Laura O'Brien

Laura O'Brien is an Associate Professor in the Humanities Department at Northumbria University, specializing in modern European cultural, social, and political history with a focus on 19th-20th century France. Her research emphasizes visual culture, Napoleonic representation, and revolutionary memory. She holds a PhD in History (2009) and actively contributes to public engagement through media appearances and academic festivals.

Education:

• PhD in History, Awarded 7 Dec 2009

Research Interests:

• Visual culture analysis in French political history
• Napoleonic performance in theatre/film
• Memory of revolutions (1848-1948)
• Parisian urban history and religious modernity

Public Engagement:

• Contributions to BBC Radio/World News/France 24
• Historical expert on BBC Radio 4's 'You're Dead To Me' (26M+ streams)
• Contributor to History Today, Apollo, and Times Literary Supplement
• Leader of Northumbria's 2018 Being Human Festival

Awards:

• Society for the Study of French History Article Prize (2011)