Kathleen Fincham

Dr. Kathleen Fincham is an Honorary Researcher at St Mary's University's Centre for Research into the Education of Marginalised Children and Young Adults (CREMCYA). Formerly an Associate Professor, she previously led the MA Education, International Development and Social Justice program. Her research focuses on education in humanitarian contexts, youth empowerment, gender equality, and social justice. She has conducted studies across West Asia, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia, collaborating with UN agencies and NGOs. Key areas include Palestinian refugee education in Lebanon, Syrian refugee access to higher education, and gender dynamics in education systems.

Her academic background includes a DPhil from the University of Sussex, an MSc from LSE, and teaching roles at IDS, SOAS, UEA, and UCL Institute of Education. She has held roles at UNICEF Canada and Ghana's Ministry of Education. Her research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to address systemic barriers faced by marginalized youth, particularly in conflict zones and displacement contexts.

Dr. Fincham’s recent work includes UNDP anti-corruption studies in Arab regions, UNRWA's 2030 education framework, and gender-focused analyses of Syrian refugee women’s educational trajectories. She has published widely on identity politics, youth citizenship, and educational policy in crisis environments. Her work bridges academic research with policy advocacy to promote equitable education access globally.