Our Directors and Researchers for the Projects:
Veronica, Doctoral Candidate, has worked with community engagement for the past 16 years, including recruitment of participants for projects and researching heritage at risk. She also works and researches the use of culture and heritage (including arts and crafts) to increase the wellbeing and mental health of socially isolated communities, and the relationship with the self. She has extensive training in digital marketing, social media campaigns, risk assessment, GDPR protocols and has recently completed a Safeguarding course delivered by NHS Education. Veronica has a BA in Classics, an MA in Heritage Management and is currently doing a PhD at Durham University, about disused heritage being recycled for the community.
Sandra in her own words: with over 32 years of research and hands-on experience in heritage management, cultural preservation, and community-driven projects across the UK and internationally, I have dedicated my career to bridging cultural heritage and communities through digital technologies and mental well-being initiatives. My work explores the intersections of art, digital inclusion, and the evolving digital divide, using innovative tools such as virtual reality (VR), imagery, and immersive storytelling to foster a sense of belonging, address identity trauma, and challenge racial inequality.
Specializing in safeguarding cultural diversity in the digital era, I have led projects that explore the role of digital landscapes in preserving living heritage traditions, ensuring that cultural assets remain accessible and protected for future generations. My expertise extends to defining key performance indicators for impact assessment, forging strategic partnerships with stakeholders, and developing community engagement frameworks that empower underrepresented groups.
Beyond research, my practical experience includes designing and delivering countless community workshops, facilitating digital skills training, and advocating for the role of the cultural sector in shaping how we relate to each other and experience the world. From analysing the impact of social media on cultural digitisation to addressing emerging threats to heritage preservation, my approach remains rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
And, of course, none of this would be possible without my beloved coffees and the occasional gluten-free biscuit.'
Sandra has worked in different countries implementing concepts and projects focused on making people's lives better and has training in Health and Safety, GDPR protocols and Safeguarding.
One of the main focus has been the application of digital technologies to support community projects, mental wellbeing and young people's relationship with technologies to access jobs, and the research about the ethics of the AI application in all areas of life without securing identities and safeguarding.
Sandra has a NVQ Level 3 in Environment, a BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission, an MA in Heritage Management and is currently working on her PhD in Digital Inclusion and Divide related to Human/Computer Interactions, with the Open Lab at Newcastle University.