Overview

Profile summary

One of our most basic human needs is to belong. It is why we form relationships, communities and nations, and through these we collectively share experiences, triumphs and failures. As an Associate Professor of Human Geography, my research focuses on the unique ways in which belonging intersects with place, identity and wellbeing. My work attends to the critical geographies of young people and examines the challenges and opportunities faced by young people in developing and performing belonging in place. This relates to the significant societal challenges faced by young people in terms of community, identity and wellbeing. I am particularly interested in how young people’s everyday senses of belonging shapes, and is shaped by, the places in which they live and how this can influence the ways in which the spaces young people use are designed, managed and regulated. My research has been funded by the AHRC, British Academy and RGS-IBG, with additional funding through the UWA IAS programme, Seale Hayne Educational Trust and UoP Research Innovation fund.

 

Professional memberships

 

  • Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)
  • Member of the American Association of Geographers (AAG)
  • Member of the Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE)

Roles on external bodies

 

  • Editor (cultural geography) for Geography Compass journal (2020-2024)
  • External examiner for Edge Hill University (2019-2024)
  • External examiner for University of Brighton (2023-present)

 

Supervised research degrees

  • Hoayda Darkal completed 2022 (DoS)
  • Kieran Green completed 2024 (2nd Supervisor)
  • Pearlin Teow 2018 - present (DoS)
  • Leonardo Santana dos Santos Rodrigues (visiting PhD student 2023-2024, ESPM, São Paulo, Brazil)

Teaching interests

 

I am primarily a Social and Cultural Geographer, although my teaching interests spread into planning and urban studies. I contribute towards teaching at both undergraduate and taught Masters level.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 1 - No Poverty
  • SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13 - Climate Action
  • SDG 14 - Life Below Water
  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

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