Emily Garside has recently completed a PhD researching the use of theatre as a cultural response to HIV/AIDS. This research follows a life long passion for theatre and academic interest in the power of performance for activism as well as in recording history. While completing this research She delivered a wide range of teaching at Cardiff Metropolitan University including directing student's practical work. Emily continues to conduct academic research while working as Research and Development Advisor for the Creative Industries Research Institute at the University of South Wales. In her spare time She continues to write for performance and blog about theatre and academic life.