EXIT Research Associates
Research Associates
EXIT Study employs a team of five part-time Research Associates who have care experience and are in the process of transitioning to adulthood. Research Associates bring their lived experience to the study and support all aspects of empirical data collection and analysis arising from our case-study field work. Research associates have been fully inducted into research methods and the EXIT study and are mentored by Research Fellows and the National Care Leavers' Association.
Alongside, we have two Study Advisors who sit on the EXIT study Strategic Advisory Board. They play a vital role in representing voices of young people transitioning from care to adulthood and ensuring the research keeps care leavers at the forefront of all our research activities.
Sophia Alexandra Hall
Study Board Adviser
Sophia is a care experienced journalist, who specialises in social affairs and the arts. Having been through foster care herself, she believes she can provide an insight into the care system which professionals cannot, and has worked with charities and organisations across the children’s rights sector on multiple unique and insightful media campaigns.
Leah Barnsley
Study Board Adviser
Leah currently works as a customer communications executive. Leah is excited to be on the EXIT study as an advisory board member because they are working hard to make changes for other care leavers.
Mariam Sultana
Research Associate
Mariam is studying Law at the University of Warwick. They are excited to work on the EXIT study because it provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on their experiences and to contribute this knowledge to an organisation that promises change
Tia Pillay-Mitchell
Research Associate
Tia is a research associate and currently a student at the University of Warwick studying Biomedical Science. Tia is excited to work on the EXIT study because Tia wants to raise awareness for other care leavers and use their experience to help make a change.
Shahin Hashemi
Research Associate
Shahin is a research associate and student at University of Warwick studying Maths. Shahin is excited to work on the EXIT study because after having experienced care themselves, they would love to make a difference for other care leavers.
CJ Hamilton
Research Associate
CJ works as a research associate for EXIT while studying Health and Social Care at City University of London. CJ is excited to work on the EXIT study because they want young people to be better enabled to overcome the barriers experienced during the leaving care process to living fulfilling and rewarding lives.
Jibril Mohamoud
Research Associate
Jibril is a research associate for the study and student at the University of Warwick studying History and Politics. Jibril is excited to work on the EXIT study because it will give them the opportunity to provide a care experienced perspective, which will ideally lead to a positive impact for other care leavers.