Andrew João Carvalho Nunes (b. 1986).
BA, MRes, PhD.
Andrew is a interdisciplinary scholar based in the United Kingdom, working at the intersection of cultural studies, memory studies, and critical heritage studies, employing qualitative research methods to reach answers mainly to contemporary societal issues and trends in Portugal. At times this includes Brazil and the rest of the Portuguese-speaking world. In this ‘Lusophone’ context, Andrew’s research interests include, but are not limited to, examinations of authoritarian legacies (the Portuguese Estado Novo regime, 1933-1974), and postcolonialism (the social and cultural legacies of Portuguese colonialism). Including, cultural memory and contested ‘sites of memory’: public monuments and other places (museums and expos), and spaces (the names of streets, squares, and parks), provocative in their celebrations of (hi)stories of imperialism and its exploits. This pertains as well to Andrew’s interests in anti-racist activism and decolonising efforts in said spaces.
In line with Andrew’s research interests, he has taught university modules on culture and activism, and museums and heritage, and has a range of hands-on work experience in the latter’s work sector, having worked at Cambridge University’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, as well as other exhibition spaces.
Beyond academia and said work, Andrew trained and performed the Afro-Brazilian dance-like martial art and cultural-musical artform of capoeira from 2003 till around 2010, returning in 2012-2014, and again in 2019 soon after halting indefinitely. Complementing this capoeira training, Andrew qualified as a fitness (gym) instructor, and personal trainer in 2008. Today, he enjoys running training and tracking his mostly suburban runs.