My PhD is in Social Psychology and looked at the role of relationships and identity for women exiting from prostitution. My thesis drew on Social Identity, in particular 'Social Cure' and 'Social Curse' and the role of narratvies in creating and maintaining a sense of self.  This research was undertaken in collaboration with Dundee Violence Against Women Partnership and funded through the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences. Throughout this research I gave equal focus to accademic outputs and those aimed at policy or public awareness. In recognition of this I received the Stephen Fry Award for Engaged Eary Career Researcher (2021) and the Scottish Graduate Schoool for Social Science Impact Award (2023).

I bring practice experience into academia, having worked as a support Worker in homelessness settings, and providing specialist support to women involved in prostitution. My research reflects this as I value to practice-based and lived experience knowledge, and work to elevate this alongside academic knowledge.

Prior to my PhD, I graduated with a BA (Hons) in English and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University, and continued to study for an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chester, MSc Psychology (Conversion) from Manchester Metropolitan University and MSc Social Research Methods (University of Dundee).

Alongside my teaching, I currently work on the IMPACT Project (Improving Adult Care Together) based at the University of Stirling.