Conference Presentation & Academic Outputs
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Annual Conference 2025
Conference presenter | Birmingham, UK | 2025
Paper Title: A Hopeful Solution: Fieldwork Perspectives on Lagos Food Bank Redistribution Initiatives
Presented research exploring surplus food redistribution through a decolonial food systems lens. Drawing on fieldwork from Nigeria, the presentation examined how redistribution initiatives create social, economic, and environmental value while operating within complex governance structures and experiences of food insecurity.
Audience: Academic researchers, postgraduate students, and practitioners
Contribution: Conference presenter
CoSE PHD Conference, Bangor University, 2025
Conference and Poster Presenter | Bangor, UK | 2025
Title: From Waste to Wellness: How Surplus Food Redistribution Transforms Public Health and Sustainability
The poster and presentation explored how the Lagos Food Bank Initiative transforms surplus food into a resource to improve health, reduce waste, and support vulnerable communities. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, participant observation, and qualitative research, the presentation explored the social, environmental, and economic value created through food redistribution. Initial findings highlighted the role of volunteers, partnerships, and community-based initiatives in strengthening food systems, building resilience, and advancing larger sustainability and public health goals.
Audience: Academic researchers, PGRs, undergraduates, supervisors, and lecturers
Contribution: Presenter
Research talk to GEOSOC, Bangor University, 2024
Presenter | Bangor, UK | 2025
Paper Title: Fieldwork Reflections: Stories from the frontlines of Lagos Food Bank
My presentation shared reflections from my fieldwork with Lagos Food Bank Initiative, using my experience to show undergraduates what qualitative research can look like beyond textbooks. I discussed how fieldwork in Nigeria differs from fieldwork in the UK, particularly regarding access, travel, infrastructure, relationships, flexibility, and the emotions that accompany fieldwork. The talk also introduced reflexivity by considering my own position as a Nigerian researcher based in the UK and how my background, assumptions, relationships, and field experiences shaped how I collected and interpreted data. Drawing on interviews, participatory observation, document analysis, and following the journey of food, the talk showed that qualitative research is not simply “talking to people.” It requires planning, patience, adaptation, trust-building, and constant reflection.
Audience: Geography Undergraduates, Lecturers
Contribution: Presenter
CoSE PGR Conference, Bangor University, 2026
Conference Presenter | Bangor, UK | 2026
Title: From Surplus to Systemic Health: A One Health Perspective on Food Redistribution in Nigeria and the UK
My presentation examined my research on surplus food redistribution through a One Health lens, drawing on my fieldwork in Nigeria and the UK. It explored how organisations such as the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, FareShare North West, Bwyd Da Môn, and Porthi Dre transform surplus food into social, economic, and environmental value. By tracing the journey of food from donors to communities, the research highlighted how redistribution systems contribute to food access, community wellbeing, resource efficiency, and local resilience. The presentation argued that surplus food redistribution is more than a charitable response to waste; it is an important component of healthier and more sustainable food systems.
Audience: Academic researchers, PGRs, undergraduates, supervisors, and lecturers
Contribution: Presenter
Public Scholarship & Media contributions
Bonner, E. (Other), Hjort, E. (Other), Bennett-Gillison, S. (Other), Thomas Lane, E. (Other), Ayub, F. (Other), Ifiemor, P. (Other), Tenbrink, T. (Other), Jones, J. (Other) & Raine, B. (Other) (2025)
Jun 2025
Ydy mwy bob tro yn well? Ail-ystyried twf mewn cyd-destun gwledig (Is more always better? Reconsidering growth in a rural context)
Rural Geography Research Group (RGRG) Blog Contribution
Finding Community in the PhD Journey
Methods, Messiness, and Making Sense of Data: Reflections from Recent RGRG PGR Coffee Sessions
22nd Rural Entrepreneurship Conference (REC2025)
Conference presenter | Bangor, UK | 2025
Paper Title: Beyond Charity: Business Outcomes and Employability Dimensions of Lagos Food Bank Initiative
This work shares how surplus food redistribution can function as an example of social entrepreneurship. Drawing on fieldwork with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (Nigeria), it explored how rescued food creates economic opportunities, supports small-scale farmers, boosts employability skills among volunteers, and strengthens community partnerships. The study highlighted how food redistribution can go beyond charity, serving as a practical way to support sustainable livelihoods, local capacity building, and resilient rural development while addressing food waste and food insecurity. This approach not only benefits communities but also encourages a more collaborative and hopeful future
Audience: Academic researchers, postgraduate students, and practitioners
Contribution: Conference presenter
Academic Publications
Peer-reviewed publications arising from this research will be listed here as they become available
Academic & Professional Service
Academic research extends beyond publications and presentations. Alongside my doctoral research, I contribute to academic communities through mentoring, student representation, conference facilitation, and peer support activities within Bangor University and wider research networks.
Research Group Postgraduate Representative (RGRG)
Role: Postgraduate Representative
Organisation: Rural Geography Research Group (RGRG), Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
Period: 2025 - 2026
Contribution:
Organised online postgraduate coffee mornings
Facilitated peer learning and networking opportunities
Supported communication between postgraduate researchers and the RGRG committee
Impact: Supported knowledge exchange, peer support, and professional development among postgraduate researchers working across rural geography and related disciplines.
International Student Mentor
Role: International Student Mentor
Organisation: Bangor University
Contribution:
Provided guidance and informal support to international students
Shared experiences of postgraduate study and research
Signposted academic and well-being resources
Impact: Contributed to student development, confidence, and academic engagement.
Bangor University Peer Guide
Role: Peer Guide
Organisation: Bangor University
Contribution:
Supported new students transitioning into university life
Shared experiences and guidance on academic and student support services
Assisted with student orientation activities and Open Days
Impact: Helped foster student belonging, confidence, and successful transition into higher education.