Dr. Kieran O Halloran

Biography

Kieran O'Halloran holds a BA in Philosophy and Social Political Science from the University of Cambridge and a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the Institute of Education, University College London. He began his academic career in linguistics, driven by a fascination with how language shapes thought. Over time, his research and teaching have expanded to higher education, focusing on fostering creative and critical thinking. His work remains rooted in linguistics, particularly stylistics and digital linguistics. He designs modules that encourage playful experimentation, such as creating short film-poems with mobile phones while using text-analysis tools to reveal hidden narrative patterns. His activities spark fresh interpretive possibilities, enhanced by the ethical use of Generative AI to deepen students' engagement with literature. Kieran's philosophical outlook was significantly influenced during his undergraduate days by the ideas of Gilles Deleuze, as well as concepts of digital humanism, posthumanism, and transhumanism. He draws perspectives that broaden his approach to education and technology, especially concerning AI's role in extending cognitive capacities. His teaching and research continually enrich informed education, digital linguistics, literature, philosophy, and AI, prompting students to explore technologies from inventive angles and cultivating the curiosity and cross-disciplinary connections necessary to navigate a rapidly changing world.

Research Interests

Experience

Courses