Sarah Connelly

I joined the University in 2020 and I teach across the School of Social Sciences at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. I primarily work across Criminology and Sociology, teaching on modules such as social research methods, working with vulnerable populations, conceptualising vulnerability, and the practical application of social science degrees.

My interests are primarily focused on researching into how marginalised groups interpret and navigate their identities. This includes identity politics around gender fluidity, the sociology of diagnosis and the interplay between diagnosis and identity, the governing of bodies (specifically in police custody), and the reification of binary coding in medicine. I am currently interested in the term vulnerability and how this term can be defined, experienced, understood depending on space and time, as well how the term can be patholigised and navigated within the criminal justice system and health care sector.

I am the Scheme Manager for the Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme, and I work with current and postgraduate students to provide and maintain 24/7 coverage across local police stations for adults who are identified as vulnerable.

Prior to my role at the University, I achieved my BA (Hons) in Sociology here at the University (2013-2016), and my Masters in Sociology and Social Research at Newcastle University (2016-2017). I then moved on to work in practice and I have experience in working in national and multinational research organisations in research roles and diversity and inclusion representation. I have been active in the third sector since 2017 and have worked closely with support work agencies, human rights organisations, and appropriate adult provisions. I am also experienced in creating educational resources, training, and support in relation to developing organisational structures and cultures to encompass a diverse and inclusive working culture. 

I am a member of the British Criminological Society, the DISCRIM network, and the National Appropriate Adult Network.

I gained my FHEA status in July 2021.