Laura Simpson Reeves

Laura Simpson Reeves is an experienced qualitative social researcher, currently undertaking her PhD at the Institute for Social Science Research at UQ. Her research and teaching engages with marginalised and vulnerable populations both in Australia and abroad, including those experiencing poverty and/or homelessness and those identifying as LGBTIQA+.

Laura’s PhD examines cultural perceptions of poverty by exploring ideas of ‘the good life’ amongst Samoan populations in Greater Brisbane. She has previously worked as a senior research officer at ISSR, a research communication adviser with SMERU Research Institute (Indonesia’s premier think tank on poverty-related issues), and a research assistant with the Centre for Communication and Social Change.

Outside of research, Laura’s professional background spans print media, publishing, and developing materials for development and humanitarian professionals and practitioners.

Research interest

• poverty and inequality
• migrants and diaspora
• visual research methods
• urban sociology