Damini Lalchand

Research professional with a background in psychology and broad experience across research, analysis, stakeholder engagement and programme development. Experienced in designing and delivering quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research, interpreting complex information and translating findings into clear and meaningful insights. Comfortable in working independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary environments with an experience in managing projects, coordinating competing priorities and engaging diverse stakeholders.

A strong analytical and evidence-based approach is complemented by effective communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.

Head of Wellbeing at Indian National Students Association UK (2025-06 – Present)

• Led the development and delivery of Chitta Within, a culturally informed wellbeing initiative translating psychological evidence into accessible, non-clinical support for Indian international students in the UK.
• Working with INSA UK's national leadership and student network spanning 40+ UK universities to identify wellbeing priorities and strengthen access to culturally appropriate support.
• Involves coordinating with a multidisciplinary programme team across research, content development, communications and partnership engagement, aligning workstreams around programme objectives.
• Developed external relationships with professional, community and wellbeing organisations to explore collaboration, specialist input and programme support.
• Planned evidence-informed wellbeing sessions and communications designed around student needs and inclusive participation.

Postgraduate Researcher at University of Hertfordshire (2019-04 – Present)

Includes an extended period of approved leave for personal circumstances.

• Designed and led a research programme examining psychological protective factors and mental wellbeing among first- and second-generation Indian migrants in England, with relevance to population mental health and health inequalities.
• Applied mixed-methods research approaches, integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence to investigate complex psychological and population-health questions.
• Used SPSS for statistical analysis, NVivo for qualitative analysis and Qualtrics for survey design and data collection.
• Developed research questions, study methodology, participant-facing materials, recruitment approaches and data-collection protocols.
• Engaged with Indian communities in the UK to understand mental-health experiences, unmet needs and barriers to support.
• Synthesise academic evidence, interpret findings and communicate complex methodological and psychological concepts to academic and non-specialist audiences.
• Managed ethics requirements, participant confidentiality, study documentation and research records.

Visiting Lecturer at University of Hertfordshire (2022-09 – 2023-09)

Delivered tutorials and small-group teaching to BSc Psychology and MSc Psychology (Conversion) students by translating complex psychological and research concepts for students with differing levels of prior knowledge. Provided individual academic guidance and constructive feedback, supporting critical thinking, research interpretation and evidence-based argumentation. Supported students with their personal academic journeys on a one-to-one basis as their first point of contact through their degree.

Postgraduate Research Representative, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at University of Hertfordshire (2021-12 – 2023-04)

• Represented postgraduate researchers in institutional discussions concerning equality, diversity, inclusion and student progression.
• Gathered and synthesised feedback from underrepresented student groups to identify recurring barriers affecting academic experience and progression.
• Communicated emerging issues to university stakeholders and contributed to discussions on student data trends and outcomes.

Visiting Lecturer at University of Hertfordshire (2018-09 – 2019-01)

• Supported first- and second-year psychology laboratory classes, providing procedural and academic guidance in a structured teaching environment.
• Marked laboratory reports and provided constructive feedback on scientific writing, research report-writing skills.

Postgraduate Research Degree in Psychology – University of Hertfordshire (2019)

Short Course in Researching Gender-Based Violence: Methods & Meanings – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London (2021-05 – 2021-05)

MSc in Research Methods in Psychology – University of Hertfordshire (2017 – 2018)

BSc (Hons) in Psychology – University of Hertfordshire (2014 – 2017)