Kate Moles

Dr. Kate Moles is a Reader in Sociology at Cardiff University's School of Social Sciences, specializing in heritage, memory, and post-colonialism. Her research combines ethnography with innovative methods like soundwalks and video documentation to explore how communities navigate legacies of colonialism and industrial decline. She co-leads the EdJAM network, funded by UKRI/GCRF, which uses creative approaches to teach about violent histories. Her work on wild swimming examines cultural practices and environmental ethics. Moles has supervised numerous PhD students and teaches courses in qualitative methods and decolonizing social sciences.

Education: BA (Trinity College Dublin), MA and PhD (Cardiff University). Professional roles include HEA Fellowship and leadership in WISERD research projects.

Research focuses on two core areas: 1) Heritage/memory in post-conflict societies, including Uganda and Northern Wales, and 2) Swimming cultures and environmental ethics. Recent projects include mobile exhibitions in Uganda and digital heritage initiatives. Her work bridges academia with civil society through participatory methods.

Key publications include studies on wild swimming ethics, post-industrial memory, and youth futures. Awarded HEA Fellowship (2016). Current projects involve the National Trust's Penrhyn Castle labor history initiative and global water studies.