Eleanor Dufton

Profile

After graduating with a BA (hons) in French and Spanish, last year I undertook a master's by research in French decolonial studies across LCS and the School of History. I am now beginning my WRoCAH-funded PhD project across both schools. I have research experience in this area through the Laidlaw scholarship, my undergrad dissertation, as well as through working for the French National office for War Veterans, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. I also have experience through various university roles including working as a Student Research Assistant for LITE, working on a number of pedagogic-focussed research projects.

Research interests

My previous research project hoped to challenge dominant Eurocentric narratives of the Second World War by addressing the impact of neglectful commemoration and recognition decisions, whilst highlighting the importance of marginalised voices and histories.

My current project aims to expand on these themes; by excavating and comparing the diverse trajectories of French Caribbean veterans, my project aims to understand post-war veterans idenities, examining how wartime experiences and a 'post-colonial landscape raised complex questions of belonging and identity.

I am also exploring the importance of decolonial studies through the University of Leeds decolonising podcast, hosted by myself and a fellow PGR, James Wagstaff.

Qualifications

• BA French and Spanish
• MAR French decolonial studies