular culture using both ethnographic and visual research methods, I work with politically-engaged people from historically-excluded backgrounds to learn what life is like in modern United States politics. I do the bulk of my research in my home state of North Carolina, as well as in Washington DC and across the American South, to investigate the enduring legacies of sexism, racism and other systems of discrimination in politics.

What are the other key aspects of your role?

I teach both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and supervise MA dissertations and PhD theses. I’m involved in work to decolonise our curriculum here in the Newcastle Politics unit, participate in gender and ethnography research groups, and work with our colleagues in the University Library to bring the best resources to our teaching staff and students. 

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy singing (and hope to join the uni choir soon), trying new recipes, seeing live music and travelling with my partner and friends.

What do you think you could particularly offer mentoring support with?

I’m keen to help students navigating the exciting but sometimes difficult landscape of UK higher education. I’m happy to help as an additional set of eyes and ears on your research, but also on your life outside of the degree and what you may want to do next.