Dr Kawtar Najib is a Lecturer in Human Geography and studied Geography as an undergraduate. She chose this subject as she had always been inspired to tackle social and spatial inequalities. Prior to her degree, Kawar had studied hard sciences, such as Physics and Chemistry. When asked why she chose these areas, Kawtar states that they were promoted to her as important fields to work within.
Kawtar has since worked mainly in academic positions and particularly enjoys conducting research and having an impact. Kawtars’ area of expertise is Islamophobia and its spatialization, she also wrote a book on 'Spatialized Islamophobia', which she hails as her most exciting career project. She states that Social and Spatial Justice is the reason why she is passionate about her subject area.
Kawtars’ advice for anyone studying or working in the field of STEMM is to “be authentic”, she also shares her advice for those in the field “No one will stop you from working”