Personal statement

Dr Norah El-Gohary is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology whose work spans teaching, research, student support, and community engagement. She teaches and leads modules in Research Methods, Debates in Psychology, and Psychological Critical Thinking, supporting students in developing robust research skills, critical evaluation, and evidence-based reasoning.

She's actively involved in curriculum development, assessment, supervision, and fostering an inclusive and intellectually stimulating learning environment.

Alongside her academic role, Dr El-Gohary serves as a Muslim Chaplain, providing pastoral, spiritual, and wellbeing support to students and staff. Through this role, she promotes inclusion, belonging, and intercultural understanding across the University community.

Her research interests focus on social justice, equity, and inclusion, particularly in relation to tackling Islamophobia and racism in educational settings. She is committed to empowering Muslim girls and young women through research and advocacy that explores barriers to participation and achievement. A key strand of her work addresses the lack of physical activity and sport engagement among girls, especially Muslim girls, by identifying and challenging the cultural, structural, and social barriers that limit participation and developing strategies to create more inclusive opportunities.

Dr El-Gohary's work seeks to bridge research, education, and community impact, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that underrepresented groups are heard, supported, and empowered. Through her teaching, research, and chaplaincy work, she is dedicated to advancing equality, wellbeing, and positive social change within and beyond higher education.

Academic qualifications

  • PGCE, Religious Education, 2020
  • PhD Neuropsychology, University of Bristol, 2013
  • MSc Neuropsychology, University of Bristol, 2006
  • BSc Psychology, American University of Cairo, 2005
  • BA Journalism and Mass Communication, American University of Cairo, 2005

Professional membership

  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Other external roles

  • Cultural Awareness Officer for Bristol Muslim Cultural Society

Teaching subjects

  • Research Methods and Debates in Psychological and Critical Thinking

Current and potential research supervision areas

  • Islamophobia and racism in schools and educational settings
  • Experiences and wellbeing of Muslim students and communities
  • Empowerment of Muslim girls and young women
  • Barriers to physical activity, sport, and exercise participation among girls, particularly Muslim girls
  • Equality, diversity, and inclusion in education
  • Social identity, belonging, and marginalisation
  • Mental health and wellbeing in educational contexts
  • Community-based and participatory research
  • Educational interventions to improve inclusion and engagement.