Dr Ursula Clayton is Assistant Professor (Teaching-focussed) in Early Modern and Shakespeare Studies in the Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies, and teaches on the English and Comparative Literary Studies program. Ursula was awarded a Warwick Award for Teaching Excellence and a Butterworth Award in 2021, and became a WIHEA Fellow in 2022.

Research Interests

My research considers Shakespearean and early modern conceptions of parasitism, as articulated in scientific, philosophical, and socio-political discourses. I am currently completing my first monograph on this topic. Whilst broadly historicist in its intentions and methodology, this work is significantly informed by contemporary philosopher Michel Serres. I am in the early stages of a project on the idea of ‘spontaneous generation’ in early modern literature.

I am also interested in community-led methods of research and inclusive pedagogy relating to refugee education. In 2021, and funded by the Enhancing Research Culture Fund, I worked with the educational charity Refugee Education UK to complete a Coventry-specific assessment of the barriers to higher education amongst local young refugees and asylum seekers. This report can be read here. This research identified ways in which the University of Warwick can reduce barriers to accessing HE for local residents who have experienced forced migration. Additionally, we hope this research demonstrates the potential for creating impactful change when universities invest in the clarification of localised barriers.