Katrine Callander, PhD researcher
University of Kent, UK
Email: kac45@kent.ac.uk
About me
Welcome to my research website. I'm a late identifying and diagnosed autistic researcher in a field which has historically neglected true inclusive participation. As an Autistic academic, my work is dedicated to qualitative research into the autistic experience, aiming to provide a forum for collaboration, education, sharing, support and connection. I was born in Denmark and have lived in the UK since 2001. I’m a parent of two delightful neurodivergent young people, multi-lingual, a traveller, reader, organiser, animal and nature lover, walker and constant pursuer of passions and constant new projects.
Research Interests
My research interests include the intersection of trauma, identity and adult autistic identification, the experiences of autistic individuals in higher education as well as autistic connections with natural environments.
Until 2021, I never considered myself autistic. My self-identification and diagnosis were positive but also prompted profound re-valuation of life experiences, including trauma. Through my engagement with the autistic community, I became aware of the prevalent lack of trauma-informed support. My personal experiences as an autistic woman are included in my research and I consider the impact of this in terms of reflection, positionality and personal bias.
Academic Experience
- Current PhD researcher in Social Policy, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Research (SSPSSR), University of Kent
- MA (Distinction) in Environmental and Social Anthropology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent
- BA (First) In Journalism, Middlesex University
Professional Experience
My professional experience includes trade media and online journalism, editorial directorships, events management, mentoring as well as commercial and charity operations management. My primary skills are organisation, engagement, writing/editorial and structuring the management of organisations. Voluntary roles include social group moderator, conference presenters, network convenor and panel chair at conferences.
