Tina Beattie is Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Roehampton in London. She is widely known for her academic publications and also for her more popular writings, lectures, and broadcasts. Her main areas of interest include Catholic theology, critical theory, and issues of gender; the Virgin Mary in theology and art; Christian mysticism, and theology and human rights. She began her academic studies as a mature student at the University of Bristol when the youngest of her four children started school, and she went on to do her PhD there on Marian theology and symbolism. In addition to her academic work, Tina is involved in a range of activities to do with theological education and awareness-raising in parishes, schools, and other communities.