Kathleen Richardson came to Corpus as a postgraduate to study for an MPhil, followed by a PhD in Social Anthropology.

“I didn’t really choose Corpus, Corpus chose me. I had two wishes for a Cambridge college, an old building and a swimming pool and I got both.

“When I arrived at Corpus I was allocated a 'College mum' - it all seemed a bit strange to have a College mum and dad, but it's an old system and seems to help you get settled. To this day my College mum is one of the main people I remember, along with the porters who were always on hand and worked really hard.”

Compared to her undergraduate experience, Kathleen loved the collegiate nature of studying at Corpus. “I studied my BA in London at UCL and while I loved it, it could feel very dispersed as people lived so far away from each other. I loved the convenience of moving around Cambridge on a bicycle or walking.”

Kathleen was the first person in her family of nine to go to university, and she explains that going on to do further study at MPhil or PhD level was unheard of for people from her my working-class background.

“I did feel out of sorts at times, but I was so interested in ideas and met some great people. Even though I did feel the odd one out I was never made to feel different from others, and the College helped me out when I needed some support, for which I'm very grateful.”

“Looking back, I fondly recall the formal halls. I loved dressing up and having friends to dinner. The prices were affordable too which made for a magical evening.”

Kathleen remained in academia and is now Professor of Ethics and Culture of Robots and Artificial Intelligence at De Montfort University, Leicester. She is interested in the way in which relationships are impacted by machines. She has authored two books: An Anthropology of Robots and AI: Annihilation Anxiety and Machines (2015) and Challenging Sociality? An Anthropology of Autism, Attachment and Robots (2018).

In 2015, her work took her further in the direction of exploring how technology impacted negatively on people, when she launched the Campaign Against Sex Robots and has since co-edited Man-Made Woman: The Sexual Politics of Sex Dolls and Sex Robots (2023). Kathleen's work explores difficult issues and advocates for violence free values and for the politics of love.