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I’m a Sponge for Knowledge:

Inquisitiveness is a fundamental trait of any good researcher, but my innate thirst for knowledge is almost Faustian.

Whenever I’m asked, “what would your superpower be and why?”, my immediate answer is always eternal life. I’ve never understood how one achieves everything they wish to and feel content within the confines of the average human lifespan.

I wouldn’t go as far as to bargain with the devil in my pursuit of knowledge, nor for worldly pleasures. But, I can’t say I wouldn’t consider it if a more agreeable supernatural being presented a similar offer. From microscopic chemical interactions in the soil to the biggest questions about the universe, this curiosity about the world and our place in it has always come naturally to me.

Until the opportunity for eternal life arises, I dedicate my life to researching as many subjects under the humanities and social science umbrella as possible. I’m driven to share my passion for learning in a deep and meaningful way, supporting likeminded businesses and charities where research stokes the fire under their social cause.

The Paradox of being Laser-focussed on Multidisciplinary Topics:

Most academic researchers are limited by the funding and focuses of their institution and are pushed to pick a niche.

On the other hand, my path into research features many twists and turns. My career entails a variety of people-centred roles requiring specialist knowledge, skills, and the ability to make a positive difference.

My dedication to positively shaping our world translated into my academic pursuits. At university level, I have studied English Literature, History, Psychology, Sociology, Human Biology, Chemistry, and Law.

From gender politics in film to human rights and medical law, I value learning about humanity from multiple academic perspectives. My varied scholarship developed the knowledge and skills required to tackle multifaceted social issues through in-depth interdisciplinary research projects.

“Spiderweb Thinking”:

Identifying how different concepts cause or effect one another is a base-level research skill.

However, my brain goes a step further, in what I describe as ‘spiderweb thinking’. When I conduct research for my clients’ projects, I visualise exactly how the tiniest elements compound – every step of the way – to produce a picture of monumental proportions.

Saying “big picture” feels like the understatement of the century!

My thought process starts with one idea, fact, or concept which generates many others in a complex, interconnected way. My mind’s eye sets my clients’ research query at the centre of a web-like diagram upon which each fact, figure, or idea is fitted to either support or challenge it. This spiderweb of intrinsically connected evidence formulates my arguments and highlights breaks in the knowledge chain.

Rather than overwhelming, my brain’s ceaseless absorption and organisation of information is immensely powerful in my work as an Independent Researcher.

The result is thoroughly cited, original research exceeding my clients’ expectations for depth and quality and furnished with unique perspectives that surface opportunities for further enquiry beyond their anticipated scope.