Overview
I am a Research Associate in the Centre for Language and Communication Research, within the School of English, Communication and Philosophy.
My research explores how inequality occurs - and is challenged - within Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) repatriation programmes for asylum seekers and irregular migrants. I draw on discourse analysis and linguistic ethnography to examine the voluntariness of AVR and applicants' opportunities to make informed decisions about return.
I have been awarded an ESRC Post Doctoral Fellowship for 2018-2019 to continue this research under the title 'Communicating Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR): examining tensions in discursive practice'. In this postdoctoral fellowship, I aim to share, publish and expand upon my research findings within both the fields of linguistics and migration. I aim to work with AVR stakeholders to implement the more practical findings of my research, particularly regarding multilingualism and diversity. I am keen to develop links with other researchers in this field and welcome any connections.