Dr Michelle Pepin holds an undergraduate degree in Interior Architecture and Design and a PhD in International Relations.  She has presented papers on the subject of conflict, human need and identity in relation of the designed environment in Nothern Ireland, USA, Malaysia and the UK.  Her current research interest is the development of post-conflict culture.  She is a lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment and a member of the Nottingham University Centre for the Study of Post-Conflict Culture..