Carmen Denia (Philippines)

I love the humanities and I take great joy in helping its students—academics and the general public alike—find the resources and support they need for lifelong intellectual formation and flourishing. As such, I am delighted to be training at Oxford in how to protect precious primary sources for future generations through traditional and digital methods of text and textile preservation, cataloguing, and curation. Previously, I helmed a small seminary library in Singapore, having earned a B.A. (Honours) in Literature as part of the inaugural class of Yale-NUS College and an M.A. in Religion and the Arts at Yale University under the auspices of the Institute of Sacred Music. My past research explored the Classics, Dante, and theology and the arts from the Middle Ages to the present day. Outside the care of scholars and their books, my current interests include flamenco, sewing, and the Inklings.

My course of study would not be possible without the generosity of the Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme. I am incredibly grateful to Mica and Ahmet Ertegun, the Board of Ertegun Overseers, and staff for this year of learning alongside the Ertegun community and amidst the dreaming spires.