Daniel Whillis

Dr Daniel Whillis is an Assistant Professor in Sociology (Sociology and Criminology) at the School of Law, Politics and Sociology, University of Sussex, where he has been teaching since September 2019. His academic work bridges sociological, ecological, and psychoanalytic theories, with a strong emphasis on the implications of ecological crisis for higher education pedagogy.

His educational background includes:

• BA in Politics, University of York
• MA in Political Sociology, University of Kent
• MSc in Social Science Research Methods, University of Bristol
• PhD in Sociology, University of Bristol

Daniel's research interests focus on social and political theories of ecological crisis, contemporary ecological thought, sociological and psychoanalytic theory, and the sociology and philosophy of ritual and religion. His work critically engages with post-secularism and the transformations of belief in modern societies.

His sole listed publication, his 2012 PhD thesis titled Postsecular awakening: vision and commitment in a Western Buddhist community, explores the dynamics of vision and commitment within a Western Buddhist context, reflecting his deep engagement with religion, secularity, and social theory.

Daniel is actively involved in teaching and supervision across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. He convenes multiple modules including Capitalism, Growth, and Ecological Crisis, Classical Sociological Theory, and Citizenship & Participation. He also supervises undergraduate projects and postgraduate dissertations in Gender Studies and Criminology.

He previously served as a Senior Teaching Associate at the University of Bristol from August 2016 to June 2019, demonstrating a sustained commitment to higher education pedagogy.