...
...
Next Story

Cambridge University stands with teacher trolled for her ‘politics of smell’ PhD: ‘It’s harassment and misogyny’

Dr Ally Louks, a Cambridge University teacher, was trolled for her “Olfactory Ethics: The Politics of Smell in Modern and Contemporary Prose" PhD thesis.

Published on: Dec 7, 2024, 18:08:42 IST
Advertisement

Dr Ally Louks recently found herself in the midst of a social media trolling session after she shared about her achievement of earning a PhD. Her thesis subject received several snide and sarcastic comments from social media users. Following this controversy, Cambridge University, where she completed her PhD, took to Instagram to share a post supporting Dr Louks. They also expressed that the trolls had turned her achievement into “harassment and misogyny.”

Dr Ally Louks unconventional PhD thesis:

Cambridge University shared a post appreciating Dr Ally Louks after her "politics of smell" PhD thesis attracted negative comments. (X/@DrAllyLouks, Instagram/cambridgeuniversity)
Cambridge University shared a post appreciating Dr Ally Louks after her "politics of smell" PhD thesis attracted negative comments. (X/@DrAllyLouks, Instagram/cambridgeuniversity)

In a post, the teacher at Cambridge University revealed that her thesis is titled “Olfactory Ethics: The Politics of Smell in Modern and Contemporary Prose.” The beginning chapter of her thesis explores how smell is used to express class distinctions.

What did Cambridge University say?

“Dr Louks, we support you,” the university wrote, adding, “Last week, Cambridge PhD student @allylouks published this photo on X to celebrate passing her viva with no corrections. Her tweet went viral, attracting over 100 million views.”

Also Read: Delhi woman, body-shamed for viral muscular photo, claps back at trolls: ‘Unbelievable hate’

“But the attention that Ally's achievement received turned to harassment and misogyny when trolls attacked Ally's PhD topic, her education, her achievement, and her gender,” the university further expressed.

A wave of support:

The Cambridge University’s post went viral, with many supporting the teacher.

An individual posted, “She handed this thesis into me! Such a lovely lady! I stand with her, humanity can be vile to good people.” Another added, “People often criticise what they can’t achieve or what they feel they lack, especially when they see others excel in those areas.”

Also Read: Ananya Birla claps back at man who trolled her over old post on sick leave for mental health

A third expressed, “Congratulations Dr, would love to read your thesis. Also kudos Cambridge for supporting your learners offline and online.” A fourth wrote, “Actually, it's good to see that the institution supports their students.”

After her post about her thesis attracted negative comments, Dr Louks took to X to share a post addressing this unwanted attention. “Busy day, but just to say I am obsessed with all the tweets that are applying olfactory ethics to real world scenarios. I love that I have somehow equipped everyone with new terminology and frameworks!” she wrote.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trisha Sengupta

Trisha Sengupta is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of digital newsroom experience. Specialising in high-engagement storytelling, she blends viral trends with traditional journalism to cover the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. Her reporting spans real estate and personal finance struggles in hubs like Bengaluru and Gurgaon, the NRI experience, and corporate shifts like tech layoffs. Trisha also frequently tracks global figures and writes human interest stories. Offline, Trisha is an avid reader, history enthusiast and solo traveler. She balances her journalism career with family life while actively integrating AI tools into her modern storytelling approach.

Discover the latest Trending News, viral videos, social media stories and unusual events from India and around the world. Stay updated with the topics everyone is talking about.
Discover the latest Trending News, viral videos, social media stories and unusual events from India and around the world. Stay updated with the topics everyone is talking about.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe