Back in November, 3rd year History student James Pearce found himself unexpectedly providing commentary on the US presidential election for Cambridge radio station 105 FM. Having taken second year modules in the history of the US, James put his knowledge of American politics to good use by staying up all night to interpret the results as they came in.

James became involved with the broadcast through a friend at the station who had been asked to help cover the election. After seeking James' expert advice on the subject, she eventually asked him if he would like to help with the broadcast itself.

James said: "I jumped at the opportunity very quickly and was super excited to be doing this. The broadcast lasted between 1am-7am. I was a total nervous wreck at first, but when I got into the swing it of began to really enjoy myself and enjoyed sharing my knowledge of U.S politics and political history."

"I did both US History modules (at Anglia Ruskin) and have always been interested in the United States as a country... these modules enabled me to study America in huge depth and gain an even better understanding of the political system, social structure and world placement. The seminars especially helped this through debating such issues. Full credit must go to Rohan McWilliam too; his teaching methods and knowledge of the United States has been an inspiration to me in furthering my academic studies in U.S History, shown in my dissertation. He taught with such passion and this made me more passionate and intellectually stimulated."

When James finishes his Bachelor degree in 2013, he has decided to stay on at Anglia Ruskin to take an MA Intercultural Communication. Despite admitting that further radio work is a possibility in the near future, as a career he is contemplating several options from teaching to studying for a PhD.

He told us: "I want to remain involved in my subject, and the point of the MA is to gain new perspectives."

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