Dr Suzie Watkin

Suzie's expertise lies in the social and political experiences of living in rural areas, particularly in Wales. Her research is influenced by a strong commitment to social relevance, and her interests encompass politics and participation at the individual level, social exclusion, young people's rural experiences, governance, governmentality, and the practices and spaces of resistance. Suzie also has a high level of expertise in qualitative methodologies and inclusive research practices that give a proper voice to participants.

Suzie has a strong skills base in the management of projects, generating and interpreting data, and working across public, commercial and voluntary sectors. As a dedicated social researcher she aims to exercise and extend her skills and experience through their application in a practical social research role.

Now a qualified Doctor in Human Geography, specifically the Geographies of Welfare to Work in Rural Wales: Delivering and Experiencing the New Deal, Suziealso has a First Class BA Honours in Geography and achieved both Degrees at the University of Wales in Aberystwyth, where she was also a highly regarded tutor prior to her work as an associate of Wavehill. Suzie went on to be appointed Rural Housing and Transport Advisor for the West Midlands Region of The Countryside Agency and is still an active researcher at Aberystwyth University; currently working on an ESRC funded project: Grassroots Rural Protest and Political Activity in Contemporary Britain, a detailed project involving the identification and achievement of research goals, a comprehensive research design and strategic development, accurate analysis and interpretation of data and the effective communication of project outcomes.

Suzie's previous experience has enabled her to demonstrate a proven ability in Project management, particularly in using rural change and restructuring expertise to develop relevant and appropriate goals, working in rural delivery with awareness of geographically stretched resources by providing support across work streams, aiding regional policy processes by providing relevant evidence and setting up post-project group mechanisms for cross border discussion and support.