Research

My studies, grounded in cultural anthropology, lie in humans’ relationship with the space they inhabit.

My current research focuses on the perception and representation of spaces for survivors of childhood abuse, particularly homes, which should be sanctuaries of safety yet may become complex sites of memory and trauma.

From homes to museums, factories to schools, I am concerned with what makes a place (tangible and digital) culturally ‘safe’.

My investigation incorporates interviews and visual ethnography to capture trauma’s multifaceted effects on survivors’ spatiality and domesticity.

I am involved in this topic not only as a researcher but also as an activist and survivor. I am a member of Meti, the Italian organisation that supports adults with related experiences, where I am a trauma-informed natural facilitator in mutual aid groups.

With a mixture of personal experience, reportage, and extensive research, I am concerned with unravelling how CSA impacts survivors’ perception of safety within their individual spaces.

Moreover, my research interests also follow these topical strands:

SALE

The re-functionalisation of spaces through communication and visual processes

Design Ethnography

My research in design ethnography explores how spaces can be redesigned or repurposed to meet the evolving needs of their users. This involves a detailed study of existing spatial functionalities and the potential for integrating new communication and visual elements to enhance interaction and usability. By focusing on the human-centred aspects of space, I aim to create environments that are more adaptable and responsive to individual and community needs.

How domestic space is embodied and gendered in households from rural areas

Safe Spaces

My work explores how these environments are influenced by gender roles and expectations. I investigate how spaces are divided, utilized, and perceived differently by various genders within a household, emphasising the embodiment of cultural norms and practices. This research helps in understanding the complexities of rural domestic life and in designing interventions that promote gender equity and personal well-being.

The way LGBTQIA+ people experience and identify the places where they feel safe and have a sense of belonging

Cultural Safety

This area of my research focuses on how queer people identify and interact with places that provide safety and a sense of belonging. By analysing these spaces from a cultural safety perspective, I aim to uncover the underlying elements that contribute to feelings of security and acceptance, which can inform broader strategies for inclusive urban and social planning.

Educational design in exhibitions focused on ethnic minorities or marginalised communities

Applied Anthropology

This involves curating content that is not only informative but also empowering, facilitating a better understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural backgrounds. My approach ensures that these exhibitions serve as platforms for education, dialogue, and cultural exchange.

The link between cultural heritage and the community that lives in or around it

Indigenous Knowledge

My research into indigenous knowledge systems centres on understanding how local cultural heritage is preserved, interpreted, and passed down through generations within communities. This study is particularly focused on the tangible and intangible heritage elements that communities identify with and their role in sustaining cultural identity. By bridging academic research with community insights, I aim to support the preservation and revitalisation of indigenous knowledge and practices.