As a Social and Cultural Psychologist, I study children, young people and families. My 2 broad areas of research interest are:

1) Migration & Minority Groups:  I am interested in identity and migration experiences of families and young people, including how they engage with institutions in new settings. I am also interested in citizenship rights and activism in minority groups. In particular, how individuals forge a sense of community under adverse circumstances (including political instability & climate change).   

2) Creative Health: I am interested in how arts and creative practices can help foster wellbeing. This includes with teenagers and children with mental health difficulties and individuals living with trauma.

Methodological Approach

I work across disciplines (including psychology, sociology & history) and use traditional mixed research methods as well as arts, visual and film-based methods (including documentary research). I work with museum practitioners, artists, and policy groups.

Summary of Current Research Projects 

The first is my AHRC funded project (with Dr Anushay Malik) titled: 'Partition of Identity: An exploration of Belonging in Bengalis in Pakistan, 1971- present'. Our project explores lived experiences of Pakistani Bengalis in Pakistan (arriving after 1971), many of whom have been denied citizenship rights. We draw from social psychology, history & arts.

The second is a British Academy funded study (with Drs Katherine Twamley & Charlotte Faircloth) titled Families and Community in the Time of Covid 19 (FACT-Covid). Our 10 country study explores how families globally coped with Covid-19.

Summary of Past & Ongoing Projects

• Child Language Brokering - I study experiences of migrant young people who interpret & translate for their families. I completed a related AHRC study in 2018 with Professor. Sarah Crafter 
• Between Spaces: Museums and Mental Wellbeing in Young People & FLOCK: The Art of Ceramics in fostering Wellbeing in Displaced Groups with South London & Maudsley NHS Trust (UCL Grand Challenge funded studies on Cultural Heritage and Wellbeing)
• Children & Adults Friendships across Social Class & Ethic Difference, An ESRC study with Professors Carol Vincent & Sarah Neal
• Parenting & Child Development in Multi-Ethnic Britain - Doctoral Research