David Buchanan, (PhD Researcher)

David Buchanan was born in Belfast and raised in a working-class environment, experiencing the complexities of growing up in foster care. As a child, he moved frequently, which shaped his perspective on life and society from an early age. These formative experiences instilled in him a resilience and a deep understanding of the diverse ways in which people navigate the world.

David's professional journey has been marked by a commitment to supporting others. He has worked in various roles, including supporting adults with learning disabilities and his extensive experience in customer service has helped him develop strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, enhancing his ability to connect with and understand people from all walks of life.

Academically, David has always demonstrated a strong intellectual curiosity. He completed his undergraduate degree in Sociology in 2024, achieving a first-class with honours, reflecting his dedication and passion for understanding human society. His academic interests have naturally evolved into his current pursuit; a PhD in which he is researching society's relationship with death and dying. This subject is not only academically enriching for David but is also deeply personal, reflecting his lifelong interest in the ways cultural, social, and individual perspectives shape our understanding of life's most inevitable event.

Outside of his professional and academic endeavours, David has a wide array of personal interests that enrich his life. He is a keen chess player and a passionate fan of classical music and jazz, with admiration for the works of Beethoven, Bach, and Louis Armstrong. Additionally, David is an avid reader of fantasy novels, with Terry Pratchett being a favourite author. The whimsical and satirical style of Pratchett's works offers him both escapism and intellectual stimulation, while also reflecting the complexities of human nature and society.

David's diverse background, combined with his academic and personal interests, make him a well-rounded and thoughtful individual, driven by a desire to better understand the world and contribute to it in meaningful ways. As he continues his PhD research, he remains focussed on exploring profound questions related to the human experience, with a particular interest in the social dimensions of death and dying.