Emma Cooke

After earning her PhD in Sociology in 2020, Emma Cooke has taken on the role of Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Kent. Passionate about academia, she teaches and researches the Criminal Justice System, with a focus on the impact of COVID on legal aid. Emma's career highlight includes being cited by a top scholar in her field. Her time at Kent laid the foundation for her success, and she remains deeply connected to the university, aspiring to one day become a professor. 

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

Since my graduation, I have been very lucky to pursue the career path of being a lecturer at the University of Kent. This was always a great passion of mine, and I am so incredibly lucky that I am able to now teach and work at a University that has supported me so much through my own higher education. I teach Criminology across all years, and I enjoy every second. I am the course convenor for our first year core module- Careers in Criminology, as well as the convenor for our core second year module- Criminal Justice in Modern Britain. I also supervise undergraduate, masters and PhD students with their dissertations which I really enjoy. 

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Every day is different as an academic. Some days you will be delivering lectures and seminars, other days you will be working on your own research. My research focuses on the Criminal Justice System, so I am currently exploring the impact of COVID on legal aid provision. This is a joint project with a scholar from Cardiff University, and a scholar from Monash University in Australia. I also attend conferences, and have recently attended one in Onati, Spain. Being an academic keeps you on your toes, as it is much more than just teaching. I love interacting with students on a daily basis, as well as contributing to the world of research and knowledge. Having a passion for a subject is great, and being to share this with students in the teaching context is even better!

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

A professional highlight from my career so far is attending the most recent conference (as mentioned previously), and seeing my name cited in a paper by one of the top scholars in my field. I was shell shocked, as I am used to drawing on other people’s research to write papers and to teach. This was a real highlight of my career so far!

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Kent laid a solid basis for my career path as an academic to develop. Without the support, time and encouragement given to be throughout my time studying at Kent, I definitely wouldn't be where I am today! Throughout my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, the lecturers doors were always open, and this meant that I never felt alone. Kent is so incredibly friendly, it feels like a home away from home for me. The extra-curricular activities as well allowed me to broaden my horizons even more so. I was able to attend networking events and conferences throughout, which inspired me to be where I am today. I also spent a term abroad in New York - working alongside public defence lawyers - as part of my master’s degree, and this really ignited my passion to want to research and educate on the Justice System.  The opportunities were endless!

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Find something that excites you. Find something that really inspires you. For me, this was access to justice and once I began to research in that area (during my undergraduate dissertation), I really found my niche. Attend wider events and conferences, speak to new people as well as your lecturers at Kent, and explore the field in a broader sense. It is a great line of work to be in! 

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

I was involved in a number of different extracurricular activities as a student, including netball, dance fitness, college committees, as well as the social studies society. This really enriched my student experience!

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

My favourite memory from my time at Kent is sitting on the (famous) hill overlooking Canterbury Cathedral having finished my final year exams. It was a bright sunny day, and I was surrounded by all my close friends who I had met at Kent (and have since remained best friends with), and the realisation of having had such an enriched, fun and amazing time throughout my undergraduate degree really hit me. We were all crying both happy and sad tears, feeling the relief from finishing our exams, but also at the thought of our degrees ending. This is when I knew I couldn't leave Kent- and here I am 13 years later, now part of the furniture!

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

I don't think I would do anything differently. If anything, I would get even more involved with the extra-curricular activities on offer at Kent. The list is endless, and this is such a vital part of university life! 

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, especially as I am still working here. My best friends are also Kent alumni, and we all met during freshers week!

What are your future ambitions?

My future ambitions are to continue working as an academic, and hopefully one day become a professor! The lecturers/ professors at Kent have massively inspired me, and I can't wait to follow their footsteps.