Alexander Lawrence

My research interests lie principally in the fields of travel writing and natural history, specifically around the ‘New World’ at the time of the Great Discoveries. My DPhil project focuses on the figure of the toucan, which can be seen as a representative of, and thus providing insight into, the transference and dissemination of knowledge about American fauna across the borders and languages of Europe, from their ‘discovery’ by explorers and writers in the in the early 16th century onwards. This research is being funded by an AHRC-OOC-DTP studentship. 

Before starting on my DPhil, I completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Exeter (2012-2016), and the MSt. in Medieval and Modern Languages (2017-18). Aside from my research, I have an active interest in Widening Participation and Outreach, having worked as the Access Officer for St John’s College (2018-19).