Miss Merrydith Russell

PhD Researcher | Doctoral Teaching Assistant | Architecture Department, Plymouth University 

Merrydith is a dedicated PhD researcher and Doctoral Teaching Assistant currently contributing to the BA Architecture programme in the subject of Architecture at the University of Plymouth. Her passion for the intersection of design, social justice, and spatial dynamics has been a driving force throughout her academic career and professional journey. 

Merrydith holds a Master's degree in Curating Contemporary Design at Kingston University London in partnership with London Design Museum. Her academic pursuits have been complemented by practice, having curated socially engaged exhibitions across the UK. Her practice lies in exploring Spatial Justice through the lens of the social 'other’, within her PhD, Merrydith extends this further to question curatorial justice in the context of forced displacement and homing practises partnering with the Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support charity in Plymouth. 

Beyond academia, Merrydith is an active contributor to the art community. She serves as a Board Member of KARST Gallery in Plymouth, where her insights and commitment to fostering artistic dialogue play a pivotal role in shaping the institution's vision. Additionally, she serves as a Non-executive Director of the Devon Ukrainian Association, showcasing her dedication to community engagement beyond the confines of the art world. 

Merrydith's multidimensional approach to academia, coupled with her practical involvement in the arts and community organizations, reflects her commitment to making a positive impact on both scholarly discourse and the broader societal landscape. 

Engage- Bringing people and art together. | 2023

Only Connect | 2023

Non-executive Director of the Devon Ukrainian Association | 2023

Board member of KARST Gallery Plymouth | 2021-2024

Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)  

Teaching modules:  

BA  Architecture stage 1 HTCC412 Historical, critical context of Architecture  

BA Architecture stage 2 lay Audience 

BA Architecture stage 2 DSCM511 

Supported MA Design MADS702 

Teaching interests:

Forced displacement |Spatial Justice  

Social Other | Social Democracy  

Curatorial Activism  

Material Culture  

Object archaeology  

 

PhD research title: The making of home: A feminist approach to the curatorial practice of object archaeology in the context of Forced Displacement and domesticity.

Director of Supervision Dr Sana Murrani, second Dr Ioana Popovici. 

Research assistant for Routes to Wellness | 2023-2024  

Research assistant for Ruptured Domesticity: Mapping Spaces of Refuge in Iraq | 2023  

Neighbourhood, University of Kingston, London | 2021 

Doctorial Teaching Assistantship at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture | 2022- 2026 

Research Development Fund Art Design and Architecture: £200 | 2023 

Curator of Disrupting the Dimensions of Architecture | December 2023 

Co-curator of Neighbourhood project, The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames | 2020-2021 

 

Guest speaker at the University of Exeter MA Creativity; Innovation and Business Strategy | November 2023 

Speaker at Manchester Textile and Place (2023) Manchester Textiles Biennial and Manchester Metropolitan University. | October 2023