Erin Molyneux

Biography

After completing my first year of undergraduate study at Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) majoring in geography with a minor in ecology and biodiversity I transferred to Keele University to complete my degree. After graduating Keele with a first class honours in human geography in 2024 I stayed on to complete a taught masters in human geography and sustainability research. I graduated from my masters in 2025 with a distinction. Throughout these degrees my research focussed on everyday geographies of ecovillages and my interest in these communities grew.

After applying for PhD funding I was awarded a studentship from the North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) through the Economic Social Research Council (ESRC). My PhD research extends my previous research into affective atmospheres and wellbeing in ecovillages and is informed by emotional and affective geography alongside the exploration of creative methods.

I am also currently the Keele Student Representative for the NWSSDTP

Research and scholarship

My research interests: Creative methods and methodologies, Cultural and social geography, Geographies of emotion and affect.

In 2025 I was awarded a NWSSDTP studentship to complete my PhD.

Working title: From occupying to inhabiting; exploring the processes of dwelling in ecovillages

My PhD research explores the everyday geographies of ecovillages with a specific focus on the dwelling processes that emerge within these communities. This will build upon previous research in which I applied autoethnographic methodologies to uncover affective atmospheres and alternative ways of ‘knowing’ wellbeing in ecovillages. I will be using creative methods such as poetic inquiry and non-representational theory to illustrate and document the materialisation of ecovillages and the experiences of ‘dwelling’ that arise through alternative ways of living. In doing so the liveability and social sustainability of contemporary housing developments may be enhanced.

I am also part of the Creative Methods and Creative Dissemination Group at Keele University so please do contact me if you are interested in joining!

Collaborations and grants awards

• ESRC NWSSDTP studentship (2025)
• Undergraduate - Alexander and Dorothea Farquharson fund field studies award