About me
I am a feminist anthropologist researching in/fertility, (assisted) reproduction and reproductive stratification. I currently work as a research fellow at the Centre for Reproduction Research at De Montfort University in Leicester.
I am also a yoga teacher and capoerista, and love sharing my passion for acroyoga. If now wonder what that is check below - or as me when you see me and I promise you, I won't tell you but show you by teaching you how to fly.
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I hold a PhD in Sociology with Anthropology from De Montfort University (2017). My PhD examines the social organisation and cultural framing of commercial gestational surrogacy in Russia and is titled ‘Reproductive Migrations. Surrogacy Workers and Reproductive Stratifications in St Petersburg’. I received my BA in Social and Cultural Anthropology from the University of Vienna, Austria, in 2010, and my MSc in Cultural Anthropology: Sociocultural Transformations (research) from Utrecht University, Netherlands, in 2013.
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In 2010/2011 I lived and worked in Chisinau, Moldova, and worked as a social assistant in a shelter for former victims of human trafficking, and in 2006/2007 with homeless young people in Bucuresti, Romania.
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I have no idea how many miles I have hitchhiked in total, but between criss-crossing Europe, hitchhiking my way to Iran and from the Fergana Valley to the Aral Lake, I covered quite some. I believe in creating what we want to exist and the power of compassion.
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No day passes without a headstand.*
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*2020 update: Handstand it is.
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Research Projects
I am currently working on the following research projects:
Commercial surrogacy in Russia
since September 2012
This research started with my MSc project "'Born to Birth'?" in September 2012, developed into my PhD (2013-2017) and is still ongoing.
It explores the reproductive stratifications among surrogacy workers in Russia, and in particular the experiences of women who (temporarily) migrate or commute (across borders) to become surrogacy workers in St Petersburg.
Egg Donation in the UK, Belgium and Spain
2017-2020
The aim of this study is to explore the motivations, decision-making and experiences of women who provide their eggs for use in infertility treatment in a European context. The study is led by Prof Nicky Hudson, De Montfort University, and is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.
IVF travel from China to Russia and Kazakhstan
since 2019
As access to reproductive treatment in China is restricted, Chinese citizens are increasingly seeking treatment in Russia and Kazakhstan. This has implications for the global private fertility market, especially with regards to race and racism in assisted reproduction.
In this project, I trace new reproductive flows.
Heterosexually-partnered men's experiences of becoming dads through surrgacy
2019-2020
Surrogacy research has much focused on women (the surrogacy workers and client mothers), and more recently gay couples and single dads. This research looks at the experiences of becoming dads through surrogacy of men in heterosexual relationships, and their challenges and advices.
Experiences of migrant women 'donating' their eggs in Spain
since April 2016
This ethnographic research explores the experiences of migrant women in Spain, who have chosen to 'donate' their eggs for a financial compensation in Spain. A particular focus is directed at their background and experience of being migrants.
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This research is funded by the University at the West of England in Bristol.
Principal Investigator: Dr Michal Nahman, see also here
Research Associate: Dr Christina Weis
Digitizing Reproduction
Digitizing Reproduction: new technologies, intersectionality and the politics of inclusion - Research Development Grand funded by the Foundation for the Sociology of Health & Illness. Research Assistant.
(PI Nicola Mackintosh, CIs: Nicky Hudson; Tania Mcintosh; Jane Sandall; Qian Sarah Gong and Nervo Verdezoto)
Research Output
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Yoga classes
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Sivananda Yoga in Leicester
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Tuesday and Thursday, 6-7pm
The Gateway House
Room 3.11
De Montfort University
Leicester
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£3 for a drop-in class for students, staff and everyone really, as yoga is for everyone.
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For regular updates, write to
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Or see here
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AcroYoga in Leicester
Sundays, 2pm onwards
£4-6 (your choice)
Good weather: on the grass in front of the Riverside Cafe, De Montfort University, Leicester
Rain or hail - get in touch
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AcroYoga is an integration of yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage that cultivates trust, playfullness, and connection. The practice of AcroYoga helps you to build strength, flexibility, and body awareness.
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IG: lun0lum0
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Donations for foodbank
Hunger hurts.
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Every contribution to the last yoga class of the month on a Tuesday goes to support a local food bank.
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Every contribution to the last yoga class of the month on a Thursday collects menstrual sanitary items to combat .
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Support your local food bank.
Read 'Hunger Pains. Life inside Foodbank Britain' if convincing is necessary.
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Here is how your donations look in a shopping cart.
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