Media
I have appeared in a number of media outlets including BBC Radio, iTV, East Anglia Daily Times, and the local Gazette Newspaper. Most of my press contributions were relating to SMEs as I own a small food business, I have also discussed issues of refugees in the UK, challenges facing start-ups and topics relating to veganism, consumption, digital and social media marketing.
I am always interested in media and press related activities and will be very happy to discuss any issues relating to my research interests and expertise. Namely, I am interested in discussing the following topics:
Social Media Culture and Consumption
I have been doing Social Media related research since 2010. I have published research in areas such as Facebook Marketing, Instagram Product Placements, Influencer Marketing and Microcelebrities, and I am currently working on projects relating to how Social Media influence individuals and communities tackling issues such as ideological polarisation, filter bubbles, and virtual communities.
Veganism and Vegan Businesses
I own a small vegan business, The Olive Branch in Wivenhoe, England. I have been featured in many media outlets discussing vegan businesses. For instance, I have been interviewed by BBC Radio Essex in discussions relating to veganism and the TV documentary Veganville. My background in consumer behaviour enables me to discuss this from both an academic and an industry perspective.
Starting Up a Small Business
As an owner of a thriving small business, I have participated in a number of media features on TV, radio, Newspapers and Magazines. I have also been an invited keynote speaker to the European Startup Festival in Turin, Italy in 2018 talking to small businesses and startups.
Syrian Migrants and Refugees in the UK
I have been interviewed by BBC and iTV news on a number of occasions for issues relating to Syrians and refugees in the UK. I am of Syrian origin and I am passionate about sharing a beautiful picture of Syria’s culture and food with my fellow Britons. Through my small business I have collaborated with Lakeside Theatre at the University of Essex and ran two events showcasing Syria’s food and culture these are called: “Once Upon a Time in Syria” and “From Syria With Love”.
Digital Customer Experience and Online Shopping Behaviour
I have extensive research experience in digital experiences of shopping and consumption, I have published award winning research papers in this area and I have presented in leading international conferences in the UK, EU and the USA. I have special interest in personalisation and individualistic experiences as well as in designing shopping and service environments both offline and online.
Sustainability, Waste Reduction, Recycling and Reusing
I have been involved in research projects in collaboration with the University of Essex and Essex County Council relating to waste reduction and recycling. My part of the project consisted of studying individuals’ attitudes and behaviours in relation to waste recycling and waste reductions including specific issues such as food waste. I am also involved in research projects relating to sustainability in the fashion industry.
Fashion and Luxury
My own PhD dissertation focused on online fashion shopping, I have a variety of research outlets relating to fashion shopping environments and online fashion shopping. I have supervised research dissertations including a PhD thesis in the area of Luxury Fashion consumption. I can discuss the research stance in relation to these issues.