​Research 

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I am an Associate Professor and sociologist at the University of Bath. ​

My sociologically relevant research spans two main areas. The first is centered on the lived experiences of under-represented groups, with a focus on Chinese diasporic communities, in sport, health and education. I am interested in the way how subjectivities of the self-other are constructed and negotiated in relation to local and global structures, addressing the impact of colonialism, migration and social cohesion on embodiment, representations and inequalities. Creative research methods are often used and developed alongside this area of research especially to help answer contemporary questions which are hard to reach using conventional methods. 

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The second area of my research is dedicated to theoretical advancement in relation to cultural reproduction and academic imperialism. My work has extended Bourdieu's concepts in understanding trans-local physical education teachers, challenged mainstream sociology of the body and health research founded with dualisms, and advanced understandings of colonial and imperial assumptions and ways of constructing knowledge with under-represented communities. My thinking is informed by the fields of sociology, psychoanalysis, philosophy and pedagogy.

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I was a recipient of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (2019-20). I gained my PhD from the University of Queensland on a competitive UQ research scholarship, and had worked and resided in Hong Kong, Brisbane, Sydney, and Leeds. I am an Honorary Adjunct Fellow of the Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.​

 

Supervision and Teaching

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I am primary supervisor to four postgraduate research students and they are carrying out research on: an ethnographic study in kitesurfing in the lives of diasabled people (on SWDTP scholarship); online hate in football on Chinese social media (on Vice Chancellor's International Scholarship); gender and disability in China's Winter Paralympic Games; and mental health literacy and help seeking behaviour of university students in South Africa.

 

My teaching expertise includes qualitative research methods, sociology of sport and health, and sport media.

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Governance and Service

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I am deputy director of the Centre for Qualitative Research, and an ILM certified coach for the doctoral college network at University of Bath. Externally, I serve on the executive board of the International Society of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise, and I am an editorial board member of Sport, Education and Society.

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Qualifications 

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PhD (University of Queensland)

MA (Cultural Studies) (University of Sydney)

MPhil and BEd (Hons) (Chinese University of Hong Kong)

PGDip (Global Health) (University of Edinburgh)

ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring 

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