Ruth Knight

Dr Ruth Knight is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, Language and Psychology at York St John University. She holds a PhD from the University of York and has conducted research at the University of Cambridge. Her work focuses on mental health experiences in marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and disabled populations, emphasizing participatory and co-production methodologies. She teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate Psychology programmes, including modules like 'Critical Approaches to Mental Health' and 'Adolescent Development'. Current research projects include grants from the Institute for Social Justice (£9,250) and the Institute for Health and Care Improvement (£9,530), exploring topics such as disordered eating in disabled individuals and gender-disability intersections.

Dr Knight's research integrates mixed methods, including qualitative and arts-based approaches, with a commitment to foregrounding community voices. She supervises PhD students Georgie Burton, Sammy Williams, and Rosie Rogers. Her work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals and public outlets like Attitude and the York Mix. Key engagements include invited talks on LGBTQ+ mental health and eating disorders, as well as collaborations with organizations like The Island in York.

Teaching responsibilities span modules such as 'MRes Thesis' and 'Doctoral Thesis Research', reflecting her dedication to academic mentorship. Her lived experience of research phenomena informs her advocacy for inclusive mental health practices. Funded projects and publications highlight her interdisciplinary approach, bridging psychology, sociology, and health sciences.