Rhea Sookdeosingh

Dr. Rhea Sookdeosingh is a prominent figure in the field of public engagement and humanities research. Currently serving as the Graduate Project Coordinator at TORCH (The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities) at the University of Oxford, she has a robust academic and professional background that emphasizes her commitment to ethical public engagement practices and the social value of humanities research.

Academic Background and Career

• Education: Dr. Sookdeosingh holds a D.Phil in History from the University of Oxford, where her research focused on the history of medicine.34
• Previous Roles: Before her current position, she was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at King's College London, where she coordinated the Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) and engaged in projects related to societal issues such as mental health and sexual violence.123

Public Engagement Focus

Dr. Sookdeosingh has nearly a decade of experience in public engagement, particularly in developing partnerships that foster humanities-led research initiatives. Her work often involves collaborating with survivors of sexual violence and other marginalized groups to ensure their voices are represented in academic discourse.12 She previously led public engagement efforts for The SHaME Project at Birkbeck, University of London, where she oversaw projects aimed at addressing sexual violence within medical contexts.2

Leadership Roles

In addition to her role at TORCH, Dr. Sookdeosingh is actively involved in various organizations:

• Co-chair of London PEN: A network dedicated to enhancing public engagement across London.
• Steering Committee Member: Part of the Challenging Research Network, which focuses on innovative research methodologies.1

Dr. Sookdeosingh's work exemplifies a dedication to integrating academic research with community needs, making significant contributions to both the humanities and public discourse on pressing social issues.