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As a PhD student in Museum Studies at the University of Leicester, my research focuses on playful experiences in museums. In my part-time role as a Research Assistant at the Institute for Digital Culture, I supported the Museum Data Service project across two phases. Additionally, I worked as a part-time administrator for the CELL team at De Montfort University over three consecutive summers. These experiences have equipped me with strong independent research skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team.

I hold an MA with Distinction from Zhejiang University, China, where my research examined visitor learning outcomes in museums. During my time there, I received professional training in museology and published two papers based on my study. I also hold a Bachelor's degree with Honours in Education from Hangzhou Normal University, China. Following this, I worked as a primary school teacher for four years. Through my academic and professional journey, I have developed a strong understanding of pedagogy and psychology, and a growing interest in playful education, serious games, and visitor studies.

My current research aims to develop a framework of playfulness in the museum context, based on playful interactions between visitors and digital exhibits. Understanding playfulness systematically is important for museums in designing better exhibits and creating meaningful visitor experiences. Using a mixed-methods approach, the final framework identifies 17 common characteristics of playfulness within the museum context and offers guidance for designing playful experiences in more cultural institutions.

I am currently in the process of building my teaching experience. In 2025, I have supported the dissertation module for campus-based Masters and the summer school for distance learning Masters. I am also preparing my application for Associate Fellowship (AFHEA).

Steve Simons Bursary, 2021

Self-Financed Outstanding Scholarship (CSC), 2023

Cultural Economics 2025 (Poster/Accepted)

Interactions in Museums: Constructing a Framework for Playfulness

Digital Humanities 2025 (Short Presentation/Accepted)

Digital Games in Museums: Constructing a Framework of Playfulness

Digital Heritage 2025 (Full paper/Submitted)

Playful Interactions Between Visitors and Exhibits: Framing Playfulness in the Museum

My research interests mainly focus on visitor experience in museums, with particular attention to personalisation, play, and gamification. In the future, I’m seeking opportunities to develop games for museums that cater to the diverse needs of different visitors.

MA (with Distinction) Cultural Heritage & Museology - Zhejiang University, China-2019