an ESRC-funded PhD researcher exploring queer migration in Kazakhstan
An award-winning teacher of Qualitative Methods and Central and East European Studies
A writer of words and maker of things
Academia
Before starting my PhD, I graduated from the Universities of Glasgow and Tartu with master's degrees in Central and East European, Russian and Eurasia Studies, and a master's degree in International Relations from KIMEP University as part of the Erasmus Mundus international triple-degree programme in Central and East European, Russian and Eurasian Studies. I also hold a first-class undergraduate degree in Central and East European Studies and Russian language from the University of Glasgow.
I served for four years as an elected student representative at the University of Glasgow as the welfare and equal opportunities officer for mature students. In that role I led the development of a Parents' Policy to extend rights and support for students with parental responsibilities, and a highly-successful project to provide opportunities for 'non-traditional' students to integrate and form crucial peer networks during their first weeks at university.
I have diverse career experience in public service, ranging from driving buses, to working for a Member of the Scottish Parliament, to serving as a governor of a world top 100 university. I have lived, worked and studied in Kazakhstan, Estonia, the United States and Russia (before the war).
Most recently, I have been teaching on honours-level Qualitative Methods and level 2 Central and East European Studies courses at the University of Glasgow. For this work, I was selected by an expert panel from over 1000 student-led nominations to the 2026 GUSRC Student Teaching Awards as the winner in the Best Graduate Teaching Assistant category.
My students told judges I bring "the subject to life through imaginative and immersive teaching, transforming complex or unfamiliar topics into engaging, memorable experiences," and my "enthusiasm and originality create a dynamic learning environment, leaving students inspired and excited."
On the more creative side, I have had articles and photos published in newspapers, and contributed translations to media outlets and international organisations.
I even created a game for an academic assignment - you can try playing it here!
