The People Behind Phase 4
Dr Amanda Mironova-Stronge
Dr Amanda Mironova-Stronge is the new Research Assistant on the Architects of Change Phase 4.
Amanda recently completed her doctoral studies at Ulster University, focusing on the interrelationships between poetry, environmentalism, language, identity, and culture. Her doctoral dissertation focuses on Native American poetry, with an emphasis on the poetics of Joy Harjo, and investigates the enduring influence of landscape and memory on cultural identity. Her analysis examines how poetry engages with environmental issues and can be a vehicle for advancing a more sustainable human-environment relationship.
Through this research, Amanda has gained significant insight into the impact of local communities, natural areas, and urban environments - both conscious and subconscious - on individuals, and the potential of poetry as a relatable medium for environmental communication.
A poet herself, Amanda has published work in literary journals and read at poetry events. Environmental concerns, animal welfare, climate change, and her bi-cultural background are recurring themes in her work.
For the past five years, Amanda has regularly facilitated poetry workshops for high school students (KS3-KS5) at the Seamus Heaney Homeplace, focusing on in-depth analysis and reading. This experience has taught her how to create, organise and run engaging workshops tailored to a younger demographic.
Amanda, possessing expertise as an academic, educator, and poet, is deeply committed to environmental education and will utilise her skills to advance Phase 4 of Architects of Change. Amanda, through this initiative, will foster students' creativity, strengthen their connection and understanding of their environment and local community, and facilitate self-reflection on their thoughts and feelings.
