I’m currently a postdoctoral researcher and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Warwick, conducting qualitative research with ex-prisoners.
I hold a PhD in Gender Studies from the University of Cyprus and a BA and MA in Psychology and Social Psychology from Panteion University (Athens). My research interests include queer theory, post/decolonial theory, psychoanalysis and prison studies.
Working as an educator in Central Prison of Cyprus for five years impacted and changed my ontological and epistemological perspective toward prisons and prisoners. I have worked extensively with psychiatric patients in social care homes (2010-2019) and have a unique experience of working with both institutions. I have also taken part in many local and European projects as a researcher about LGBTQ issues, queer parenting, and prison studies.
Outside of academia, I have teamed up with queer/feminist anarchy groups in Cyprus to offer solidarity to immigrants issues, domestic workers’ issues and the reunification of the island.
I also train as an amateur triathlete, and I push my physical boundaries through the disciplines of swimming, running and cycling. This practice offers me an embodied and gendered knowledge about pain and pleasure among triathlon and running communities.
︎ Get in touch: elena.Vasiliou@warwick.ac.uk
︎ CV Vasiliou 2023
︎ academia.edu