Aging & Social Change Research Network

María Camacho García graduated in 2023 with a Double Degree in Sociology and Social Work from Pablo de Olavide University (UPO). She then continued her studies at the same institution, completing a Master’s Degree in Methodology Applied to Public Policy, while also collaborating as a research assistant at the Faculty of Social Sciences Laboratory during the 2023–2024 academic year. Since July 2024, she has been working as Teaching and Research Staff (PDI) at the University of Cádiz (UCA), where she has begun her PhD in Social Sciences. She is currently part of the CS2 DataLab team at INDESS, participating as a researcher in the 'NETDYNAMIC' project. Additionally, since 2021, she has been a member of the research group SEJ-654: Demography and Social Research in Health at UPO, where she conducts research on loneliness among older adults.

Rajendra Adhikari is an experienced development professional from Nepal, with a track record spanning 21 years in areas such as youth development, gender equality, conflict sensitivity, justice sector reform, and socio-economic empowerment. Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong focus on dignity and sustainability. He is also a proficient trainer in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, having successfully trained local and national stakeholders to design and implement grassroots projects and outreach campaigns aimed at enhancing the involvement of youth, women, and marginalized communities in decision-making processes. Currently, he works in Dang, Lumbini Province of Nepal, as well as other areas that experienced significant violence during that time, such as Rolpa, Rukum, and Salyan districts. Over the last 10 years, he has worked with youth there on conflict management and the peace process, and he facilitated the reintegration of former combatants into the community.

Kimberly Mitchell is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and the James Johnson Dudley Faculty Scholar at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She leads the Design for Care Lab, where her research bridges design and gerontology to create inclusive, joyful experiences for our future selves. Her work includes interdisciplinary collaborations in health, aging, and care design, and centers on Design for Aging Resources, a curated hub for design practitioners and educators. Nationally and internationally recognized through Design Incubation, AHFE, ISSIP, and GDUSA, her workshops, toolkits, and research advance age-inclusive design that empowers individuals and communities across the lifespan.

Ellis Onyedikachi George is a social worker and early-career researcher. Ellis is currently working to complete their doctoral research, which explores the experiences of dementia from an African relational perspective. Other areas of research include disability studies, queer studies, and anti-oppressive social work. They aim to highlight African theories and worldviews through their scholarship.

Mino Novello earned a PhD in Applied Sociology and Methodology of Social Research at the University of Milano-Bicocca, focusing on mixed methods in social inquiry. Their current research addresses the digitisation of public services and risks of social exclusion for older adults. Previously, they participated in interdisciplinary projects on e-health and family well-being and contributed to national research on school-to-work transitions. Since 2023, they have been a member of the research group Ageing Societies (https://ageingsocieties.unimib.it/).

Ananya Mahadevan is a 21-year-old recent graduate in Sociology with a minor in Environmental Studies from Flame University, Pune, India. She explores themes of gender, class, ageing, space, and identity through academic research and writing. Ananya has an interest in the intersections of urban life, intimacy, and social structures. With experience in research and content creation, she values interdisciplinary learning and storytelling. She has participated in student-led initiatives and held leadership roles within her college community. Ananya plans to pursue her Master's in Social Anthropology at the University of Sussex to deepen her research and contribute meaningfully to social change.

Tobilola Akingbade is a Research Scientist at the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University. She earned a First-Class Honours degree in Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences from North Carolina Central University. Her research focuses on identifying biological fluid biomarkers for early detection, monitoring, and therapeutic purposes in neurodegenerative diseases. She is committed to advancing equitable, science-driven solutions that improve health outcomes and quality of life for aging populations.