Tell us about yourself
I completed my PhD in Criminology and Law at the University of Sheffield in 2021. I hold a first-class degree in Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring, as well as an MSc in Psychology. My research centres on neurodiversity within the Criminal Justice sector, focusing on how neurodivergent people are supported in policing and related fields.
I’m currently a Specialist Criminal Justice Neurodiversity Consultant at Creased Puddle, where I deliver training and consultancy to organisations, including universities and police organisations. As Academic Lead, I link academic research with practical applications to create evidence-informed solutions that improve neuroinclusion in the workplace.
In 2023, I was awarded the Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre’s Translational Fellowship. My research explores Counter Terrorism practitioners’ perspectives on neurodivergent people and their vulnerability to algorithmic radicalisation. My forthcoming book, Diversity, Difference or Disorder: Neurodiversity in British Policing, will be published in 2025, showcasing my continuing commitment to driving meaningful change in this field.
Why did you want to become a Research Affiliate?
I was eager to become a Research Affiliate with the Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre in order to advance my research on neurodiversity within the Criminal Justice sector, particularly in its application to policing. Being part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research centre allows me to engage with like-minded experts, fostering innovation and practical solutions. The Centre’s commitment to evidence-informed practice resonates with my own approach, which emphasises bridging academic research with actionable strategies, particularly within the context of neurodivergence and the conceptualisation of vulnerability.
As a researcher and neurodiversity specialist, I am keen to contribute to the Centre’s conversations surrounding vulnerability by sharing findings from my ongoing Translational Fellowship research. This work explores how neurodivergent people are influenced by online algorithms and as such, how they are perceived in Counter Terrorism spaces, with the aim of informing and improving practices.
Becoming a Centre Affiliate also provides access to valuable resources, networks and collaborative opportunities, empowering me to further develop my work and ensure its practical application. Additionally, I am passionate about sharing my training and consultancy experience to complement the Centre’s mission of fostering impactful, interdisciplinary research.
How does your research connect to the Centre’s mission and values?
My research strongly aligns with the Centre’s mission and values, particularly its emphasis on collaboration and real-world impact. By engaging with police practitioners and neurodivergent people, my work bridges academic and practical perspectives, fostering a reciprocal approach that values lived experience alongside empirical evidence.
A core aspect of my research is openness, reflected in my inclusive methodologies, my dedication to open access research and focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Through qualitative interviews and practitioner engagement, I prioritise innovative and neuroinclusive solutions that aim to address systemic challenges faced by neurodivergent people in the Criminal Justice sector.
As part of the Translational Fellowship, my research exemplifies the Centre’s commitment to addressing real-world vulnerabilities. It examines Counter Terrorism practitioners’ views on neurodivergent people, assessing their perceived risks of radicalisation and identifying gaps in practitioner training. This solution-focused work directly informs interventions, ensuring research findings translate into actionable change.
Finally, my forthcoming book and consultancy experience illustrate my dedication to innovation, challenging traditional perspectives on neurodiversity and policing. Becoming a Research Affiliate will allow me to further develop and share this work in a dynamic, research-driven environment.