Nikki Clarke

Nikki Clarke is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Society at the University of Sunderland, specializing in the Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) program. She serves as Deputy Programme Leader for the Education pathway within IFY and teaches core modules like FDN012 (Essential Study Skills). Additionally, she contributes to film and media modules in the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries.

Clarke holds a BA (Hons) in Film and Media (2016) and an MA in Film and Cultural Studies (2017), both from the University of Sunderland. Her MA dissertation explored the representation of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in film history. She is currently pursuing a PhD under Dr. Steve Cannon, examining comparative representations of Norman Bates and Hannibal Lecter across literary, filmic, and televisual texts, alongside fan culture dynamics.

Her research interests span LGBTQIA representation, horror and science fiction genres, and the psychology of audience attachment to fictional characters. Clarke’s work bridges academic and creative disciplines, reflecting her dual engagement with education and cultural studies.