Dr Nicola Hay currently teaches Social Science Research at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). Nicola’s PhD is from UWS and explored Roma, Gypsy and Traveller students’ agency, educational progression and career-decision making across England, Scotland and Wales. Her research focuses on the fields of Romani studies and Ethnic and racial studies, with a special interest in education and social mobility. She also has expertise in the field of young carers, BME carers, the impact of COVID-19 and coping mechanisms.

Outside of UWS, Nicola sits on the Board of Trustees of Article 12 in Scotland, a rights based charity that support young Scottish Travellers and she is also an Advisory Committee member for Show Racism the Red Card in Scotland. Moreover, she currently volunteers for AMINA advising on research design and analysis for BME carers.

Methodologically, Nicola is a mixed methods researcher with expertise in both qualitative and quantitative approaches. She also has experience with developing creative methods co-created with research participants. Nicola is keen to engage with interdisciplinary research networks both within and outside of UWS and she can be contacted through her email: nicola.hay@uws.ac.uk