Harriet Purkis

Dr Harriet Purkis is a Lecturer in Event and Leisure Management at the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ulster University, Coleraine. She serves as the ERASMUS coordinator for her department. Her research focuses on museum management, socially engaged events, participatory methodologies, and exhibition design. She holds a PhD from Ulster University supported by a Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarship, exploring museums’ roles in documenting contemporary everyday life.

Education:

• B.A. (Hons) Economics and Economic History, University of Leicester
• M.A. Museum Studies, University of Leicester
• M.A. Tourism Management, Ulster University
• Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development for Researchers, Ulster University

Her professional experience includes curatorial roles in museums and festivals, such as the textile gallery ‘Fibres, Fabrics and Fashion’ at Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry, and ‘Portrait of a City’ exhibitions during Derry/Londonderry’s UK City of Culture. She is an active member of professional bodies including the Museums Association and Higher Education Academy.

Awards:

• Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarship
• Associate of the Museums Association
• Former Chair, Social History Curators Group

She supervises MSc students and emphasizes practical exhibition development alongside academic research.