Carolyn Graham

My research interest is the sociology of the work environment, which includes employee relations issues and psycho-social factors impacting occupational health and safety.  My current focus is seafarers’ occupational health and safety, with specific reference to labour standards governing representative participation, as per the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.

I came to Cardiff in 2013 and since then completed the Diploma in Social Sciences Research Methods (Distinction) and I am now in the fourth year of the PhD Programme.

I entered the maritime field in 1998 as an Administrative Assistant in Jamaica’s maritime administration. Realizing very early the depth and breadth of the industry and therefore the need for formal training, I enrolled in a shipping logistics course, after seeking a change in occupation, to get more involved with the operational side. From there I became the Registrar of Seafarers, subsequent to returning from the World Maritime University, Sweden, having completed a MSc in maritime affairs (maritime education and training specialization), enabled by a Sasakawa Fellowship, and rewarded with a distinction and the inaugural Pierre Leonard prize for best female student. I am also the holder of a BA (hons.) in English (Literature) and a MSc in Sociology (social psychology specialization), both from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica, and a Diploma in public relations from another institution. 

My dissertation at the WMU was on the role of the behavioural sciences in maritime education and training towards achieving a safety culture. This exploratory study was done on conviction that the technical aspects of shipping needed to be complemented with the social (human) aspects, which is the focus of SIRC. My desire is to bring my various educational qualifications to bear on my time at Cardiff University. 

In addition to administrative work, I taught at UWI in various sociology and social psychology courses for a number of years. I am currently a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant for first year undergraduates in psychology. I am a visual artist and also have interests in photography and creative writing. I am a Rotarian (Paul Harris Fellow), a Gold Award Holder (Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme) and a Director in the “I’m Glad I’m a Girl” Foundation, Jamaica. My hobbies are weight training and cardio, reading, nature walks, traveling and dancing.

I am grateful to the Nippon Foundation for the opportunity to pursue this Doctoral programme at SIRC.

Carolyn is an Associate Member of the Nautical Institute, and Member of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors.