I am an interdisciplinary social scientist working predominantly in the areas of human geography. I have over 14 years’ teaching experience in higher educational institutions. Before joining at the University of South Wales, I worked at Lancaster University, Griffith University, University of Dhaka and University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh.  

Research: My work sits at the intersection of migration, livelihood transition, refugee crises and environmental degradations. In the pursuit of policy relevant findings, I apply novel interdisciplinary methods combining mixed methods (e.g. strong qualitative and quantitative) with socio-political (livelihood, wellbeing and governance) and technical analysis (spatial analysis and modelling). I have proficiency in conducting survey, and applying advanced quantitative methods such as logistic regression. Over the past fifteen years, my research expertise evolved around innovative qualitative methods which include diary research, narrative inquiry (storytelling), participatory approaches (especially participatory GIS), qualitative interviews and conducting research collective workshop. My journal articles are in high impact academic publishers such as Internal Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction and Journal of South Asian Development. My Chapters in edited books are with reputable publishers including Springer and Routledge. Additionally, I have extensive consultancy experience on hazard prevention and disaster risk reduction. My consultancy topics include – children’s accidental drowning prevention, community-based disaster risk reduction, human trafficking, understanding dignity of sex workers amongst others.

Current Research Projects

1) Unpacking the magnitude and heterogeneity of the impacts of reverse migration in environmentally vulnerable locations in Bangladesh.
Statua: In progress (2022-present)  
Funder: FBCI ECR Small Research Grant

2) Experience of international students in Wales 
Status: in progress (2024-present) 
Funder: FBCI ECR Research Grant

2022 – cont.   Lecturer in Public Service Management, Course Leader for MSc Health and Public Service Management, Faculty of Creative Industries, University of South Wales

2020 - 2022     Postdoctoral Research Associate, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, United Kingdom  

2019-2020        Researcher, Faculty of Business and Society, University of South Wale (USW)

2015 – 2017    Sessional Lecturer @ School of Environment and Science, and School of Business, Griffith University, Australia 

2012 - 2018      Assistant Professor, Dhaka School of Economics, University of Dhaka

2010 – 2012   Lecturer, Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD), University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Dhaka.

My teahcing interests include resource management, disaster emergencies, conflicts and sustainability.  

I apply a combination of inquiry-based learning and project-based learning in classroom setting. Inquiry-based learning triggers student curiosity where teachers act as facilitators during the inquiry-based learning process. I ensure that students not only deal with questions that they are highly interested to answer but also, they present what they have learnt in and beyond the classroom environment. Secondly, I also apply project-based learning using real-world scenarios, challenges, and problems to engage students in critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and self-management.

Current modules: 

1) Managing Resources and Projects (MSc)

2) Exploring Public Services (BA Hons)

3) Risk, Emergencies, and Resilience (BA Hons)

4) Global Perspectives on Violence and Conflict (BA Hons)

5) Conflict, War and Peace (BA Hons)

Mr Abasiokpon Udoakah (PhD Student)
Topic: The role of social capital in poverty alleviation in Nigeria,