Meet Frances

I am a Lecturer in the School of Computing at Edinburgh Napier University and a member of the Centre for Social Informatics research group. My research focuses on information sharing and use in online environments, especially as it relates to everyday life and “lived” or real-world experiences. This includes interests in:

  • human information behaviour and use
  • social media use
  • social and health informatics
  • online information sharing
  • online reputation and identity
  • determinations of trust in online environments

I use a combination of qualitative methods for my research including participant diaries, structured and semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participant and co-design workshops. I am keen to expand on these methods to include the use of ethnographic and observational research approaches, new forms of participatory research.

I hold a PhD in Information Science, with a focus on human information behaviour, from Edinburgh Napier University, a Master of Letters in Media and Culture (with distinction) from the University of Stirling, and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Central Washington University, with a minor in Historical Tourism.

My previous professional career was in public relations, marketing, and communications. During that time, I successfully created and directed strategic, proactive communication strategies for a range of organisations from small, non-profit community groups and family businesses to an internationally recognised research university. Visit my LinkedIn page for more information.

I am originally from a rural mountain community in Washington State (USA) and have been living in Scotland off-and-on since 2001 (mostly on). My free time is spent running, hill walking, writing, learning, crafting, geocaching, finding bargains in charity shops, and perfecting my mobile phone photography skills. I am a passionate cook (although a less-passionate dish-washer!) and I dabble in growing things in the garden, too. I also enjoy travelling and spending time with my family and friends every chance I get.