🚨 New publication 🚨 My latest publication is out now in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. It addresses a significant gap in research by examining how the UK refugee status determination process responds to claims based on non-religion and apostasy. www.tandfonline.com/eprint/I8BKA...

📢 EVENT I’m super excited to organise this event for Refugee Week on ‘Courage, Community and Conversation’. If you’re in or around York, do pop in and hear about the amazing work going on for refugees and wider society. 📆 Monday, 15th June ⏰ Fair (10-2); Panel (3-4:30) 📍York

In my talk, I explored the challenge of ‘proving a negative’, with a live ‘Life in the UK Test’ in the hot seat - which opened up some great discussions about using trivia-style questions in asylum interviews #pint26

I’ve been wanting to do a Pint of Science for years after going to a local one! Ticked it off earlier this week and was so much fun. It’s not everyday people in the pub want to hear about your research 🤣 #pint26

For Refugee Week 2026, the University of York Migration Network is hosting a day of Courage, Community & Conversation 🌍 Featuring: 🤝 Community stalls and conversations 🗣️ A panel on courage, sanctuary & solidarity Please share with your networks! #RefugeeWeek #RefugeeWeek2026 #courage

Looking forward to my Pint of Science 🧬 presentation in York on Wednesday! Believe it or not? Proving what you don’t believe. 🤔 #pint26 @uoy-sociology.bsky.social @uoyevents.bsky.social

During asylum interviews, Interpreters play a role in articulating a claimants story. But, what if interpretations have inadvertently shaped how applicants’ beliefs and identities are understood, translated, and assessed in asylum decision-making? More at our report launch ↓ tinyurl.com/5eedhknf

Intriguing lecture on how ‘everything we think we know about religion is wrong’ by @ekwilson.bsky.social at @uoyevents.bsky.social 👏🏻 Looking forward to reading the book when it’s out

Spotted two of my favourites in the latest copy of @newhumanist.bsky.social 👏🏻 excellent stuff @zoejardiniere.bsky.social @davidolusoga.bsky.social

Asylum reforms proposing reassessments raise questions about how credibility is judged over time. My research on non-religious & apostasy claims shows credibility often relies on fixed ideas of identity that are hard to sustain when beliefs and safety change over time. More at our report launch ↓

How do you prove who you are when your identity is still evolving? 🌀 Leaving religion in contexts with blasphemy laws is complex. The UK asylum system lacks the tools to recognise this reality. We’re launching our new report on 24th/3 to bridge this gap. Register here: tinyurl.com/5eedhknf

Just out: my new research on apostasy and non-religion among asylum seekers in the UK. It explores what it’s like emotionally to leave a religion in countries where it’s dangerous, and seek refuge here. 🧵

So nice to finally have my research turned into something tangible and accessible in hand! A report ready to be read, shared and used 📄✨ Launch coming soon 📆 @humanists.uk @annastrhan.bsky.social @uoy-sociology.bsky.social

Last week I was in Glasgow for the @thesociologicalreview.org’s ECR Day and Annual Lecture 👏🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Delighted to share that I’ve been awarded an ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowship through the @whiteroseuc.bsky.social, hosted at Uni of York! Excited to continue my research, working with @annastrhan.bsky.social, and join a growing team of postdocs in non-religion in the department! 🥳🎉👏🏻

Just some light reading on my journey home from SocRel courtesy of @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social & spotted a chapter by @mcslaven.bsky.social I look forward to reading! 📚

Chaired a great SocRel PGR/ECR training session on public speaking, communication, and accessibility this week as PGR Officer. Grateful to our three brilliant speakers for sharing such insightful and practical advice with great humour! @bsasocrel.bsky.social

I’m in Durham for SocRel’s Annual Conference! A fitting destination for celebrating 50 years of th study group 🎉 @bsasocrel.bsky.social

Back from Humanists UK Convention in Sheffield - the city where my academic journey began! So moving to hear from those who’ve left religion and the real impact that support provided by @faith2faithless.bsky.social has. Such a thoughtful and energising weekend 💜 #Humanists2025

Had a brilliant weekend at the Amnesty Oyé Festival in Liverpool — full of music, movement, and meaningful conversations. 🌿🎶 Loved seeing how creativity and activism come together to celebrate human rights and push for change. Big thanks to Amnesty and everyone involved! 🧡

Stumbled across the Rationalists NZ whilst wandering aimlessly around Auckland today! 🚶🏼‍♀️

On Friday I passed my PhD viva! 🎉 With my absolute dream team @loielee.bsky.social and Julie Walsh examining. Could not have done it without my supervisors @hannahjlewis.bsky.social & Lucy Mayblin. And ongoing support by @humanists.uk & @faith2faithless.bsky.social What’s next?! #PhDDone