Anna Cusack

Dr Anna Cusack is a Research Fellow at St Mary's University, currently working on the UKRI/CERRL-funded project 'The history and heritage of St Mary’s University: from Catholic teacher education institution to Catholic university, a future in retrospect' alongside Joe Saunders. She joined the university in 2024. Her academic journey includes research fellowships at the University of Leicester, University of Erfurt, and Australia National University, with additional project collaborations at Purdue University and Birkbeck, University of London. She holds a PhD and has worked as a freelance historian since its completion.

Anna’s teaching experience spans roles as Module Director at the University of Essex, sessional lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University, tutor at Birkbeck and the University of Oxford, and short course instructor for the Workers Educational Association (WEA). Her research focuses on early modern English society (1480–1820), particularly social history, the treatment of marginalized communities' dead, and the history of crime and punishment. She actively engages in public history initiatives, including advising the 'Executions' exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands and delivering workshops for various organizations.

Her publications explore topics like post-execution burials, suicide in early modern prisons, and Quaker burial practices. Anna serves on the ECR board for the History Journal and as a strand convenor for the Social History Society Annual Conference. Her work bridges academic research and public engagement, emphasizing accessibility and community connection.