Hadley Beresford

Sheffield Methods Institute

Doctoral Researcher

hrberesford1@sheffield.ac.uk

Full contact details

Hadley Beresford
Sheffield Methods Institute
The Wave
2 Whitham Road
Sheffield
S10 2AH
Profile

Hadley is a PhD researcher who joined the SMI in 2018. Their PhD focuses on the use of algorithms and data within the public sector, specifically focusing on how both can discriminate against marginalised groups. Hadley’s PhD strongly focuses on practice-based issues, with the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) being their industry partner for their PhD research.

Hadley enjoys both qualitative and quantitative methods, with their PhD utilising qualitative methods to better understand quantitative working practices. Hadley is particularly interested in innovative methods which unpick the social processes involved in knowledge production.

Hadley is also part of the CDT for Data Analytics and Society. Hadley has recently presented at the 2022 Data Power conference, attended the 2022 AoIR Doctoral Colloquium, and attended the 2021 not-equal summer school.

Hadley’s MSc dissertation focused on AI chat bots, entitled “Beyond Clippy: How teaching staff perceive the adoption of AI Tutoring Systems and their implications”

Prior to their PhD, Hadley used to work in the Games Industry in South Wales. Hadley’s prior roles included technical art, games design, and voice acting.

Qualifications

MSc Data Analytics and Society

MSc Digital Library Management (best performance award)

BA Computer Animation (best performance award)

Research interests

Algorithmic Bias

Public Sector Technology

Organisational change

Social sorting

Methods

Research group

PhD Supervisors: Professor Helen Kennedy and Dr Jo Bates

Research group: iSchool Digital Society Research Group

Grants

Fully funded ESRC scholarship

Think Ahead Researcher-Led Activities Funding for the PGR SMI away day

Teaching interests

Hadley has taught as a GTA on various modules in Sociological Studies and the iSchool at the University of Sheffield. These have included:

SCS6082 Digital Media in a Datafied Society

SCS3042 Social Media, Data and Society (MA and BA versions)

SCS11001 Introduction to Media and Communication in Society INF109 Digital Media and Society

INF6033 Data and Society

Hadley previously taught at the University of South Wales, as the primary lecturer on: Visual Scripting for Unity module.