Whittaker
i am an historian of modern africa. my research is mainly focused on issues relating to colonialism, borders, development and conflict, particularly in eastern africa. before joining politics and history at brunel in september 2013, i taught history at soas. i completed my phd in african history at soas in 2011. my research explores issues relating to colonialism, development, borders and conflict in twentieth century africa. i am curently working on two research projects. the first is a long-term history of frontier development in africa. taking the northern kenyan borderland as a case study, the research details the connections between development, violence and state-building across the colonial and postcolonial periods. this research has received funding from the british academy/leverhulme trust. the second project concerns public representations of empire in britain, sierra leone and zimbabwe. the project explores the ways that empire has been remembered, articulated and forgotten in public monuments across britain and africa. african history kenya and somalia colonialism and decolonization development borders and frontiers undergraduate programmes module convenor africa and the world (yr 1) colonialism and decolonization in africa (yr 2) violence and conflict in eastern africa (yr 3)
![Dr Hannah Whittaker]()
Dr Hannah Whittaker
I am an historian of modern Africa. My research is mainly focused on issues relating to colonialism, borders, development and conflict, particularly in eastern Africa. Before joining Politics and History at Brunel in September 2013, I taught History at SOAS. I completed my PhD in African History at SOAS in 2011. My research explores issues relating to colonialism, development, borders and conflict in twentieth century Africa. I am curently working on two research projects. The first is a long-term history of frontier development in Africa. Taking the northern Kenyan borderland as a case study, the research details the connections between development, violence and state-building across the colonial and postcolonial periods. This research has received funding from the British Academy/Leverhulme Trust. The second project concerns public representations of empire in Britain, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. The project explores the ways that empire has been remembered, articulated and forgotten in public monuments across Britain and Africa. African history Kenya and Somalia Colonialism and decolonization Development Borders and frontiers Undergraduate Programmes Module convenor Africa and the World (Yr 1) Colonialism and Decolonization in Africa (Yr 2) Violence and Conflict in Eastern Africa (Yr 3)
Fernandes
i am a scholar specialising in modern african history and transnational women's activism. i have a ba in psychology from the rand afrikaans university, ba honours degrees in history and political science from the university of johannesburg in south africa, a ma degree in international conflict analysis from kent university, and a phd from brunel university london. i am also a senior fellow of advance he, and my research interests include transnational women’s activism, african history, and gender and race in south africa. i’m interested in the mobility and organisation of the women’s movement in south africa, and how this theme fits within other social frameworks such as race and class. my research interests also include how the south africa’s women’s movement corresponds with the international women’s movement. my phd focused on two of south africa’s biggest and most influential women’s organisations in the 1950s: the federation of south african women and the black sash. my research explored how south african women organised themselves as political actors in a time where apartheid dictated social and political movements, and the overall impact these organisations made. this study contributed to further understanding women’s roles in society during apartheid, contributing directly to both south african and transnational historiography. african history gender and race in south africa transnational history women's activism module convenor: history of the women’s movement in the west (level 5) the long walk to freedom: the rise and fall of apartheid (level 6) level 6 dissertation supervisor undergraduate dissertation convenor for politics and history
![Dr Monica Fernandes]()
Dr Monica Fernandes
I am a scholar specialising in modern African history and transnational women's activism. I have a BA in Psychology from the Rand Afrikaans University, BA Honours degrees in History and Political Science from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, a MA degree in International Conflict Analysis from Kent University, and a PhD from Brunel University London. I am also a Senior Fellow of Advance HE, and my research interests include transnational women’s activism, African history, and gender and race in South Africa. I’m interested in the mobility and organisation of the women’s movement in South Africa, and how this theme fits within other social frameworks such as race and class. My research interests also include how the South Africa’s women’s movement corresponds with the international women’s movement. My PhD focused on two of South Africa’s biggest and most influential women’s organisations in the 1950s: the Federation of South African Women and the Black Sash. My research explored how South African women organised themselves as political actors in a time where apartheid dictated social and political movements, and the overall impact these organisations made. This study contributed to further understanding women’s roles in society during apartheid, contributing directly to both South African and transnational historiography. African history Gender and Race in South Africa Transnational history Women's activism Module convenor: History of the Women’s Movement in the West (Level 5) The Long Walk to Freedom: The Rise and Fall of Apartheid (Level 6) Level 6 Dissertation Supervisor Undergraduate Dissertation Convenor for Politics and History
Morsiani
benedetta is currently a leverhulme research fellow at brunel university london, with a research project exploring the performance of black beauty among black british women since 1948. she previously worked as an assistant professor in cultural anthropology at northeastern university london, and before that completed a phd in cultural studies at the university of westminster. benedetta's research focuses on understanding the experiences, perspectives, and contributions of individuals belonging to black african minorities in europe. her work, particularly, investigates socio-cultural issues through the study of material culture and forms of symbolic representations, and their intersection with political and economic spheres. her leverhulme research project, entitled 'black beauty in britain since 1948: self-assertion and collective power', investigates the cultural, political, and economic significance of beauty practices employed by black british women since 1948. in particular, the research uncovers how black british women have used beauty practices to challenge normative assumptions about beauty, establish self-agency, convey subversive political messages, and create entrepreneurship opportunities. in so doing, the research transforms the existing scholarship on the history of beauty, which is hitherto a white history, and foregrounds the leading role of black beauty entrepreneurs in both activism and defining what beauty is. benedetta's current research both establishes and extends her doctoral research where she investigated the migratory experiences of young london congolese (drc). the project traced how young london congolese employed body performances to portray their cultural heritage and embody their racial, ethnic, gender and transnational identities. fashion and beauty practices offered a powerful portrayal of their life histories, socio-cultural memories, everyday life experiences and issues affecting black african diasporas in london. the project revealed the sphere of entanglement between identity issues, cultural and aesthetic rituals of the body, politics, and economics. the history and politics of beauty. the anthropology of the body. racial and gender politics. cultural heritage in diasporic contexts. migration, transnationalism and material culture. module convenor: 'peoples and cultures: an introduction to social and cultural anthropology', northeastern university london. 'global markets, local cultures', northeastern university london. module contributor: ‘people and things on the move: identity, place and memory in and across diasporic spaces’, university of westminster.
![Dr Benedetta Morsiani]()
Dr Benedetta Morsiani
Benedetta is currently a Leverhulme Research Fellow at Brunel University London, with a research project exploring the performance of Black beauty among Black British women since 1948. She previously worked as an Assistant Professor in Cultural Anthropology at Northeastern University London, and before that completed a PhD in Cultural Studies at the University of Westminster. Benedetta's research focuses on understanding the experiences, perspectives, and contributions of individuals belonging to Black African minorities in Europe. Her work, particularly, investigates socio-cultural issues through the study of material culture and forms of symbolic representations, and their intersection with political and economic spheres. Her Leverhulme research project, entitled 'Black beauty in Britain since 1948: self-assertion and collective power', investigates the cultural, political, and economic significance of beauty practices employed by Black British women since 1948. In particular, the research uncovers how Black British women have used beauty practices to challenge normative assumptions about beauty, establish self-agency, convey subversive political messages, and create entrepreneurship opportunities. In so doing, the research transforms the existing scholarship on the history of beauty, which is hitherto a white history, and foregrounds the leading role of Black beauty entrepreneurs in both activism and defining what beauty is. Benedetta's current research both establishes and extends her doctoral research where she investigated the migratory experiences of young London Congolese (DRC). The project traced how young London Congolese employed body performances to portray their cultural heritage and embody their racial, ethnic, gender and transnational identities. Fashion and beauty practices offered a powerful portrayal of their life histories, socio-cultural memories, everyday life experiences and issues affecting Black African diasporas in London. The project revealed the sphere of entanglement between identity issues, cultural and aesthetic rituals of the body, politics, and economics. The History and Politics of Beauty. The Anthropology of the Body. Racial and Gender Politics. Cultural Heritage in Diasporic Contexts. Migration, Transnationalism and Material Culture. Module convenor: 'Peoples and Cultures: An Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology', Northeastern University London. 'Global Markets, Local Cultures', Northeastern University London. Module contributor: ‘People and Things on the Move: Identity, Place and Memory In and Across Diasporic Spaces’, University of Westminster.
Ahmed
i am a doctoral researcher from ghana, west africa, studying sociology and communications at the sociology and communications division of the department of social and political sciences, college of business, arts and social sciences, brunel university london. my research focuses on the underlying conduits and frames of communicating oil and gas related social, economic and environmental inequities to local communities by actors in ghana's oil and gas industry. my research project, threfore, offers rich insights into how ineffective communication strategies, improper relay of information, inadequate media coverage, and poor corporate social responsibility reinforce the inequities associated with oil and gas exploration in ghana. community livelihoods, ethical public relations practice, communication strategies, environmental sustainability, and participatory development. science communication, environmental communication, energy policy, corporate communincations/public relations, csr.
![Mr Chentiba Ahmed]()
Mr Chentiba Ahmed
I am a Doctoral Researcher from Ghana, West Africa, studying Sociology and Communications at the Sociology and Communications Division of the Department of Social and Political Sciences, College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences, Brunel University London. My research focuses on the underlying conduits and frames of communicating oil and gas related social, economic and environmental inequities to local communities by actors in Ghana's oil and gas industry. My research project, threfore, offers rich insights into how ineffective communication strategies, improper relay of information, inadequate media coverage, and poor corporate social responsibility reinforce the inequities associated with oil and gas exploration in Ghana. Community Livelihoods, Ethical Public Relations Practice, Communication Strategies, Environmental Sustainability, and Participatory Development. Science Communication, Environmental Communication, Energy Policy, Corporate Communincations/Public Relations, CSR.
Ansell
since i arrived at brunel in 1999, my interests have focused on social and cultural change in the lives of young people in the global south (particularly southern africa). i have researched the impacts of aids on young people’s migration; how education sectors are adjusting to the needs of aids-affected young people; and the impacts of aids on young people’s current livelihoods and future food security. recently, i have completed two research projects. the first examines the impacts of social cash transfers (for instance old age pensions and child grants) on generational relations in malawi and lesotho. the second investigates links between education and aspiration in remote rural areas of lesotho, laos and india. i have also authored a book on children, youth and development (second edition published 2016) and launched an ma programme on children, youth and international development. social and cultural change in the lives of young people in the global south (particularly in southern africa); politics and impacts of global policy agendas (particularly in the areas of education, children’s rights and social protection); geographies of youth and childhood; scalar politics; participatory research. teaching responsibilities: programme convenor: ma children, youth and international development module convenor: understanding childhood and youth (pg) researching children, childhood and youth (pg) applied learning for children, youth and international development (pg) dissertation, children, youth and international development (pg)
![Professor Nicola Ansell]()
Professor Nicola Ansell
Since I arrived at Brunel in 1999, my interests have focused on social and cultural change in the lives of young people in the Global South (particularly southern Africa). I have researched the impacts of AIDS on young people’s migration; how education sectors are adjusting to the needs of AIDS-affected young people; and the impacts of AIDS on young people’s current livelihoods and future food security. Recently, I have completed two research projects. The first examines the impacts of social cash transfers (for instance old age pensions and child grants) on generational relations in Malawi and Lesotho. The second investigates links between education and aspiration in remote rural areas of Lesotho, Laos and India. I have also authored a book on Children, youth and development (second edition published 2016) and launched an MA programme on Children, Youth and International Development. Social and cultural change in the lives of young people in the Global South (particularly in southern Africa); politics and impacts of global policy agendas (particularly in the areas of education, children’s rights and social protection); geographies of youth and childhood; scalar politics; participatory research. Teaching Responsibilities: Programme convenor: MA Children, Youth and International Development Module convenor: Understanding Childhood and Youth (PG) Researching Children, Childhood and Youth (PG) Applied Learning for Children, Youth and International Development (PG) Dissertation, Children, Youth and International Development (PG)
Castro-Sanchez
enrique is a senior lecturer in global challenges (planetary health) at the basc global challenges programme. he is also the director of postgraduate research for the division of trans-disciplinary studies in global change, and leads the sociocultural and legal impacts of antimicrobial resistance stream at the antimicrobial innovations research centre. he gained his degree in nursing in spain, and migrated to the uk shortly after to practice in infectious diseases. he received a diploma in tropical nursing and an msc public health from the london school of hygiene and tropical medicine. after a period centred on developing advanced practice roles in tuberculosis and hiv, enrique worked as lead nurse for research at the nihr health protection research unit in healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance at imperial college london, focused on developing innovations and behaviour change interventions. he completed his phd in 2015, and received postdoctoral funding to research participation of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship in south africa and rwanda, and social determinants of infections. his research funding includes grants from the nihr, ahrc, esrc, brc, and the florence nightingale foundation. in 2016, enrique was selected as emerging leader in international infectious diseases by the international society for infectious diseases, and in 2017 he worked as consultant for the world health organisation developing leadership education for national focal persons in infection control, supporting the core components in infection control. that year, he was also appointed by the nihr 70@70 senior nurse research leader programme as one of the 70 nurses in the country selected to increase capacity and capability in research for nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals. in 2020-2022, enrique held positions at city university and university of west london, and worked as infection prevention and control fellow at the national ipc unit in nhs england/improvement, developing education for board members and senior ipc nurses, whilst supporting the local, national, and international covid-19 response. enrique has been funded to carry out research and provide education in multiple settings, including pakistan, india, rwanda, south africa, mexico, chile, argentina, and spain. he is editor-in-chief of infection ecology and epidemiology journal, and collaborates with the european society of specialist organisations in brussels, advising in ipc and amr. my research interests include planetary determinants of infectious diseases and drug-resistant infections, including: the influence of the policy environment on antimicrobial stewardship interventions; the effect of health and social inequalities, including limited health literacy, on infection prevention behaviours; development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative models of care and workforce roles in infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship; and societal engagement, co-design, and co-production of interventions focused on infections, antimicrobial stewardship, and vaccinations. i am keen to explore multiple research methodologies, including mixed designs, as well as drawing from implementation science, intervention mapping, and realist paradigms. my main research areas are: planetary health, particularly drug-resistant infections and antimicrobial stewardship, health diplomacy and political astuteness related to antimicrobial resistance, professional and societal responses to antimicrobial resistance. i teach on the basc global challenges, particularly the planetary health pathway.
![Dr Enrique Castro-Sanchez]()
Dr Enrique Castro-Sanchez
Enrique is a Senior Lecturer in Global Challenges (Planetary Health) at the BASc Global Challenges programme. He is also the Director of Postgraduate Research for the Division of Trans-disciplinary Studies in Global Change, and leads the Sociocultural and Legal Impacts of Antimicrobial Resistance stream at the Antimicrobial Innovations Research Centre. He gained his degree in Nursing in Spain, and migrated to the UK shortly after to practice in infectious diseases. He received a Diploma in Tropical Nursing and an MSc Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. After a period centred on developing advanced practice roles in tuberculosis and HIV, Enrique worked as Lead Nurse for Research at the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance at Imperial College London, focused on developing innovations and behaviour change interventions. He completed his PhD in 2015, and received postdoctoral funding to research participation of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship in South Africa and Rwanda, and social determinants of infections. His research funding includes grants from the NIHR, AHRC, ESRC, BRC, and the Florence Nightingale Foundation. In 2016, Enrique was selected as Emerging Leader in International Infectious Diseases by the International Society for Infectious Diseases, and in 2017 he worked as Consultant for the World Health Organisation developing leadership education for national focal persons in infection control, supporting the Core Components in Infection Control. That year, he was also appointed by the NIHR 70@70 Senior Nurse Research Leader programme as one of the 70 nurses in the country selected to increase capacity and capability in research for nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals. In 2020-2022, Enrique held positions at City University and University of West London, and worked as Infection Prevention and Control fellow at the national IPC unit in NHS England/Improvement, developing education for board members and senior IPC nurses, whilst supporting the local, national, and international COVID-19 response. Enrique has been funded to carry out research and provide education in multiple settings, including Pakistan, India, Rwanda, South Africa, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and Spain. He is Editor-in-Chief of Infection Ecology and Epidemiology journal, and collaborates with the European Society of Specialist Organisations in Brussels, advising in IPC and AMR. My research interests include planetary determinants of infectious diseases and drug-resistant infections, including: The influence of the policy environment on antimicrobial stewardship interventions; The effect of health and social inequalities, including limited health literacy, on infection prevention behaviours; Development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative models of care and workforce roles in infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship; and Societal engagement, co-design, and co-production of interventions focused on infections, antimicrobial stewardship, and vaccinations. I am keen to explore multiple research methodologies, including mixed designs, as well as drawing from implementation science, intervention mapping, and realist paradigms. My main research areas are: Planetary health, particularly drug-resistant infections and antimicrobial stewardship, Health diplomacy and political astuteness related to antimicrobial resistance, Professional and societal responses to antimicrobial resistance. I teach on the BASc Global Challenges, particularly the Planetary Health pathway.
Farquharson
my research interests focus on military history in the first half of the twentieth century. my current work focuses on the development and change of education and training within the british and imperial armies, primarily through the study of officer education at cadet colleges and staff colleges. in addition i am undertaking research into the application of multi-disciplinary (primarily sociological) theories of culture and institutional innovation to the study of military culture and how militaries respond to and assimilate reforms to fundimental aspects of their cultural norms. military history, security studies, military education and training, military culture, institutional cultural change, imperial and commonwealth history
![Dr Iain Farquharson]()
Dr Iain Farquharson
My research interests focus on military history in the first half of the Twentieth Century. My current work focuses on the development and change of education and training within the British and Imperial armies, primarily through the study of officer education at cadet colleges and staff colleges. In addition I am undertaking research into the application of multi-disciplinary (primarily Sociological) theories of culture and institutional innovation to the study of military culture and how militaries respond to and assimilate reforms to fundimental aspects of their cultural norms. Military History, Security Studies, Military Education and Training, Military Culture, Institutional Cultural Change, Imperial and Commonwealth History
Abdalla
national and international security intelligence and policy social movement escalation terrorism and counterterrorism middle east and north africa (mena), west africa focused international security (postgraduate) terrorism and counterterrorism (level 6) conflict in the modern world (level 4)
![Dr Neveen Abdalla]()
Dr Neveen Abdalla
National and international security Intelligence and policy Social movement escalation Terrorism and counterterrorism Middle East and North Africa (MENA), west Africa focused International Security (Postgraduate) Terrorism and Counterterrorism (Level 6) Conflict in the Modern World (Level 4)
Jatula
my research is located in the general field of press and politics. i explore media studies, democracy and development. it is problem-based and relies on qualitative and empirical data collection methods. the key research focus is economic and political development with a particular emphasis on the political economy of the mass media. specifically, it investigates factors that foster or hinder democratic processes, political participation and social development. it also examines the role of communication in such spaces and societies. my overarching focus is press and politics; and how this interconnection underpins social changes and development in emerging democracies. my research investigates two related areas: the nature of the relationship of media systems to broader structure of society. specifically, it examines how media content reinforce, challenge or influence existing class and political relations. second, it looks at how ownership, advertising and state policies influence media production, distribution and consumption; with forward and backward linkages to public opinion, political culture and democracy. i am interested in the intersection of press, politics and development in emerging democracies in the global south. my speciality is in nigeria's politics and media studies. undergraduate jr2607- research in practice so1703 me, you or us co1603 journalism, communication and politics so1606 power, inequality and society postgraduate jr5626 news and development in the global south (africa) pp5619 research in social and political science co5515- issues and controversies in media and communication
![Dr Victor Jatula]()
Dr Victor Jatula
My research is located in the general field of press and politics. I explore media studies, democracy and development. It is problem-based and relies on qualitative and empirical data collection methods. The key research focus is economic and political development with a particular emphasis on the political economy of the mass media. Specifically, it investigates factors that foster or hinder democratic processes, political participation and social development. It also examines the role of communication in such spaces and societies. My overarching focus is press and politics; and how this interconnection underpins social changes and development in emerging democracies. My research investigates two related areas: the nature of the relationship of media systems to broader structure of society. Specifically, it examines how media content reinforce, challenge or influence existing class and political relations. Second, it looks at how ownership, advertising and state policies influence media production, distribution and consumption; with forward and backward linkages to public opinion, political culture and democracy. I am interested in the intersection of press, politics and development in emerging democracies in the Global South. My speciality is in Nigeria's politics and media studies. Undergraduate JR2607- Research in Practice SO1703 Me, You or Us CO1603 Journalism, Communication and Politics SO1606 Power, Inequality and Society Postgraduate JR5626 News and Development in the Global South (Africa) PP5619 Research in Social and Political Science CO5515- Issues and Controversies in Media and Communication