Work History
Funding and Awards
Grants and awards that directly supported research, events, and community-led work.
Research
Collaborative, participatory research shaped by lived experience, focused on rights, bordering, and legal exclusion.
Teaching
Experienced in academic writing and course development, I design inclusive learning environments grounded in critical pedagogy.
Community Engagement
Long-term collaborations with displaced communities through co-research, strategic support, and participatory events and dialogue.
Education and Training
I was awarded a PhD in Law and Development (cum laude) in March 2024 and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2025. My MSCA project will begin at the University of Antwerp in 2026 and focuses on participatory policy frameworks with displaced and stateless women in Nepal. The training and education listed below reflect the foundations of my research, teaching, and community-based work.
Download the list of my education and trainings
2024 – PhD in Law and Development (Cum Laude), Tilburg University and University of Oslo (Joint Doctorate)
2013 – MSSc Social and Community Development (Distinction), Queen’s University Belfast
2009 – BA Politics, SOAS University of London
EDOLAD was an EU-funded doctoral programme involving six universities across five countries. My formal training included
2015 – Tilburg University, Netherlands – Five-month foundational training in law and development, research skills, and sustainable development
2016 – University of Tartu, Estonia – Fieldwork preparation, researcher ethics, and risk assessment
2017 – University of Deusto, Spain – Communication strategies for working with policymakers, NGOs, and grassroots actors
2015 – University of Oslo, Norway – Research visit, seminar presentation, and collaboration with linguistics and refugee scholars
2019 – North-West University, South Africa – Summer school on research methodologies, law and development teaching, gender, land, and data justice
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2024 – MSCA Grant Writing Training, Tallinn University, Estonia
2017 – Writing for Research Impact and Stakeholder Engagement, Budapest Metropolitan University
2017 – IMPACTO: Social Innovation and Change-maker Training, Kuala Lumpur
2017 – Refugee Entrepreneurship and Economic Value Training, Kuala Lumpur
2013 – Working with Refugees and Asylum Seekers (ECORYS/Grundtvig), Venice
2012 – Peace and Reconciliation Training, Ballynafeigh Community Centre, Belfast
2012 – Community Development and Good Relations Training, EGR Tides Training, Belfast
2011 – Active Citizenship Training, British Council and South Belfast Roundtable
2010 – International Development and Project Management Training, VSO, Birmingham
2019–2021 – Leiden University Medical Centre – Training in medical text assessment, feedback, and course development
2019 – Leiden University – Grading and learner-centred approaches
2014 – Coventry University – IELTS assessment and scholarly writing
2010–2014 – Birmingham City University – In-house training across China and the UK, including referencing rubrics, feedback mechanisms, and trainer preparation
2012 – Birmingham University – Course design and assessment development
2010–2011 – Culturalia, Mexico – Formative feedback and teacher training
2009 – Tower Hamlets College – Speaking and listening differentiation
2009 – London South Bank University (LLBU) – Literacy instruction for ESOL learners
2004–2009 – Eight language centres in London – Lesson planning, inclusive teaching, and SEN strategies
2004 – University of Cambridge – CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Research
My research focuses on rights, bordering and belonging from the perspective of displaced and stateless communities. I use participatory and narrative methods to examine how legal exclusion is experienced, and how voice and resistance take shape in contexts where legal recognition is denied. This work builds on an earlier focus on language, identity and inclusion in civil society, and has developed through long-term collaboration with communities navigating the everyday consequences of legal and political erasure.
01
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (2026–2028)
University of Antwerp
Upcoming research with displaced and stateless women in Nepal, focused on how rights are voiced from below and how participatory approaches can inform policy frameworks. Further details See Nepal
02
Doctoral Research (2015–2024)
PhD in Law and Development, Tilburg University and University of Oslo
Participatory action research with displaced communities in Kuala Lumpur, exploring legal exclusion, voice and the reimagining of rights. The thesis took the form of a magical realist novel. Awarded cum laude. Further details See Malaysia
03
Master’s Research: Linguistic Capital and Civil Society
Northern Ireland and England, 2012–2013
Explored the role of language in the inclusion or exclusion of refugees in civil society. Used participatory methods and conducted a strategic review for a refugee support organisation. Awarded Distinction.
04
Changing Academic Culture: China–UK Transition
Birmingham City University, 2014
Led an action research project for my work with Chinese international students to understand the challenges of transitioning to UK academic norms. Findings informed curriculum development.
05
Community Technology and Organisational Learning
Ballynafeigh Community Development Association, Belfast, 2012
Explored how local organisations can use social media as a tool for inclusive community engagement and transparency.
06
Islam and Democracy: A Critical Literature Review
Desk study, 2009
Analysed the governance structures of Iran post-revolution and examined how pluralistic interpretations of democracy emerge within Islamic traditions.
07
Asylum Interview Support
Birmingham Asian Resource Centre, 2005
Supported interview transcription and data handling for asylum cases. Provided administrative assistance to legal case workers during claims and appeals.
08
First Empirical Study: In-group/Out-group Dynamics
Stourbridge, 2002
Conducted a psychology case study in a martial arts class to examine in-group and out-group behaviour. Used observational data and quantitative analysis.
Download my research CV
Community Engagement
My community engagement work is grounded in collaboration, capacity-building, and long-term relationships. I have co-developed research and education projects with forced migrant communities, supported strategic development in community-based organisations, and led participatory initiatives across Malaysia, Northern Ireland, Mexico, Bolivia, and the Netherlands. These projects are not add-ons to research; they are part of how I work.
Worked with colleagues at the University of Amsterdam and Inholland Hogeschool to design a course on participatory action research with neurodiverse communities. The Masters course was taught in the University of Amsterdam and funded by the UvA Education Innovation Grant: Fair, Resilient & Inclusive Societies (FRIS). The course is directed at masters level students in linguistics and brain and cognitive sciences. However, it is also available to students from other disciplines including those interested in critical and qualitative methods, and within or outside of the UvA. I shaped curriculum and pedagogy to centre community-led knowledge and reflective learning. I worked on the materials creation with a focus on the participatory research elements. The course connected participatory methods with inclusive education and critical research practices.
Contributed to a collaborative project with EDOLAD colleagues aimed at rethinking rule of law programming. Supported the development of policy recommendations with a focus on localisation, pluralism, and community-driven implementation strategies. The project sought to revitalise ROL development policies by fostering pluralism and embedding people-centred approaches, addressing the disconnect between academic insights and practical implementation. Our goal is to influence policy-making by advising the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs on enhancing localisation programming, ensuring that power effectively shifts to local organisations and aligns with community needs. The project was knowledge platform security and rule of law.
OutcomesR. Grishmanovskaya and M. J. Recalde-Vela (2024) K. Kaur (ed.) "Policy Report: Shifting Discourses in Rule of Law Cooperation"
R. Grishmanovskaya et. al (2024) "Policy Brief: Direct Partnerships with Local Organizations: risks, opportunities and research questions"
(2019–2024)
Provided ongoing consultancy to refugee-led organisations across Malaysia and Europe. Supported the development of data protection policies, advocacy letters, and professional documents. Combined strategic facilitation with advocacy writing and narrative co-production to enhance public visibility and organisational autonomy. This work strengthened the work of 8 organisational leadership and community-led advocacy. The organisations were from Syrian, Afghan, Rohingya and Somali communities.
(2017–2018)
Designed and delivered a multi-module course for refugee co-researchers in Kuala Lumpur. Covered research ethics, community-based methods, and inclusive data collection. Integrated the course into broader migrant-led initiatives and supported long-term capacity building.
(2017–2018)
Conducted participatory action research with eight refugee-led organisations in Malaysia. Facilitated strategic planning sessions, training workshops, and partnership mapping. The research addressed organisational change, leadership development, and sustainable collaborations.
(2016- 2017)
Led a photovoice project with refugee and undocumented volunteers across the UK, Malaysia, and the Netherlands. Trained participants in visual storytelling and coordinated an international exhibition presented at Coimbra University. Used photography as a tool for self-representation and narrative agency. The photos was exhibited in the final COST Action IS1306 conference COST Action IS1306 conference New Speakers in A Multilingual Europe: Policies and Practices.
(2013–2017)
Founded and ran an online platform connecting researchers and practitioners in the migration sector. Built and coordinated a volunteer team, curated content, and organised events. Developed digital infrastructure for shared learning and advocacy across sectors.
(2012)
Led a strategic research project at Ballynafeigh Community Development Association. Analysed digital participation and transparency, and produced a report with recommendations for improving community visibility and organisational communication titled: Creating Social Media Platforms as Shared Community Spaces at Ballynafeigh Community Development Association. Conducted organisation-wide review and research project to explore the social media options. The report additionally brought up issues in the overall strategic review and organisational transparency in relation to their visibility, service provision and local communities’ needs.
(2011–2012)
Volunteered with Horn of Africa People’s Aid Northern Ireland on community development and language programmes. Participated in board-level strategy meetings, facilitated planning workshops, and contributed to new project design. Supported refugee engagement through language education and employment pathways. Community Development and English Language Project Consulted on English language teaching and course development. Participated in meetings with funders, the board of directors and staff to create a new project; budget plan, strategic plan and conducted participatory meetings with board managers and forced migrants.
Three Steps to Employment Project Consulted on English language teaching and course development. Conducted secondary research to support overall knowledge. Participated in meetings with funders, the board of directors and staff to collaborate and create a new project.
(2010–2011)
Worked at Culturalia, a language school supported by the Mexican Ministry of Education and linked to an environmental NGO. Taught English and mentored teachers, while supporting curriculum development and organisational planning.
(2005)
Assisted caseworkers at the Birmingham Asian Resource Centre with administrative and documentation support. Transcribed interviews and organised legal documents for asylum claims and appeals. Developed an early understanding of international protection framewor
(2003)
Founded an English-language newspaper for expats and travellers in La Paz. Managed editorial production, sold advertising, and collaborated with local organisations. Led a volunteer team before returning to the UK to begin university. The newspaper ran for 10 years before closing down.
Teaching
I have taught internationally for over 18 years across higher education, language institutes, and community-based projects. My teaching spans academic writing, participatory research methods, English for specific purposes, and inclusive curriculum design. I centre learner engagement, critical thinking, and accessible pedagogy in every classroom: whether working with PhD students in biomedical sciences or developing after-school literacy programmes. My approach combines trauma-informed practice with a commitment to co-creation, ensuring content is not only delivered but meaningfully engaged with.
Download my teaching CV
Science Communication and Academic Writing
Erasmus University Rotterdam (2024-2025)
Taught academic English for publication to PhD students in biomedical sciences. Delivered tailored modules on scientific writing, English for business purposes, and academic communication. Focused on clarity, audience awareness, and writing for international journals, supporting students in developing publishable research outputs.
Freelance Course Co-Developer and Educator
University of Amsterdam (2024–2025)
Co-developed and taught a master’s elective on participatory action research with neurodiverse communities. Designed curriculum content, facilitated interactive sessions, and embedded trauma-informed and community-led approaches into postgraduate education.
Module Leader in Academic Writing
Inholland Hogeschool, Netherlands (2022–2023)
Led curriculum development and delivery for first-year students in the International Creative Business programme. Oversaw a team of instructors, supported quality assurance, and embedded academic writing into students' creative and strategic thinking development.
Funding and Awards
Research Fellowships and Fundings
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship
European Commission, €270,000
Awarded in 2025 to lead the project “Reimagining Border & Rights through Intersectional Resistances of Displaced Stateless Women” at the University of Antwerp. This prestigious fellowship supports two years of research, participatory workshops, and collaboration with displaced women in Nepal.
Funds for Actions and Training
Project Development and Training Grants
University of Amsterdam – Fair, Resilient & Inclusive Societies (FRIS) Grant
Curriculum Development for Neurodiversity Course, 2024–2025
Awarded to support the development of a new master’s elective, Neurodiversity: Participation in Education and Research. This funding enabled collaborative curriculum design with community and university partners, alongside participatory workshops with neurodiverse individuals. The course introduces students to participatory action research (PAR) through inclusive, trauma-informed educational practice.
Funding to Host and Coordinate Events
COST Action IS1306 – Multiple Awards (2014–2017)
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Barcelona, 2014 – Funded to attend and coordinate the New Speakers in the Workplace panel
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Hamburg, 2016 – Funded to co-host a roundtable on Migration and Asylum with Dr Cassie Smith-Christmas
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Tilburg University, 2017 – Funded to organise the interdisciplinary conference Research Impact in Action: Refugees, New Speakers and Global Law
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Photovoice Project, 2017 – Funded to coordinate, train participants, and support travel for refugee and undocumented volunteers for Valorising Voices
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Coimbra University, 2017 – Funded to attend and coordinate two panels, an exhibition, and a stakeholder dialogue at the final COST Action IS1306 conference, New Speakers in a Multilingual Europe
Additional Training, Presentations, and Academic Collaboration
COST Action IS1306
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Galway, 2016 – Funded to participate in programme planning and workgroup development
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Budapest, 2017 – Funded to attend a writing retreat and stakeholder engagement workshop focused on communicating research to policymakers
University of Leuven, Belgium
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April 2016 – Funded to examine coursework and deliver seminars on refugees and development for the Master of Cultures & Development Studies (CADES)
European Commission Grundtvig Lifelong Learning Programme
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Venice, 2013 – Awarded a Grundtvig grant to attend a 9-day training on Working with Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Good European Practices for Better Work
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Presented on Language and Civil Society Organisations and Spaces for Refugee Inclusion, which inspired the launch of the Migration and Asylum Network platform