Background
I am a PhD researcher in this research project and collaborate with Middle Eastern and South Asian migrants who live in Morocco. I have a background in Cultural Anthropology and International Development Studies.
Creating connections
I had many memorable moments throughout this project, but a few stand out. Some of the memories I cherish most are those where the line between respondent and researcher began to blur. After years of knowing one another, our meetings often extended beyond the interview guide. We would share picnics in the park, surf together, or visit the zoo. These moments became more personal, conversations flowed freely, and respondents started asking me many questions too. They would ask what it was like growing up with older brothers, what my parents do for a living, or whether I wanted to start a family of my own.
Dealing with adversity
But not all interactions were joyful, because some respondents faced incredibly difficult circumstances. One family in particular stayed with me. They were struggling to find their way in Morocco. They did not speak the local language, had no social connections, were financially unstable, and experienced mental distress. I remember feeling overwhelmed with concern and powerlessness, and acutely aware of my own privilege. If you would like to read more about this encounter and how I processed it, see the blog "Taking a long shower."
Collaboration
What also stands out is how deeply collaborative research is -it does not happen in a vacuum or behind a desk. I feel incredibly grateful to have worked alongside so many caring and committed colleagues. Collaborating with fieldwork coordinators, student assistants, and fellow researchers from Syria, Morocco, Afghanistan, and the U.S. has been deeply enriching. They taught me a lot about conducting qualitative research across cultural, linguistic, and personal dimensions.
Shared humanity
I am proud of the videos we created during this project. In a world where public and political discourse on migration is becoming increasingly harsh and dehumanizing, it feels essential to visually portray the everyday lives of migrants. Capturing their personalities and unique experiences, especially around deeply intimate moments like marriage, divorce, childbirth, and loss, helps reveal our shared humanity.