School of Social and Political Science

Background

I am a Lecturer in African Studies and International Development at the Centre of African Studies. My research interests include but are not limited to African diasporas, particularly how they contribute to their countries of origin via non-economic routes such as politics, development (charity), and humanitarianism. 

I have looked into ways to adopt an interdisciplinary perspective on food security to, firstly, further understand the role played by mobility and migration and, secondly, better account for the influence of food norms and practices, or food cultures. 

I have also done work on displacement and social protection focussing specifically on the humanitarian-development nexus and how we can expand the inclusion of displaced people in social protection programmes, or systems. Additionally, I have worked on projects investigating diaspora humanitarianism with a focus on the African diaspora.

I also spent a few years working as a practitioner in the international development sector specifically on governance and civic education.  

Qualifications

• PhD International Development, University of Sussex
• MSc Development Studies, SOAS, University of London
• PG Diploma Development Studies, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe
• BSocSc Politics, Public Policy and Administration, University of Cape Town

Topics interested in supervising

African diasporas (identity, belonging, citizenship), migrant and diaspora transnationalism (including religious and political transnationalism), migrant and diaspora social lives, diaspora political mobilisations, migration and development. 

If you are interested in being supervised by me, please see the links below for more information:

• PhD in African Studies
• PhD in International Development

Current PhD students

Sarah Pajeau: (Re)shaping identity in exile: Negotiating senses of belonging and community tensions among Rohingya refugees in the United States and Ireland.

Daniel Afful: Diaspora and development: A comparative study of Anglo-West African diasporans and their contribution to politics and socio-economic growth in West Africa. 

Recently completed PhD topics

Does refugeehood ever end? Cessation, homing, labelling, and resettlement dreams among post-cessation Liberians in Nigeria (Tosin Durodola)

Roles and Responsibilities

In 2025/26, I am convening the PG courses Displacement and Development, Key Skills in Development Practice, and Contemporary Inequality Issues in the Global South. 

I am Programme Director of the MSc International Development (Online Learning). I am a member of the RACE.ED Steering Committee and network. I am also co-convenor of the university-wide Citizens and Migration Research Network.

Current journal editorial roles

Academic Editor: Third World Quarterly (TWQ)

Associate Editor: African and Black Diaspora: An International Journal

Editorial Board Member: Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies