Dr Sophia Bokhari

Dr Sophia Bokhari is Head of Psychological Sciences.  Leading a large and talented team of academics and researchers,  Sophia's remit includes BPS accredited Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in the department, curriculum design, resourcing, research and growth.  Charged with overseeing the TEMPLab, she is keen to promote AR and VR use in lectures, seminars and research. 

She is also Academic Staff Governor and sits on the UEL Board of Governors. Having worked in Higher Education for over two decades, Sophia is well-versed with HE landscapes.  Holding a Ph.D. in Education, she advocates for academic achievement; creatively designing targeted interventions addressing and leading to academic success, progression, meaningful employment and social mobility. She has worked across Russell Group and Post 92 universities, holding both research and teaching positions. As a member of the School Management Team, Sophia leads by example, staying grounded and connected to the student body.  This year she has created a talent pipeline model, with graduates returning to embark on their academic careers at UEL.  Looking through an educational-gains lens;  her mission is to ensure all students are respected, informed, heard, empowered, provided opportunities, and equipped for life as UEL alumni. 

Having won numerous HE awards in the past two decades.  She recently led the winning team for the inaugural UK Pearson HE Innovate Most Innovative Approach to Supporting Students Award. Sophia is now a Pearson HE Judge and Collaborative Partner.  

She has held Principal Investigator roles locally, nationally and internationally, working with hard-to-reach/seldomly heard groups, leading to local and central government policy development. Partners co-produced with include: Refugee/Asylum seekers, Looked After Children and SEND communities.  Most recently she sat on the British Psychological Society Expert Reference Group - 'From Poverty to Flourishing'.  

Her current focus of research and supervision: 1) Safer and more sustainable communities and 2) Social prescribing and accessibility.