I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science from De Montfort University, followed by an MRC awarded scholarship for an MRes in Inflammation: Cellular and Vascular Aspects. During both degrees I became particularly interested in research communication with patient, public and healthcare staff and equity in health research, which lead to a six-year career as a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Specialist within NHS research.

I am currently conducting a PhD research project at the University of Leeds, funded by NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Translational Research Centre within the Workplace Engagement and Wellbeing theme. My project explores racial and ethnic minority hospital workers experiences of incivility (e.g. rudeness and disrespect) consequences for them, and patient care.

As an adversely racialised individual, myself and others have face many obstacles related to a lack of social and cultural capital, interpersonal and structural racism and cultures of exclusion. My motivation to join YCEDE stems from my passion to reduce the barriers for the next generation, sharing my insights, tips, tools and knowledge to increase the recruitment and retention of racial and ethnic minority students.