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Firstly let me explain why I’ve set this blog up. In March this year I saw a post on the work Intranet regarding applications for the Nottingham Roosevelt Travelling Scholarship. With a research area of interest immediately springing to mind it seemed like a good idea to apply. It turns out that it was a good idea and as of the 1st September 2009 I will be embarking on a 3 month trip to the USA. Quite simply then this blog is a way to keep my friends, family and work colleagues back home informed as to what I’m getting up to as well as those that I meet along the way.
Work
For those that haven’t met me yet, my name is Holly Turner and I live in Nottingham, England. I currently work as an Economic Development Officer in the Urban Team at the East Midlands Development Agency (emda). emda is one of nine regional development agencies in England set up by the Government in 1999 to bring a regional focus to economic development. Its overall aim is to increase the economic growth of the region whilst reducing disparities between the East Midlands and other regions. emda aims to deliver the economic goals of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) with sit under three main themes; raising productivity, ensuring sustainability and achieving equality. The aim is that by 2020 the East Midlands will be a ‘flourishing region’.
The Urban Team aims to support RES delivery through the promotion of urban regeneration and development by undertaking research and supporting delivery of new projects in the East Midlands urban areas. I am involved in supporting the whole team as well as managing a number of different projects including those aimed at developing green infrastructure in the region and a number of pilot projects that seek to reduce the carbon footprint of transport.
Before joining the world of work I completed a BA (hons) degree in Media, Culture and Society at the University of Birmingham. The focus of my work around ethnic relations, my involvement in the urban agenda at work and the current issues facing Nottinghams inner city areas all contributed to the research area I have selected; exploring how inner city urban regeneration in the USA addresses the social inclusion of black and minority ethnic youth groups. For more information please see the Research page.
Personal
In terms of my personal life I enjoy the same things as the average person; sitting down in front of the TV after a long day at work, seeing my friends, eating and shopping. My greatest passion in life is travelling. I enjoy visiting new places, meeting new people and understanding different cultures. So far I’ve backpacked around Eastern Europe and South East Asia as well as travelling around Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. I’m looking forward to adding the USA to my list.
SO….
…..for those of you that I’ve met during my travels take a moment to look at the Nottingham page to read more about the city that I call home. For those of you that live in Nottingham, apply for the scholarship! And all please feel free to follow my blog to keep up to date with my adventures.
