
Dr Rebecka Fleetwood-Smith
Dip, BA, MA
Current positions
Senior Research Associate
Department of History (Historical Studies)
Contact
Press and media
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Research interests
I am SRA on the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (2020-27) Sensing Spaces of Healthcare: Rethinking the NHS Hospital. The project explores the sensory past, present and future of NHS hospitals in England. The historical research is led by PI Dr Victoria Bates and I lead its creative study of the sensory experiences of hospitals in collaboration with Fresh Arts and GOSH Arts.
My background is in fashion textile design and psychology. My PhD explored the significance of clothing and textiles to people with dementia, using embodied, sensory and creative research methods. Broadly, I am interested in the role of the arts, design and creativity in a person’s health and wellbeing.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
A moments based approach to dementia care
Role
Co-Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Department of History (Historical Studies)Dates
31/01/2024 to 31/12/2024
Hoppiness: Brewing with Care Homes
Principal Investigator
Role
Collaborator
Description
This inter-disciplinary project involves working alongside older adults living in care homes, their carers and brewers to explore the histories and cultures of brewing in the South West and…Managing organisational unit
School for Policy StudiesDates
01/01/2024 to 31/10/2024
WORKING WITH CREATIVE INDUSTRIES: A WORKSHOP SERIES
Principal Investigator
Role
Co-Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Department of History (Historical Studies)Dates
13/05/2022 to 31/07/2023
Strategies for Improving the Sensing Performance of Personalised Therapeutic Products for People Living with Dementia
Principal Investigator
Role
Principal Investigator
Description
This project seeks to develop a soft robotic device as a therapeutic product with intelligent sensing to support people living with dementia. In this project, we systematically explore and develop…Managing organisational unit
Department of Computer ScienceDates
11/10/2021 to 30/06/2022
Publications
Recent publications
02/04/2025Making Memories
Rethinking History
Improving Sensory Environments
Making and exhibiting: reflections from the sensing spaces of healthcare exhibition
Senses and Society
Sensing Maternity Spaces
Design for Health
Senses and spaces of modern health/care
Senses and Society