Alison Twells

Dr Alison Twells is a Professor of Social and Cultural History at Sheffield Hallam University's Department of Humanities. She holds affiliations with the Humanities Research Centre and Culture and Creativity Research Institute. Her work bridges academic scholarship and public engagement, focusing on 19th-20th century British history with emphases on religious cultures, gender, imperialism, and community heritage. Twells is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a HEA National Teaching Fellow (2015), recognized for her innovative approaches to community-focused history education.

Her educational background includes a BA from the University of Sussex, MA and PhD from Sheffield Hallam and York Universities, respectively. Her research explores intersections between local and global histories, creative history methodologies, and figures like Edward Carpenter. She teaches modules such as 'Applied History' and 'Northern Soul: Representations of the North of England.'

Twells' recent research includes analysis of WWII diaries, Edward Carpenter's transnational legacy, and creative history projects. Notable publications span journals like History Workshop Journal and Journal of Colonialism and Colonial History, with books including *The Civilising Mission and the English Middle Class* (2009) and co-editing *Women in Transnational History* (2016). She actively collaborates on public history initiatives, including school resources on anti-slavery activism and heritage projects.

Her awards include the HEA National Teaching Fellowship (2015). Supervised doctoral topics range from Victorian entrepreneurs to women's liberation movements. Twells emphasizes history's societal relevance through creative pedagogy and community engagement.