I am currently a Research Fellow at the University of Lincoln and focus on inequalities in rural areas, in particular the challenges of the digital divide and how we can provide equal opportunities for all.

Prior to my Fellowship I had been involved in Girlguiding for almost 20 years and believed it was an organisation that all girls should have the chance to be part of. However, at that time 50,000 girls were on waiting lists due to a shortage of volunteers – a far cry from the organisation's aim of having sufficient leaders to 'enable every girl and young woman to have the opportunity to join'. My research therefore looked for innovative ideas to promote Girlguiding and help recruit new leaders so more girls could join. As a result of speaking to Guiders from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand I was able to develop strategies that were used to help with the promotion and recruitment of leaders in my region and reduce waiting lists.

In addition to the project, my Fellowship also helped increase my confidence and gave me an opportunity to visit the Outback, which sparked my interest in the challenges of rural life and established friendships that have endured since that time.