Lara also contributes to the work of the Rights Lab Beacon of Excellence, researching meaningful engagement with marginalised stakeholders.
She said: “I was attracted to working at Nottingham University Business School, as ICCSR is a world-renowned centre of excellence in social responsibility. The interdisciplinary approach and the opportunity to produce research that really matters appealed to me. I have found it to be an incredibly supportive environment.”
Lara is the Principal Investigator for two projects (one funded by UKRI Global Research Challenge Fund and the other by the ESRC Impact Accelerator Account) researching women’s voice and agency in conflict affected societies.
She said: “I enjoy the connection between teaching and research, and I have recently developed a module on business, human rights and sustainable development. I have found that my students have responded positively to learning about contemporary challenges alongside more theoretical approaches. I have really appreciated being part of a research community and being supported to take on new challenges.”
In 2022, Lara was awarded the Rising Star public engagement award by the university’s Institute for Policy and Engagement in recognition of her work.
Lara has also appreciated the work-life balance and the sense of community offered at Nottingham University Business School. She added: “The campus is really attractive – its so close to the city centre, but it feels like its embedded into the natural world. It’s good to have a balance between well being and work achievements, and to be able to take advantage of the fantastic sports facilities here.”