Kelsey Monteith wins the Alfred Steers Dissertation Prize

Kelsey Monteith. Image: @mjanegphotography 

Kelsey Monteith has won the Alfred Steers Dissertation Prize for her undergraduate dissertation research, titled 'Time is not our master. I will not bow to time on this fair.' Examining practices of cultural resistance in the Gypsy-Traveller community.

The prize is awarded once a year at the discretion of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)'s board members. Since 1832, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)'s prestigious medals and awards have recognised excellence in geographical research and fieldwork, teaching and public engagement. They are presented annually in recognition of those who have made outstanding contributions within the sphere of geography.

Kelsey's dissertation focused on challenging dominant negative stereotypes surrounding Gypsy-Travellers within the UK, and instead sought to offer people a glimpse into the vibrant and rich culture of this community. Specifically, she focused on Appleby Horse Fair, a significant cultural event for Gypsy-Travellers which she argued acted as a vibrant site for practices of both spectacular and mundane forms of non-intentional cultural resistance to emerge. To exemplify this, Kelsey created a new theoretical framework of resistance, which focused on the visual, rhythmic, and sonic dimensions of cultural acts which, she argued, coalesced to form powerful acts of cultural resistance to state persecution targeting Gypsy-Traveller ways of life. 

I never imagined that I would go to university, let alone be able to share these insights from a topic which is so close to my heart, and worthy of broader recognition and support.

Of winning the award, Kelsey said, "I am delighted and honoured to have been awarded the Alfred Steers Dissertation Prize for my undergraduate dissertation which focused on acts of cultural resistance within the Gypsy-Traveller community in the United Kingdom. I never imagined that I would go to university, let alone be able to share these insights from a topic which is so close to my heart, and worthy of broader recognition and support. I am immensely grateful to the academics, supervisors, and friends within and beyond the University of Oxford who have supported and guided me over the past years, and continue to do so - I would not be where I am without you."

Congratulations, Kelsey!