Dr Laura Towers

BA, PGCE, MA, PhD, FHEA

Sheffield Methods Institute

Research Associate

Dr Laura Towers
Profile picture of Dr Laura Towers
laura.towers@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 0170

Full contact details

Dr Laura Towers
Sheffield Methods Institute
The Wave
2 Whitham Road
Sheffield
S10 2AH
Profile
Understanding sibling bereavement - Meet Dr Laura Towers

Laura joined the Sheffield Methods Institute in 2022 as a Research Associate, working with Professor Kate Reed on her bereavement related research. Prior to this Laura was an ESRC Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Sociological Studies at the University of Sheffield. During the fellowship, Laura was able to publish from her PhD (thesis titled ‘Life After Death: Experiences of Sibling Bereavement Over the Life Course’) and collaborate with bereavement charity, The Compassionate Friends, to host a series of knowledge exchange and impact events. While studying for her doctorate, Laura taught across several modules in the Department for Sociological Studies and Sheffield Methods Institute as both module convenor, guest lecturer and seminar leader.

Research interests

Laura’s research explores the complexities of relationships and identities within the context of sibling bereavement. She is particularly interested in people’s everyday lived experience of this as it changes over time. Laura’s general research interests are:

  • Siblings
  • Relationships
  • Families
  • Identity
  • Grief
  • Bereavement
  • Methods for sensitive research
  • Ethics of sensitive research
Publications

Journal articles