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Dr Ayokunmi Ojebode
Name:
Dr Ayokunmi Ojebode
Job Title:
Lecturer / Honorary Research Fellow
Place of work / study:
University of Surrey / University of Bradford
Area of Research:
Ageing, Arts, Co-production, Dementia Studies and Health Humanities
How is your research funded:
Self-funded
Tell us a little about yourself:
My research interests include ageing, culturally responsive dementia care, co-production methods and improving outcomes for ethnically diverse communities in the UK. Combining professional experience as a dementia adviser with academic research, I am currently a Lecturer at UK Management College (UKMC) and an Honorary Research Fellow and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Surrey, where I teach on the MSc Clinical Psychology and Mental Health programmes.
Through these roles, I work to connect community-based practice, policy and academic research. I maintain strategic partnerships with third-sector organisations including Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Disease International, as well as the NHS.
Recently, I led an NIHR-funded, co-designed reminiscence project for African Caribbean older people, Touching the Past: Reliving Core Memories through Cultural Headwear. The project culminated in a short documentary film and public panel discussion and received regional media coverage from That’s TV South Yorkshire.
I have also contributed to collaborative research projects, including an article featured in the May/June issue of the Journal of Dementia Care. I support the wider research community as an Editorial Board Member and reviewer for Dementia (SAGE), and as a member of the Steering Group and Grants Board for the EMPOWER Dementia Network+.
My aim is to develop research that improves dementia care, advances health equity, supports inclusive practice and creates meaningful change within communities.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I love ice-creams.
Why did you choose to work in dementia research?
My fulfilment comes from seeing the immediate impact of my care on people with dementia and the joy of putting smiles on their faces and their families, knowing that I made a difference in their lives.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Keep your eyes on your target and don’t get discouraged until you achieve it.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Poetry and Dementia: A Practical Guide by John Killick. Absolutely.
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Watching Films, travelling, reading and spending time with family
Favourite film of all time?
Still Alice
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Marrying my wife and best friend.
What’s the best vacation spot?
Wales
Do you collect anything?
Maps
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