Ellen Wiles

Dr. Ellen Wiles is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Exeter, where she combines academic research with literary practice. Her interdisciplinary work bridges anthropology, law, and environmental studies, creating innovative ethnographic narratives through both written and audio formats.

• Current Artist-in-Residence at CREWW (2024)
• Previously taught at Queen Mary University of London, City Lit, and The British Library
• Legal background in human rights law at 39 Essex Chambers (2007-2014)

Research focuses on literary anthropology, live literature events, and environmental sound art. Her Storying Water project (funded by South West Water) collaborates with scientists to explore water systems through creative audio. Notable accolades include the Victor Turner Prize for ethnographic writing.

As a sound artist, she has created immersive installations for the National Trust and Double Elephant Print Workshop, including Paper Heron (2024) and Riverlandia (2021). Her creative writing interrogates family law, migration systems, and censorship in Myanmar, with The Invisible Crowd (2017) and The Unexpected (2024) receiving critical acclaim.