Sharmila Mahesh Kumar

Dr. Sharmila Mahesh Kumar is a Research Associate at Cardiff University's School of Social Sciences, collaborating on the NIHR-funded ADVANCE-D clinical trial across multiple UK universities. Her work focuses on improving interventions for substance users, particularly those in probation settings, and reducing domestic abuse among men who use substances. She holds a PhD from the University of South Wales (2023) and has extensive experience in qualitative research, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy in criminal justice and voluntary sectors.

Education:

• PhD, University of South Wales, 2023 (Improving health/wellbeing of long-term opioid patients)
• MSc Applied Forensic Psychology, University of Leicester, 2008
• BSc Law & Psychology, Swansea University, 2004

Research Focus: Substance use interventions, co-production methodologies, real-world intervention efficacy, and accessibility of research. Current projects emphasize digital perpetrator interventions (ADVANCE-D) and resilience among marginalized populations.

Teaching: Facilitated criminology seminars for undergraduates and taught Law/English to disadvantaged school students via the Brilliant Club. Prioritized student-centered approaches, leveraging her therapeutic and research experience.

Affiliations: Graduate member of the British Psychological Society.