Co-Investigator

Prof. Melissa Butcher is Reader in Social and Cultural Geography, Birkbeck, University of London. Her research examines the intersections between globalisation and contested urban space, youth, gender and urban cultures, questions of identity and belonging, and the cultural competencies to manage cultural change. Using visual and qualitative methodologies, Melissa was Principal Investigator in the European-Asian collaboration, 'SINGLE: Entanglements of Urban Space, Cultural Encounters and Gendered Identities' (2013-2016), examining gender and public space in Delhi. She also works in London, exploring the impact of urban change and gentrification particularly on young people ('Hackney as Home'). Her recent publications include: 'Defying Delhi’s Enclosures' (Taylor and Francis, 2017); 'Re-working Encounter: The role of reflexivity in managing difference' (Taylor and Francis, 2017); 'Managing Cultural Change: Reclaiming synchronicity in a mobile world' (Ashgate, 2011), and 'Dissent and Cultural Resistance in Asia's Cities' (ed. with Selvaraj Velayutham) (Routledge, 2009). Melissa presents and writes regularly on issues relating to gentrification, urban and youth cultures, diversity, globalisation, and global human resources management.