Catherine is an AHRC-funded doctoral researcher at Durham University. She first came to fall in love with Hadrian’s Wall at aged 6, when she started to learn Latin through the Minimus scheme. At aged 17 she volunteered at Vindolanda, which cemented her decision to apply to study Classics at university. Catherine studied Classics at Durham (2018-2021) and graduated with the How Prize for the highest achieving student in her cohort. She won a funded scholarship to Cambridge University, where she graduated with an MPhil in 2022. In recognition of her contributions to Classical Studies, in January 2024 Catherine was awarded the title of Scholar of St John’s College, Cambridge and Member of the Foundation. Between 2022-2025, Catherine was a Teacher of Classics and Head of Latin at an independent school in Dorset, teaching pupils aged 13-18, including those with SEN needs. In 2025, Catherine won a prize from the Classical Association for her contribution to Classics Education. Catherine moved back to the North East in July 2025.

Catherine’s current research sits at the intersection of Classical Studies, Theology and Cognitive Science. Her project examines Roman religious cognitive narratology: how Roman religious beliefs can be identified and function in narratives. She specialises in the cognitive narratology of Roman religious literature of the First Century CE, and is particularly interested in how cognitive readings of these texts may help illuminate the lived experiences of those who lived alongside each other in diverse contexts (such as Hadrian’s Wall) but had different religious beliefs. Catherine has produced several novel readings of first-century Classical texts which challenge longstanding assumptions about competition between Graeco-Roman religion and Early Christianity, and provide new models of thought regarding the nature of Roman religious tolerance in a pluralist world. She is due to publish two journal articles in 2026.

Alongside her research, Catherine has built a portfolio career that reflects her commitment to making Classics accessible. She runs her own tutoring and mentoring business Magistra Mea and "Ad Astra" bursary scheme, teaching Latin and Classical Civilisation to students across a range of ages and levels, including those who don’t have access to Classical subjects within their own school contexts, and those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford private tuition.

Beyond the classroom, she designs and leads field experiences along Hadrian's Wall, bringing the archaeology of Roman frontier religion to life for visitors, school groups and adult learners and community groups. She is also preparing to launch The Modern Classicist, a podcast with a fellow AHRC researcher Emily Oldridge, which focuses on exploring where the ancient world meets contemporary life, the interaction between Classics, policy and politics, and the place of Classics in the modern education curriculum.

Catherine lives in Hexham with her husband Matthew and cat, Daphne. Outside of her work life, she enjoys writing, walking, singing and baking. She is learning her eighth language.

Catherine holds an Enhanced DBS certificate, enabling her to work with children U18 and vulnerable adults. She is First Aid and Mental Health First Aid trained.