Thirsha de Silva

I started my PhD in the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature in October 2023. My doctoral research project is interdisciplinary in nature and explores the mental wellbeing of international women and non-binary doctoral researchers from the Global South. While mental wellbeing of undergraduates and postgraduates have been of interest in the past decade, there is a paucity of research focussing on international doctoral researcher cohorts. Furthermore, as an often minoritised and racialised cohort, international doctoral researchers may be at a higher risk for experiencing mental wellbeing challenges. Therefore, my aim is to explore the unique experiences of this cohort.

Prior to starting my PhD, I worked as a Lecturer in Psychology on both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Sri Lanka teaching on a wide range of areas such as individual differences, health behaviours and social inequalities in health. 

Issues related to diversity and inclusion are of interest to me. I served as a Member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group of the British Association for Sport and Exercise Sciences from November 2021 to November 2023 and I am the current Postgraduate Representative to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Issues related to diversity and inclusion in society interest me therefore my research interests include inclusive education, social inequalities and its impact on our wellbeing and inclusive practices in sport and physical activity.