Academic & Research Journey
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I am a Doctor of Information Studies at the School of Business and Economics, Åbo Akademi University, Finland. I am currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the same school, focusing on the intersection of information science, human–AI interaction, and people’s well-being in professional Finnish work environments. My academic work also examines information behavior from migration and integration perspectives, as well as topics related to business and marketing management.
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My Research Expertise
My Research Expertise
My research is situated within the multidisciplinary fields of Information Studies, Social Science, Business and Economics, and Migration Studies, drawing on theoretical and methodological perspectives across these domains. My research focuses on the ways in which individuals and professionals interact with information and digital technologies in contemporary societies. My work is situated at the intersection of information science, human–AI interaction, and occupational well-being, with particular emphasis on the mental health implications of working with advanced digital systems. Another core strand of my research concerns trust in information, examining how individuals assess and rely on information sources in the context of artificial intelligence. A further focus of my work addresses how individuals cope with information overload and navigate increasing cognitive demands in AI-driven professional environments.
My main research interests include:
Human-AI interaction and intelligent information systems
Information overload and digital well-being in working life
Trust and decision-making in AI-supported environments
Information practices, information overload, information grounds, information literacy
Socio-cultural perspectives of seeing at information behaviours
The role of information in business and marketing management tasks
Migration, integration and transnational studies
My Methodological Expertise
My Methodological Expertise
My research adopts both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches, and I have experience working with mixed-methods designs. I have conducted qualitative studies using in-depth interviews, focus groups, and qualitative content analysis, participatory observation and quantitative studies employing surveys, statistical analysis, and multivariate techniques. I have practical experience with statistical and qualitative analysis software, including SPSS, SmartPLS, and NVivo. I am keen to further develop expertise in diverse and innovative research methodologies in the fields.
My Current Projects
My Current Projects
I am working at Mobile Futures project funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC) established within the Research Council of Finland as a postdoctoral reseacher at Åbo Akademi University for the duration of (January 2025 - June 2026). I am investigating the role of trust in information while considering the importance of social and institutional trust in developing good population relations in Finland. Diversity, Trust and Two-Way Integration (Mobile Futures) is a multidisciplinary, action-oriented research project that aims to advance a just and inclusive society by focusing on integration as a trust-based, two-way process. The guiding principle is that a just and inclusive society is more resilient in the face of the challenges of demographic change. I am associated with Professor Kristina Eriksson-Backa from Information Studies and Professor Magdalena Kmak from Migration and Minority Research in this project along with other colleagues at Åbo Akademi University and Migration Institute of Finland. This project is a collaborative effort involving colleagues from multiple disciplines and areas of expertise, and I am one of the contributing researchers.
It is a six-year research project funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC) established within the Research Council of Finland. The consortium is coordinated by Åbo Akademi University together with the University of Oulu, the Migration Institute, the University of Turku and the Deaconess Foundation. Mobile Futures is part of the STN research programme. Demographic Changes - Causes, Consequences and Solutions (DEMOGRAPHY) , 2021–2027.
As part of this project, I undertook a research visit to University College London (UCL) to collaborate with Professor Alison Hicks on information literacy challenges and trust issues in information integration. The visit took place from August to September 2025.
The outcomes of this project include policy brief, book chapters and scientific publications, which are expected to appear in peer-reviewed journals in the near future.
Link to the project: https://mobilefutures.fi/
A photo from Retreat - two day session with colleagues at Mobile Futures project - Research Consortium in a relaxing and nice atmosphere of Diakonissalaitos in Helsinki, Finland
April 2025
A photo from Mobile Futures project workshop with colleagues to discuss the project agenda in Herrankukaro Archipelago Naantali, Finland
March 2022
Individual postdoctoral research project
Individual postdoctoral research project
I am working on an individual postdoctoral research project about "Artificial Intelligence and Information Overload: Examining Employee Well-being and Mental Health in Finland’s Tech and Hybrid Work Environments". The project addresses a critical challenge facing Finland’s rapidly digitalizing economy: how the integration of AI and increasing information flows impact employee well-being and productivity. As Finnish businesses, especially in the tech sector, adopt AI-driven tools and hybrid work models, understanding the consequences of information overload and digital stress on employees is vital for sustainable growth. This project bridges scientific research and practical business needs, offering new knowledge and tools to navigate the complex challenges of AI integration. Its outcomes will empower Finnish companies and policymakers to foster work environments that support both technological advancement and human well-being, thereby strengthening Finland’s position as a global leader in responsible digital innovation and sustainable economic development.
The project is designed to be completed within two years of time span (July 2026 - June 2028) located at Information Studies, School of Business and Economics, Åbo Akademi University, Finland. I recieved funding from Liikesivistysrahasto (Foundation for Economic Education) for working on this project for initial six months.
Education
Education
Doctoral Defense & Graduation Ceremony - Finland
Doctoral Defense & Graduation Ceremony - Finland
A photo after defending my doctoral dissertation, standing with proud with my supervisors who have helped me throughout my journey.
Åbo Akademi University, Finland - March 2025
Doctoral Defense - March 2025
In Finland, the doctoral defense is a formal public academic ceremony in which the doctoral candidate defends their thesis in front of an appointed opponent and an examining committee. This tradition reflects the strong emphasis placed on academic rigor, transparency, and scholarly dialogue in the Finnish higher education system.
I defended my doctoral dissertation in March 2025 at Åbo Akademi University, Finland.
My doctoral dissertation
My doctoral research examines migrant women’s integration through an information lens, with a particular focus on their information-seeking behaviour in new societal contexts. Adopting a socio-cultural perspective, the study explores how gender, language, communication practices, and socialization patterns shape migrant women’s access to, and use of, information during the integration process.
Focusing on South Asian immigrant women in Finland and Middle Eastern refugee women in Sweden, the study combines qualitative interviews and survey data to analyse information needs related to employment, health, and language learning. The findings highlight both the challenges and opportunities migrant women face in navigating information environments, and emphasize the importance of gender-sensitive and tailored integration policies to support well-being and successful integration.
Supervision and Examination of my doctoral dissertation
I am thankful to my dedicated, expert and helpful supervisors and advisors in my doctoral journey.
Supervisors: Professor Gunilla Widén; Professor Eeva-Liisa Eskola & Dr. Hilda Ruokolainen, Åbo Akademi University, Finland
Advisor: Professor Karen E. Fisher, University of Washington, USA
Opponent & Examiner: Professor Thomas Harviainen
Examiner: Professor Jamie Johnston, University of Iceland
Link to my doctoral dissertation: https://www.doria.fi/handle/10024/190844
Doctoral Graduation Ceremony - May 2025
My doctoral conferral ceremony took place in May 2025 at Åbo Akademi University, Finland. In the Finnish academic tradition, the conferral ceremony is a highly formal and symbolic event that marks the official admission of new doctors into the academic community. Unlike the public doctoral defense, which evaluates the dissertation, the conferral ceremony celebrates the completion of the doctoral journey and the transition into the community of scholars.
At Åbo Akademi University, the doctoral conferral ceremony is held every three to four years and brings together all doctoral graduates who have successfully defended their dissertations during that period. This long-standing tradition reflects the deep historical roots of academic life in Finland and the strong respect accorded to doctoral education.
The Sword and the Doctoral Hat - The Finnish Academic Tradition
A central feature of the Finnish doctoral conferral ceremony is the awarding of the Doctoral Hat and the Doctoral Sword. The Doctoral Hat symbolizes academic freedom, independence of thought, and the dignity of scholarly work. The Doctoral Sword, unique to the Nordic academic tradition, represents the responsibility to defend truth, knowledge, and scientific integrity.
The tradition of conferring a ceremonial sword is distinctive to Finland and Sweden, and Finland remains one of the very few countries in the world where doctors receive a sword as part of their academic insignia. Together, the hat and the sword symbolize both the intellectual authority and the ethical responsibility of the doctoral degree.
Pride, Struggle, and New Beginning
This ceremony marked a profoundly proud moment in my life, shaped by years of dedication, perseverance, and personal and academic challenges. It was not only a celebration of past achievements, but also the beginning of a new academic journey. The conferral symbolized both the completion of a demanding chapter and the opening of new horizons in my scholarly and professional life.
I am profoundly thankful to my parents, family, and friends, who stood by me through every stage of this journey. Their love, patience, and quiet strength were a constant source of motivation and comfort, and this achievement belongs to them as much as it does to me.
I am deeply grateful to my supervisors for their guidance, support, and mentorship throughout my doctoral journey. Their trust, encouragement, and scholarly guidance made this achievement possible, and this day stands as a shared milestone in our collective academic work.
Selected moments (photos) from the doctoral conferral ceremony, including receiving the doctoral degree, the Sword of Honour, and the Doctoral Hat, as part of the Finnish academic tradition.
Åbo Akademi University - May 2025
Master's in Information Studies - Finland
Master's in Information Studies - Finland
I graduated my Master’s degree in Information and Knowledge Management in June 2018 from Faculty of Social Sciences, Business and Economics, Åbo Akademi University, Finland. This was my second Master’s degree and also the first major step in my academic journey in Finland, marking my entry into a new educational system, culture, and research environment. The first Master's was in Business and Administration from Malaysia in 2012.
Coming to Finland to pursue this degree represented an important transition in both my academic and personal life. The Master’s programme not only strengthened my theoretical and methodological foundations, but also opened the path toward doctoral studies and an international research career.
The graduation ceremony followed the Finnish academic tradition, in which graduates are presented with a red rose and the official degree certificate, symbolizing both academic achievement and new beginnings. This ceremony remains a memorable milestone, representing the starting point of my long-term academic journey in Finland.
The courses in my second Master's program
The courses I studied during my Master's were related to
Advanced studies in Information and Knowledge Management (including, information architecture, information management, information strategies, competitive intelligence, academic writing and skills).
Organization, management and marketing field (including, knowledge management, B2B marketing in an international context, sustainable business, introduction to marketing)
Additional studies (including, philosophy of science, database analysis, information behaviour, special course in Information Studies).
While, the Master's thesis was about understanding "The information challenges the new refugee women face during the integration in Finland".
Link to my Master's thesis: https://www.doria.fi/handle/10024/152930
Photo from the day of graduation ceremony for Master's students, with my supervisor Professor Gunilla Widén
Åbo Akademi Univeristy, Finland
June 2018
Master's in Business Administration - Malaysia
Master's in Business Administration - Malaysia
I completed my first Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) at HELP Graduate School (HGS), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in September 2012. The graduation ceremony was held in December 2012 in honour of the graduating class, following the formal Malaysian academic tradition that celebrates academic achievement, discipline, and the transition into professional life.
This degree provided a strong foundation in business and management studies and marked the beginning of my formal training in organizational, economic, and managerial sciences.
The courses in my first Master's program
Business Economics ┃Management Theory and Practice
Human Resource Management ┃Business Accounting and Finance
Organizational Change ┃Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness
Corporate Finance ┃ Operations Management
Business Ethics ┃ International Business
Photo from the day of graduation ceremony for Master's students at HELP University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
December 2012
Bachelor's in Accounting & Finance - Malaysia & UK
Bachelor's in Accounting & Finance - Malaysia & UK
I completed my Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting and Finance from Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom, through its campus located at Nilai University, Malaysia, in December 2010. This three-year programme (2008–2010) marked my first experience of studying abroad and my first extended period of living away from my family.
Beginning my undergraduate studies in an international academic environment represented an important personal and academic transition. This experience laid the foundation for my later international education and research career, and shaped my early training in accounting, finance, and business studies.
The courses in my Bachelor's program
Foundations of Financial Accounting ┃ Foundations of Management Accounting
Business Economics ┃ Corporate Financial Accounting
Financial Accounting Theory ┃ Management Accounting
International Finance ┃ Theory of Finance
Quantitative Analysis of Financial Markets ┃ Management Information Systems
Managing Human Resources ┃ Law for Business ┃Methods of Enquiry
Photo from the day of graduation ceremony for Bachelor's students at Nilai University, Malaysia
December 2010
Intermediate & Secondary Education (The Gold Medalist) - Pakistan
Intermediate & Secondary Education (The Gold Medalist) - Pakistan
I completed my Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (Intermediate) in Pakistan, equivalent to Finnish Upper Secondary Education (Lukio level). In the 2007 annual examination of the Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (LBISE), I was awarded First Position at the government level in the girls’ group, with a score of 909 out of 1100.
For this achievement, I was awarded a Gold Medal by the Government of Pakistan through the Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (LBISE). This honour was a profoundly proud moment for my parents, especially for my mother, whose support and sacrifices made this success possible.
The certificate of honor awarded by the government of Pakistan.
Work Experiences
Work Experiences
January 2025 - June 2026
Postdoctoral researcher
Postdoctoral researcher at Mobile Futures project, funded by Strategic Research Council of the Academy of Finland. Conducting research on diversity, trust and two-way integration in the Finnish society by using quantitative research methods (survey) and producing the results in the form of scientific publications and policy briefs.
Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
January 2025 - Present
University Lecturer
I am involved in teaching courses in Information Studies and Business and Marketing field at School of Business and Economics at Åbo Akademi University, Finland. Recently, the course, Information bheaviour (II) for postgraduate students has been taught by me during the Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026 terms. I am responsible for designing and updating course material, evaluating students' assignments, grading the exams and keeping the overall administration responsibilites.
Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
June 2020 - Present
Blog Writer, Content Creator & Editor
I provide freelance services in blog writing and content creation for a range of travel and lifestyle platforms, including Zara, GuruWalk, Travelers Blog, and Expats World. In addition, I offer editing and language support for students’ Master’s and doctoral theses, as well as for academic manuscripts and professional writing.
Freelancer - Online
January 2026 - Present
Yoga & Swimming Instructor
I teach different types of Yoga (especially Yin Yoga), with a special focus on deep relaxation, mindfulness, and restorative practice. I currently offer in-person classes at the ARBIS Institute, Turku, Finland, working primarily with adults and women to support physical well-being, stress reduction, and mental balance.
I also offer personal coaching in adult swimming, with a special focus on water-fear and confidence-building techniques. My coaching is designed to help adults overcome fear of water, develop safe swimming skills, and build long-term confidence in the aquatic environment.
ARBIS Institute, Åbo, Turku, Finland
March 2024 - Present
Peer-Reviewer
I currently serve as a peer reviewer for several international scientific journals in the fields of information studies, business and economics, and social science. My reviewing activities include evaluating research manuscripts for methodological rigor, theoretical contribution, and relevance to the field. Among these journals, I regularly review for Information Research, an internationally recognized, peer-reviewed open-access journal that publishes original research on information behaviour, information practices, and the use of information in a wide range of professional and social contexts.
August - September 2025
Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher - London, UK
I was a Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher at University College London (UCL) under the Mobile Futures project, where I undertook a two-month research mobility period. During this visit, I worked closely with Professor Alison Hicks on research related to information literacy practices and trust in information in contemporary professional contexts. Our collaboration focused on conceptual development, the design and discussion of survey instruments and other methodological tools, and the exploration of empirical approaches for studying information practices and trust in digital environments. This research stay provided valuable opportunities for international collaboration and methodological development.
University College London, London, United Kingdom
March 2020 - March 2023
Doctoral Researcher
I worked as a full-time doctoral researcher employed by the Information Studies, School of Business and Economics, Åbo Akademi University, Finland to work on my doctoral project about understanding the information practices of people from the socio-cultural perspective. My responsibilities encompassed teaching assistance, conference organisation, and active participation in academic activities, alongside conducting and publishing independent scientific research.
Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
November 2019 - January 2020
Project Assistant
I worked as an Assistant to the Head of Department on the preparation of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network application, a competitive European Union research funding programme.
My main responsibilities included:
Supporting the coordination of the doctoral network proposal
Assisting in the preparation and editing of the grant application documents
Contributing to the development of project descriptions and training components
Assisting with partner communication and documentation
Supporting the organisation of meetings and proposal-related activities
Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
May 2019 - October 2019
Visiting Doctoral Researcher - Sweden
I undertook a short-term six months international research visit as a Visiting Researcher at the Swedish School of Library and Information Science (SSLIS), Högskolan i Borås, Sweden, during my doctoral studies to work on concpetual understanding of the field. During this visit, I worked on the initial stages of my doctoral dissertation, including conducting an extensive literature review, participating in PhD courses and research seminars, and engaging with multidisciplinary perspectives within the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). This research stay contributed significantly to the theoretical and methodological development of my doctoral project.
University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
February 2013 - December 2015
Web content creator
I worked with WordPress for the management of institutional web content at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan (03.02.2013 – 20.12.2015). My responsibilities included publishing and updating academic content, maintaining event pages, and performing basic layout editing and content organisation for the university website.
University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
September 2014 - August 2016
University Lecturer
I taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Marketing, Business, and Management at the Business School, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan. My responsibilities included delivering lectures and tutorials, supervising student learning, designing and assessing assignments, grading coursework, and contributing to examination and assessment processes.
University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
September 2014 - August 2016
Research Associate
I worked as a Research Associate at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan, where my responsibilities included managing the editing of research publications, serving as an Assistant Editor for the Journal of Management and Research (JMR), and supporting the organisation of academic workshops and conferences within the Department of Management.
University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
May 2009 - June 2013
International Student Coordinator
I worked as an International Student Coordinator at Nilai University and HELP University, Malaysia, where I provided comprehensive support to international students throughout the admissions, orientation, and integration processes. My responsibilities included advising prospective and newly admitted students, coordinating orientation programmes, assisting with visa and administrative procedures, and supporting students’ academic and cultural integration into the university community. This role involved close collaboration with academic departments and student services to ensure a smooth transition for international students.
Nilai University, Nilai, Malaysia
Teachings & Supervisions
Teachings & Supervisions
University Lecturer. Teaching Information behaviour, Business and Management course to postgraduate students. School of Business and Economics, Åbo Akademi University. Finland. January 2024 – Present.
Teaching Assistant. Assisted the main course leader for preparing course material, conducting seminars and lectures, making notes, and checking assignments of undergraduates. Åbo Akademi University, Faculty of Social Science, Business and Economics, and Law. March 2022-December 2023
University Lecturer. Marketing and Management courses to Master’s students. University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan. 01.09.2014 – 30.08.2016
Supervision. Supervising Master's and doctoral students in the field of Information Studies and Business and Economics.
Publications
Publications
Kainat (August 2025). Health information seeking behaviour of South-Asian immigrant women in Finland – a socio-cultural perspective. Journal of Information Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/01655515251359772
Kainat, K. (2025). Employment-related information-seeking behaviour of South Asian immigrant women in Finland. Information Research an International Electronic Journal, 30(3), 242–266. https://doi.org/10.47989/ir30357583
Kainat, K. (2025). Navigating New Horizons of Socio-Cultural Transition: Information seeking behaviour of migrant women in the context of integration. (Doctoral dissertation). Åbo Akademi University, Finland. https://www.doria.fi/handle/10024/190844?locale=len
Kainat, K, Eskola, E. L. and Widén, G. (2022). Sociocultural barriers to information and integration of women refugees. Journal of Documentation, 78(5), 1131 – 1148. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-05-2021-0107
Kainat, K. (2022). Information literacy competencies and social media as a source of information for integration of newcomers. Information Seeking in Context (ISIC), Berlin, September 26 - 29, 2022. https://doi.org/10.18452/25287
Kainat, K., Zolbin, M. G., Widén, G., & Nikou, S. (2021, June). User information satisfaction among female refugees and immigrants as assessed by the level of information literacy on social media. In 34TH BLED ECONFERENCE (pp. 337-350). University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences. https://aisel.aisnet.org/bled2021/40/
Zolbin, M. G., Kainat, K., & Nikou, S. (2021, June). Health Information Literacy: The Saving Grace During Traumatic Times. In 34TH BLED ECONFERENCE (pp. 295-308). University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences. https://aisel.aisnet.org/bled2021/43/
Fisher, K. E., Falioun, S., Yafi, E., & Khan, K. S. (2020). Co-Designing with the Iman in a Haram Digital World: Drawing on the Quran and Sunnah to Support People’s Privacy and Information Practices. In IslamicHCI, CHI 2020, Arab Islamic HCI Workshop (pp. 25-30). https://web.lums.edu.pk/~IslamicHCI/papers/Co-Designing%20with%20the%20Iman%20in%20a%20Haram%20Digital%20World%20Drawing%20on%20the%20Quran%20and%20Sunnah%20to%20Support%20People%E2%80%99s%20Privacy%20and%20Information%20Practices.pdf
Eskola, E. L., Khan, K. S., & Widén, G. (2020, December). Adding the information literacy perspective to refugee integration research discourse: a scoping literature review. In ISIC2020: Information Behaviour Conference. https://research.abo.fi/sv/publications/adding-the-information-literacy-perspective-to-refugee-integratio/
Khan, K.S., & Eskola, E. (2020). The cultural landscape of women refugees in Sweden - a road to information and integration. In Proceedings of ISIC, the Information Behaviour Conference, Pretoria, South Africa, 28-30 September, 2020. Information Research, 25(4), paper isic2033. https://informationr.net/ir/25-4/isic2020/isic2033.html
Khan, K. S. (2020). Participant observation approach to study refugees’ information practices. Informaatiotutkimus, 39(2–3), 89-92. https://journal.fi/inf/article/download/99073/56762
Khan, K. S. (2018). The small world of information of new female refugees in Turku, Finland. (Master’s thesis). Åbo Akademi University, Finland. https://www.doria.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/152930/Khadijah_Thesis.pdf?sequence=1
Chaudhry, A. A., Khan, K. S., & Hassan, A. (2015). Can HRM be affirmed as a system? Applying general systems theory (GST) on human resource management. Journal of Management and Research, 2(2), 1-19. https://ojs.umt.edu.pk/index.php/jmr/article/view/192
Chaudhry, A. A., Khan, K. S., Hassan, A., & Amir, I. (2016). Transforming lives through empathy, compassion, societal well being and management best practices case of Akhuwat, Pakistan. Journal of Management and Research, 3(2), 1-23. https://ojs.umt.edu.pk/index.php/jmr/article/view/200
International Networks & Collaborations
International Networks & Collaborations
International networks and collaborations have played an important role in my academic development. Through research visits, summer schools, and international projects, I have not only strengthened my research skills and perspectives, but also built meaningful professional relationships across countries and disciplines. These experiences have helped me to learn from different academic cultures, broaden my thinking, and form personal friendships that continue to enrich both my academic and personal life. Below is the list of some international networks and collaborations I have had in the recent few years and hopefully, the list will be continued in my future career too.
International Mobility Visit to University College London, UK. I was a Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher at University College London (UCL) under the Mobile Futures project, where I undertook a two-month ( August - September 2025) research mobility period. During this visit, I worked closely with Professor Alison Hicks on research related to information literacy practices and trust in information in contemporary professional contexts. Our collaboration focused on conceptual development, the design and discussion of survey instruments and other methodological tools, and the exploration of empirical approaches for studying information practices and trust in digital environments. This research stay provided valuable opportunities for international collaboration and methodological development. And I have good build good professional and personal relations with Professor Hicks and other colleagues at the department at UCL.
International Mobility Visit to University of Borås, Sweden. I worked as a visiting doctoral researcher for six months (May - October 2019) at the Swedish School of Library and Information Science (SSLIS), Högskolan i Borås, Sweden, during my doctoral studies to work on concpetual understanding of the field. During this visit, I worked on the initial stages of my doctoral dissertation, including conducting an extensive literature review, participating in PhD courses and research seminars, and engaging with multidisciplinary perspectives within the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). This research stay contributed significantly to the theoretical and methodological development of my doctoral project. I worked with Professor Ola Pilerot, Doctor Helena Francke, Doctor Louise Limberg and other colleagues at the Swedish School of Library and Information Science , Borås.
International Summer School to Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. I attended the international summer school organized by IMISCOE (International Migration Research Network) is the largest interdisciplinary network of scholars in the field of migration. I participated in this intensive one-week (August 2022) international summer school focused on migration and development in the post-COVID context, examining global migration trends, policy challenges, and socio-economic impacts across different regions of the world. The programme included lectures by international scholars, group discussions, and collaborative workshops with participants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. This summer school was relevant to my doctoral research, as it strengthened my theoretical and methodological understanding of migration, integration, and socio-cultural processes, and directly informed the development of my PhD studies on migrant women’s information practices. This summer school helped in making networks with the experts from the Migration field from different parts of the world.
International Summer School to Linköping University, Sweden. I participated in two weeks international PhD summer school at the Division of Migration, Ethnicity and Society (REMESO) at Linköping University as part of my doctoral studies. The programme included PhD-level courses and research seminars focusing on transnational migration, ethnic diversity, and citizenship in the context of social and economic transformation. REMESO is an interdisciplinary research institute under the Vice-Chancellor of Linköping University, with a strong focus on migration, labour markets, and societal change. This summer school contributed directly to my doctoral training and strengthened the theoretical foundations of my PhD research on migration and integration. This visit helped me in building some useful connections with other researchers working on migration related topics and I also recevied feedback to improve my early career profile.
Photo dump from research mobility visit to UCL, London, UK - with Professor Alison Hicks - August 2025
Group photo of us, from the Summer School in Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic (August 2022)
Conferences & Workshops
Conferences & Workshops
Presenting my work at international conferences has been an important part of my academic journey. These presentations have helped me to clarify my ideas, receive constructive feedback, and gradually shape my research in stronger and more rigorous ways. They have also allowed me to learn from other scholars and to build meaningful academic connections across countries and disciplines. The following is a list of selected conferences and workshops that I have attended during the past few years and recently in my academic career.
International Conference on Information Seeking in Context (ISIC) - McGill University Montreal Canada (June 2026). I have a scientific research article titled "Cultural community as an information ground of Middle Eastern women refugees inSweden - a road to better integration into society" to present with my co-author in this conference. ISIC is the leading international conference in the field of Library and Information Science, with a strong interdisciplinary focus on how people seek, use, share, and trust information across different domains. The conference provides a forum for presenting cutting-edge research, theoretical developments, and methodological innovations related to information seeking and information behaviour.
Link to the conference page: https://www.ischools.org/about
The Migration Conference (TMC) - University of Greenwich, London, UK (June 2025). I attended this conference in person to participate in research debates related to latest topics in the migrration and integration field and also the role of information and trust from the migration perspective. TMC serves as a vital platform for researchers, scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students worldwide to convene and engage in discussions about all facets of migration. This includes its causes, consequences, relevant policies, and impacts on societies globally.
Link to the conference page: https://www.migrationconference.net/home/about-tmc/
Exploratory workshop on mobilities, work and welfare - University of Iceland, Reykjavik - (August 2023). I participated in this workshop about work, mobility and welfare systems in the post-pandemic context. The network is led by the Swedish School of Social Science, University of Helsinki (Mari Toivanen). The collaboration partners are Malmö University (Erica Righard), University of Bergen (Synnøve Bendixsen) and University of Iceland (Unnur Dís Skaptadóttir). The network is funded by the NOS-HS (Joint Committee for Nordic Research Councils in the Humanities and Social Sciences).
The Migration Conference (TMC) - University of Hamburg. Germany (August 2023). I presented my scientific research article titled "A study on mental and physical well-being of immigrant women during the post COVID-19 time - an overview of changing workplaces".
BOBCATSSS Conference, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway (January 2023). This conference is student-led conference in Library and Information Science related to the topics in the information field. I participated in this conference as some organizing team to help in administrative works related to the conference and also made some networking in the field.
International Conference on Information Seeking in Context (ISIC) - The Berlin School of Library & Information Science, Germany (September 2022). I presented my scientific paper about understanding the information behaviour of people from the socio-cultural perspective as part of my doctoral studies in this conference. And, I chaired the session of doctoral netowork for doctoral students in this conference. I personally feel a kind of relation with most of the experts in the field attending the series of ISIC conferences so far.
The Migration Conference - Rabat, Morocco (June 2022). I presented a scientific research article about understanding the information challenges of people in migration and methodological tool to study such a group of people. The conference examined young migrants’ agency, immigration policy, work and migration across countries, the experiences of Turkish migrants abroad, and the impact of COVID-19 on human mobility and global migration dynamics.
iConference on Diversity, Divergence, Dialogue - Bejing, China (March 2021). The conference focused on information research and education under the theme of diversity, dialouge and dialogue in China 2021. Due to COVID-19, I attended this conference online. I mainly participated in the doctoral workshop with presentation about my work in progress and received feedback for my doctoral studies.
34th Bled Conference - Co-creating human-centered and responsible digital futures - Online (June 2021). I presented two scientific research articles in this conference titled "User Information Satisfaction among Female Refugees and Immigrants as Assessed by the Level of Information Literacy on Social Media" and "Health Information Literacy: The Saving Grace During Traumatic Times" with my co-authors.
20th Nordic Migration Research Conference & 17th ETMU Conference. University of Helsinki, Finland (January 2021). I attended this conference for knowledge and learning and also organized a doctoral workshop. The conference aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform for discussions in which the colonial/racial past and present (coloniality) are seen as relevant for how diasporic communities, racialized minorities, and Indigenous Peoples are encountered and acted upon in the Nordic societies, as well as how these communities resist, question, resurgence, organize themselves and seek for alternative horizons beyond hierarchies.
18th IMISCOE Annual Conference on Crossing Borders, connection cultures. University of Luxemborg. Online (July 2021). I presented a scientific research article about information challenges of migrants during the integration process and the use of social media channels to overcome thos challenges. The conference paper was published in the conference preceedings. The theme of the conference was understanding the everyday cultural, lingustic and artistic practices in migration.
The International Conference of Conceptions of LIbrary and Information Science (CoLIS). University of Ljubljana, Slovenia (July, 2019). I attended this conference and the doctoral workshop in the early stage of my doctoral studies to make networking and to learn about the field.
Symposium and Webinar . Virtual The Ethics on studying forced mobilities, University of Oulu (7-8 Oct, 2020). Participated in discussions on ethical challenges in researching forced migration and displacement.
Attended keynote talks and panel sessions on methodologies and researcher responsibility in forced mobility studies. Engaged in virtual workshops on ethics, data collection, and working with vulnerable migrant populations.
Information Day Workshop. University of Oulu, Finland (November 2020). I presented my methodology of conductign research with people with minority background such as, interviews, dairy keeping and participant observations and received feedback and discussions to improve me doctoral work in general.
International Conference on Information Seeking in Context (ISIC) , University of Pretoria, South Africa. Online. (October 2020). I presented one of my scientific research article about literature review of information practices in this conference. The conference went online due to COVID-19.
International Conference on Information Seeking in Context (ISIC), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland (June 2018). I attended this first ever onference in the field of information studies in the beginning of my academic career as a doctoral student. This conference was a good opportunity for me to network and to know more about my research field by listening to others' experiences.
Well-being in the Information Society (WIS) Conference, Fighting inequalities. University of Turku, Finland (August 2018). I presented work in progress, the information practices and the theories related to information science in this conference.
IIER Internatioonal Conference on Social Science and Econoomics, USA (December 2017). I presented short paper about information practices of people from the social media perspective in this conference. The paper was prepared from the material of my Master's thesis.
ICESM International Conference on Economics, Society and Management, Toronto, Canada (September 2017). I presented my abstract about information practices from my Master's studies in this conference to get discussions and feedback on my research which has helped me to shape my doctoral proposal. This conference marked my first academic presentation and the beginning of my academic career in Europe.
Research Fundings/Grants
Research Fundings/Grants
Liikesivistysrahasto (Foundation for Economic Education), Postdoctoral research project, 15,000 EUR, November 2025.
Mobility Grant, Postdoctoral mobility at an international university, Åbo Akademi University, Mobile Future Funded Project, 8,000 EUR, September 2025.
Peurunka Foundation Finland, Postdoctoral research, 2,000 EUR, August 2025.
Finnish Cultural Foundation, Doctoral dissertation completion grant, 15,000 EUR, August 2024 – January 2025.
Åbo Akademi University Foundation, short-term grant for the final stage of doctoral dissertation, 5,400 EUR (1,800 EUR/month), May – July 2024.
The Migration Institute of Finland, The Niilo and Helen M. Alho Fund, for proofreadin and language check for a scientific article in a Journal during doctoral joruney, 1000 EUR, May 2024.
Niilo Helander Foundation, doctoral dissertation research grant, 24,000 EUR, January – December 2022.
Niilo Helander Foundation, research project on migrants and mental health, 10,000 EUR, January – May 2022.
Åbo Akademi University Foundation (Harry Elving Grant), summer school participation, Prague, Czech Republic, 2,000 EUR, August 2022.
The Nordic Administrative Union, Finnish Section (NAF), continuation grant for doctoral dissertation, 4,000 EUR, May 2022.
The Migration Institue of Finland, The Niilo and Helen M. Alho Fund, Travel expenses to the IMISCOE conference in Luxemborg, 750 EUR, May 2020.
The Nordic Administrative Union, Finnish Section (NAF), doctoral dissertation research grant, 2,000 EUR, May 2021.
The Migration Institute of Finland, The Niilo and Helen M. Alho Fund, to accomplish some data collection tasks in doctoral research, 1,000 EUR, March 2021.
Jubileumsfonden, research collaboration visit to Sweden, Åbo Akademi University, 108,000 SEK, May – October 2019.
Oskar Öflund Foundation, doctoral dissertation research grant, 5,000 EUR, September 2019.
Other Academic Services & Engagement
Other Academic Services & Engagement
Volunteer Social Media Manager (Instagram and Facebook). Responsible for managing official social media channels of the university department, including content planning, community engagement, and promoting research and events. Åbo Akademi University. 01.05.2022 – Present.
Workshop organizer (The Nordic Workshop on Bibliometrics and Research Policy). Managed logistics planned the program and coordinated speakers in the workshop. Managed social media presence of the workshop (Instagram) by posting latest news, updates and outcomes in the form of photos and videos. University of Turku, Finland. September 2022
Conference Organizer (BOBCATSSS). Coordinated communications with keynote speakers, session chairs and participants. Managed the conference registration process and developed promotional materials for the event. Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway. January 2022
Memberships & Volunteering
Memberships & Volunteering
January 2020 - December 2025
Member of Doctoral network & Student Union
I was active member of DACTA, the Doctoral Network , the student union, at Åbo Akademi University, supporting academic collaboration and doctoral community initiatives. And, also an active member of the Student Union of Business and Social Sciences at Åbo Akademi University, contributing to student activities and community engagement.
Åbo Akademi Univeristy, Turku, Finland
Photo from the Vappu day (the student day in Finland), wearing overalls from my school of Business and Economics, with other students
May 2022
January 2021 - Present
Member of Monika-Naiset (Multicultural Women's Association)
Member of Monika-Naiset liitto ry, a Finnish multicultural women’s association, a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting multicultural women, promoting equality and inclusion, and offering social support services including counseling and integration activities for women and families.
Helsinki, Finland
January 2019 - Present
Associated with Migration Institute of Finland
Associated with Siirtolaisuusinstituutti / Migration Institute of Finland, Finland’s national research and documentation institute specializing in migration studies. The Institute conducts multidisciplinary research on migration flows, documents the lives and experiences of migrants (including Finns living abroad), publishes scholarly and public materials, and contributes to public dialogue and understanding of migration-related issues.
Link to the institute: https://siirtolaisuusinstituutti.fi/en/frontpage-eng/
Helsinki, Finland
June 2016 - December 2016
Volunteering Red Cross
Volunteer with the Finnish Red Cross, supporting community activities and contributing to humanitarian and social support initiatives for vulnerable individuals and families.
Turku, Finland
March 2019 - December 2019
Volunteering at Cafe
I volunteered at ÅA Café, Osuuskunta Turun Kirjakahvila, where I supported the daily operations of a cooperative café through customer service and front-of-house responsibilities. My tasks included taking orders, handling cash transactions, preparing and managing bills, and serving food and beverages. This role strengthened my communication skills, reliability in financial handling, and ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-based service environment. Link to cafe: https://kirjakahvila.org/
Turku, Finland
March 2018 - December 2019
Volunteering at NGO - Daisy Ladies
I volunteered with Daisy Ladies, a non-governmental organization in Turku working to support and empower women from diverse and migrant backgrounds. In this role, I contributed to community activities and outreach initiatives aimed at promoting social inclusion, well-being, and peer support. Through this experience, I developed strong intercultural communication skills and gained hands-on experience in working with community-based programs focused on women’s empowerment and integration. Link to NGO: https://daisyladies.fi/fi/
Turku, Finland
Other Expertise & Certificates
Other Expertise & Certificates
Doctoral Summer School on Migration and Development, The Geographic Migration Centre (GEOMIGRACE). Charles University, Prague, Czechia. 14.08.2022
Trained in SPSS and R for social science research, Åbo Akademi University, Finland, 2022
Experienced in survey design using LimeSurvey, Finland, 2022
Certificate in Qualitative Data Analysis (NVivo), University of Turku, Finland. 2019
Doctoral Summer School on Division of Migration, Ethnicity and Society, REMESO institute, Linköping University, Sweden. 03.06.2019 – 12.06.2019
Web content management (WordPress) and digital communication, Finland, 2019
Certifiate of IELTS, the English Language with overall band 7.0 - Malaysia, 2014
Language Experitse
Language Experitse
Native language: Urdu
Other languages: English (Fluent), Swedish (Basic), Finnish (Basic), Arabic (Basic), Punjabi (Fluent), Hindi (Basic)
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