Profile

Biography

BA (Binghamton University), JD (American University, Washington College of Law), MSc (Cardiff University), PhD (Cardiff University)

I joined the department as a Lecturer in Education in June 2019 as a member of the Centre for Research on Education and Social Justice (CRESJ). I employ Critical Race Theory and Bourdieu as primary theoretical frameworks in my research. I have an ongoing interest in developing transparent and comprehensive understandings of how the intersectionality of ‘race’, class, gender and faith impact Black and Minority Ethnic young people’s secondary and higher education trajectories. Inequalities in these areas are routinely reproduced over time yet are seldom acknowledged or addressed. I use socia theory and social justice concepts and visual methods to expose and inform my analysis and understanding of BAME young people’s perspectives.

I previously held research appointments addressing inequalities in secondary and post-secondary education in domestic and global contexts at Cardiff University and the University of Newcastle, Australia and Pearson plc, UK.

Prior to returning to education as a mature student I worked in the Third sector for a County Voluntary Service organisation and an Equalities charity in Wales. I teach on undergraduate and postgraduate modules addressing sociology of education, ‘race’ and diversity, education policy and research methods. I supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students and I am the programme leader for the BA in Sociology and Education from September 2019.

Departmental roles

• Programme leader for BA in Sociology and Education (from 9 September 2019)

Research

Overview

My research interests include:

• Race, ethnicity, class, gender, diversity, migration and pedagogy and intersectionalities in secondary and higher education
• Faith and its effect on Black and Muslim youth’s educational aspirations
• Critical Race Theory, Counterstories, Misrecognitions, Microaggressions, Performativity and Masculinity
• Access, equity, equality and widening participation in domestic and global post-secondary education
• Young people’s involvement in social networks and their contributions to social justice and civil society

Research group(s)

• Centre for Research on Education and Social Justice (CRESJ)

Grants

I recently secured a British Academy / Leverhulme Small Research Grant which examines ways black faith-practising youth consider their beliefs to be beneficial or risky to their social and educational lives. 

Supervision

I am interested in supervising projects across the following themes: race and racism; intersectionalities of race, class, gender, faith and social justice; inequalities in access to higher education; BAME outcomes in higher education, higher education policy analysis.