Gulnar Ali

Dr Gulnar Ali

Senior Lecturer

Department of Social Work Counselling & Social Care , School of Childhood and Social Care

Qualifications

  • PhD (2013-2017) Integrating Spirituality into Nursing Education, University of Huddersfield, UK
  • MSc (2006-2007) Medical Anthropology, UCL, UK
  • MA (2000-2002) Islamic Studies, University of Karachi, UK
  • Diploma in Gen. Nursing (1995-1998) Diploma in Gen Nursing, Aga Khan University, SONAM, Karachi, Pakistan.

Areas Of Interest

  • Spirituality and Existential Health
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Palliative Care
  • Transformative Learning
  • Evidence and Values based practice.

Research centre: Spirituality, Healing and Existential Care

Gulnar Ali

OVERVIEW

Dr Gulnar Ali diligently blends ontological and humanistic perspectives to mental health and wellbeing. With a particular interest in the ontological aspect of human phenomenon, Gulnar's professional background ranges wide spectrum of teaching, clinical practice and research experience in: Spirituality, Psychiatry, Medical Anthropology, Nursing Philosophy and Islamic studies.

She is passionate to expand the notion of healing and mental wellbeing through authenticity. Currently, she is involved in teaching undergraduate/postgraduate courses, doctoral research supervision, education management, module leadership, research consultation, project evaluation, counselling and mentoring projects. As a researcher, Dr Ali is actively engaged in writing and reviewing research grants bids on COVID-19 with national and international nursing universities.

Her research interest and publications are majorly aimed at ontological reasoning to bring further innovation in self-care approaches through professional authenticity and empowerment. With a vision to bring transformation in nursing education, Gulnar is keen to develop pedagogical structures that could embrace spiritual and existential care aspects.

Based on her PhD research (2013-2017), she has developed a reflective framework: SOPHIE (Self-Exploration through Ontological, Phenomenological, Humanistic, Ideological and Existential Expressions). SOPHIE has been recognised as practice methodology, to embrace spiritual care aspects in health education and practice.

Dr  Ali will be assisting in teaching and research supervision in: Psychological Perspectives and Community work. She will also collaborate with the research team in developing global health research grants projects.

Grant Awards and Global Research Projects

  1. Whispering Silence: On Self-reflection and Healing. British Research Festival, British Science Association. Small funding award for outstanding proposal. Sept 11-15, 2024. PI- Dr. Gulnar Ali 
  2. SWAN- Self-healing and Wellbeing interventions through Existential Advocacy and Narrative inquiry- Applying SOPHIE as a practice methodology. A Mixed Method Pilot Study on Post-natal mothers across East London, UK (2024).  Seed Grant Award, EDUCOM- UEL. PI: Dr. Gulnar Ali- University of East London, UK; Co-I: Ruksana Beigi; Dr. Angie Voela - UEL, UK; Dr. Nasreen Lalani- Purdue University US, Dr. Kawther Hamash, Kennesaw State University, USA; Dr. Salima Sulaiman- Brock University, Canada.  Collaborator: Dr. Gulnar Virani- Cork University Ireland, Bart Health NHS Trust, UK. 
  3. Promoting Resilience and Post-traumatic Growth in Cancer Survivors and their carers, using SOPHIE as therapeutic intervention (2024-2025). PI: Dr. Kawther Hamash- Kennesaw University, USA. Co.I: Dr. Gulnar Ali, UEL, UK. Dr. Nasreen Lalani, Purdue University, USA.
  4. Exploring Mental health Professionals' and Mental health Service Users' perceptions of spirituality and the concepts of spirituality. A Global study across Canada, United States of America, Malta and Australia (2024-2025). PI: Dr. Patricia Carlisle- Queen's University Belfast Northern Ireland, Dr. Melanie Rogers, University of Huddersfield, UK. Collaborator: Dr. Gulnar Ali, UEL. 
  5. Advanced Practice Nurses’ Perceptions of Spirituality - A Global Study (2021-2024).  Investigators: Dr. Gulnar Ali- UEL, Professor Melanie Rogers, University of Huddersfield, UK. CN NP/APN Network and several universities across the globe. RAs: Yolanda Edo Figas and Kati Tikkanen. Funded by: Impact Case study Grant Award, EDUCOM- UEL.
  6. Mentoring in Health care practice education (2021-2024). Investigators: Mehtab Jaffer,  Dr. Nagham Rizwi, Dr. Saleema Gulzar, Dr. Tazeen Ali. Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Collaborators: Dr. Gulnar Ali, Dr. Michael Snowden and Dr. Jamie Halsall from University of Huddersfield, UK. 
  7. SWAN- Self-healing and Wellbeing interventions through Existential Advocacy and Narrative inquiry- Using SOPHIE as practice methodology (Dec-March 2023). Project Lead/Investigator: Dr. Gulnar Ali- Collaborative Partners/RAs: Sonia Esperanza Quintero, Kati Tikkanen , Yolanda Edo Figas, Aracely Ines Jimenez. Funded by: Knowledge Exchange Award, UEL.
  8. Intentionality and Healing- INSS international conference on Spirituality in Professional Practices, Ireland (May 2023). Funded by: Research Impact and Innovation Award, EDUCOM-UEL.
  9. WINGS: Wellness Interventions for Nurses' post traumatic Growth and Self-care: A pilot study at Purdue University, USA (2021-2023). Investigators: Dr. Gulnar Ali, Dr. Nasreen Lalani, Purdue University, USA. Collaborators: Dr. Kawther Hamash- Kennesaw University, USA; Dr. Georgia L Lockwood-Estrin, Dr. Mustansar Ghazanfar; RA: Aracely Ines Jimenez, University of East London, UK.  Funded by: American Psychiatric Nursing Association (APNA), USA and Seed Grant Award- EDUCOM, UEL.
  10. Approaching spiritual and existential care needs in health education: Applying SOPHIE (Self-exploration through Ontological, Phenomenological, and Humanistic, Ideological, and Existential expressions), as practice methodology. PI, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, London, (June 2019- July 2020).
  11. Low Birthweight in Newham: Definitions, Antecedents and Prevention- UCL partners project with Newham Clinical Commissioning group. Research Assistant, University of East London (Nov 16- June 2017).
  12. Multiple Case Studies Exploring Integration of Spirituality in Undergraduate Nursing Education in England. PhD research project, University of Huddersfield (Jan 2013- Nov 2017). 

UEL research repository outputs

Research centre: Spirituality, Healing and Existential Care

International Conferences and Webinars/CPD sessions

  1. Ali, G. (2024). Whispering Silence: On Self-reflection and Healing. British Science Festival, London, UK.
  2. Lalani, N., Ali, G., Foli, K., & Hamash, K. (2024) WINGS: Wellness Interventions for Nurses’ growth and selfcare [Poster and infographic Presentation]. British Science Festival, London, UK.
  3. Ali, G. (2024).  Healing and Mental Wellbeing, KEF, UEL. Circle Group, ELJK community, Feb 08.
  4. Ali, G. (2023). Beyond Silence- On Spirituality, Existential Care and Healing- Catalysing Connections Research Conference, UEL. Nov 24, 2023.
  5. Lalani, N., Ali, G., Foli, K., & Hamash, K. (2023). WINGS: Wellness Interventions for Nurses’ growth and selfcare [Poster Presentation]. APNA 37th annual conference Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA.  https://www.apna.org/apna-annual-conference/ October 4-7.
  6. Ali, G.; Lalani N. & Hamash, K. (2023). WINGS: Wellness Interventions for Nurses’ growth and selfcare- Dissemination Event. UEL. July 20.
  7. Ali, G. (2023). Beyond Trauma- Showcasing few success stories and current research studies, applying SOPHIE as a narrative enquiry practice methodology, Rush University, Sigma Gamma Phi Chapter. June 08, 2023. Invited speaker
  8. Ali, G. (2023). Intentionality and Healing- Applying SOPHIE as a Reflexive Practice in Higher Education. The Seventh International Conference of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality on: Spirituality, Critical Reflection and Professional Practice in an Uncertain World, 16th May – 18th May 2023, at South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland. 
  9. Ali, G. (2022). Embracing the untouched- On Compassionate presence and Selfcare. Delta Omicron Chapter-Sigma on Nov 15, 2022. Invited Speaker
  10. Research Delegate: Enhancing Social Enterprise through Total Quality Framework (TFQ) Sept 30, 2022. University of Huddersfield, UK. Invited
  11. Ali, G. (2022). Research presentation: Meaning Making and Reflexive Practices. UEL Learning Symposium on Sept 16, 2022.
  12. Ali, G. (2021). Research presentation: Integrating Ontology and Spirituality in Nursing Education. STTI- 46th Biennial Convention- US  on Nov 7, 2021.

PUBLICATIONS

  • Ali, G. (2023). Intentionality and Healing- Applying SOPHIE as a Reflexive Practice in Higher Education. The Seventh International Conference of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality 2023. Waterford, Ireland 16 - 18 May 2023 The International Network for the Study of Spirituality (INSS).
  • Ali, G., Lalani, N., Hamash, K. and Jimenez Paladines, A. I. (2023). Trauma and Existential Care. Spirituality, Healing and Existential Care, University of East London. UK.
  • Lalani, N., Ali, G., Hamash, K. and Jimenez Paladines, A. I. (2023). WINGS: Wellness Interventions for Nurses’ growth and selfcare study at Purdue University, US and UEL, UK. Spirituality, Healing and Existential Care, University of East London. UK
  • Wattis J, Rogers M, Curran S & Ali, G. (2021). In Higgs J, Orrell J, Tasker D, Patton N: Shaping wise futures: Shared future possibilities: Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Brill-Sense Publishers.
  • Lalani N. and Ali G. (2021). Stories of Hope: Case study on Palliative care from Pakistan. In: Spiritual Dimensions of Advanced Practice Nursing: Stories of Hope (Advanced Practice in Nursing). Edited by M. Rogers, Springer. ISBN-10: ‎ 3030714632.
  • Wattis J, Rogers M, Ali G, Curran S (2021). Spiritually Competent Practice and Cultural aspects of Spirituality. In: In: Spiritual Dimensions of Advanced Practice Nursing: Stories of Hope (Advanced Practice in Nursing). Edited by M. Rogers, Springer. ISBN-10: ‎ 3030714632.
  • Schwartz A., Baume K., Snowden A., Patel J., Genders N., Ali G. (2021) Self-Care. In: McSherry W., Boughey A., Attard J. (eds) Enhancing Nurses' and Midwives' Competence in Providing Spiritual Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65888-5_4
  • Ali G. and Lalani, N. (2020). Approaching spiritual and existential care needs in health education: Applying SOPHIE (Self-exploration through Ontological, Phenomenological, and Humanistic, Ideological, and Existential expressions), as practice methodology. Religions. 11, 451; doi:10.3390/rel11090451
  • Lalani, N. and Ali, G. (2020). Methodological and ethical challenges while conducting qualitative research on spirituality and end of life in a Muslim context: a guide to novice researchers. International Journal of Palliative Nursing. ;26(7):362-370. doi: 10.12968/ijpn.2020.26.7.362.
  • Ali G., Snowden M. (2019) SOPHIE (Self-Exploration Through Ontological, Phenomenological, Humanistic, Ideological and Existential Expressions): A Mentoring Framework. In: Snowden M., Halsall J. (eds) Mentorship, Leadership, and Research. International Perspectives on Social Policy, Administration, and Practice. Springer, Cham.
  • Wattis, J., Rogers, M., Ali. G, and Curran, S. (2019). Bringing Spirituality and Wisdom into Practice. In: Practice Wisdom: Values and Interpretations, Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Brill-Sense Publishers. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004410497_014
  • Ali, G., Snowden, M., Wattis, J., and Roger, M. (2018). Spirituality in Nursing Education: Knowledge and practice gaps. In: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Comparative Studies, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Comparative Studies, Volume 5 Nos. 1-3, 2018, pp.27-49.
  • Snowden, M. and Ali, G. (2017). How can spirituality be integrated in undergraduate and postgraduate education?. In: Spiritually Competent Practice in Health Care. London, UK: CRC Press Taylor and Francis Group. ISBN 9781138739116.
  • Ali, Gulnar (2017) Multiple Case Studies Exploring Integration of Spirituality in Undergraduate Nursing Education in England. Doctoral thesis, University of Huddersfield. [online]
  • Low Birth-Weight in Newham: Definitions, Antecedents and Prevention- UCL partners project with Newham Clinical Commissioning group. (Oct 2017).
  • Ali, G., Wattis, J. and Snowden, M. (2015). 'Why are Spiritual Aspects of Care so hard to Address in Nursing Education?' A Literature Review (1993-2015), International Journal of Multidisciplinary Comparative Studies, 2 (1), pp. 7-31. ISSN 2059-4976.
  • Ali, G., Lalani, N., and Charania, N. (2015). Community mental health initiatives in Pakistan. Nursing Standard. Royal College of Nursing, UK - 29, 22, 44-48.
  • Ali, G. (2015). Crises Cries- Understanding Spirit Possession from Transcultural Perspective. The Patriarch vol. 2- St-Patrick’s College, London, UK.
  • Ali, G. & Lalani, N. (2012). Community Mental Health Nursing-An Innovation through Faculty practice in Pakistan. Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society, Vol (2). Pakistan.
  • Ali, G. (2012). Spirit Possession- a Cry of identity Crises in Woman! I -Manager's Journal on Nursing, Vol 02, Issue 01 Feb-April 2012, India.
  • Karamali, N. & Ali, G. (2012) Integrating the concepts of Elderly Rehabilitation in the Baccalaureate curriculum at the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery, Karachi, Pakistan. i-Manager's Journal on Nursing; Nagercoil Vol. 2, Iss. 3, 18-22.
  • Jetha, Z. A., Lalani, N. S., Ali, G. (2012). Hidden voices of hermaphrodites. i-manager's Journal on Nursing, 2(2), 18-22. Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_son/147
  • Begum, S., Khowaja, S and Ali, G. (2012). Media Created Violence: A Social Determinant of Mental Health. Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, 62 (12):1338-40, Pakistan.
  • Ali, G. (2008) Who Cares! A collection of certain recent book reviews on Medical Anthropology, Journal of Anthropology & Medicine, Volume 15, Issue 2 August 2008, pages 147 – 149. London: Rutledge.
  • Ali, G. (2008) Sighing Heights- Ethnographic report on Susum population in Northern Areas of Pakistan, Pakistan Journal of Clinical and Social Psychology, Volume 06, June 2008, pages 66-70, Lahore, Pakistan.

Editorial Responsibilities

  1. Invited Reviewer: Journal for the Study of Spirituality, July 2023.
  2. Invited Reviewer: Global Qualitative Nursing Research, SAGE. 2021
  3. Invited reviewer for: Research Grant Proposal for COVID-19, Rho Delta-Sigma Theta Tau International Honour Society of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Pakistan on June 25, 2020.
  4. Reviewer: Nurse Education Today, UK 2016-2017.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP AND AFFILIATIONS

  • Fellow Royal Society for Public Health, UK (FRSPH) Oct 2019 - 2022.
  • Master Practitioner - European Mentoring and Coaching Council, UK (EMCC) Sept 2020 - 2022.
  • Fellow Higher Education Academy UK (FHEA) June 2018  - To date.
  • Fellow Royal Society for Public Health, UK (FRSPH) Oct 2019 - To date.
  • Master Practitioner - European Mentoring and Coaching Council, UK (EMCC) Sept 2020 - present.
  • Nurse Leader - The Honour Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International Rho Delta Chapter, Aga Khan University, Pakistan-Dec 2010 -To date
  • Member - Enhancing Nurses Competence in Providing Spiritual Care through Innovative Education and Compassionate Care (EPICC) - European Spirituality in Nursing and Midwifery Research Network, Staffordshire University, UK (July 2018 - To date).
  • Spirituality Special Interest Group, University of Huddersfield, UK - Jan 2013 - To date.
  • Member, British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) - April 2019-2020
  • Accredited Trainer - Race Equality and Culture Competency, by Ferns Associates Ltd and East London NHS Trust, UK - Aug 2009.

Publications

The last four years of publications can be viewed below. 

Full publications list

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