Academic Mentoring & Qualitative Research Support
As an academic mentor, researcher and coach, I support postgraduate students, doctoral researchers, early-career researchers and academics to develop their research, writing and academic careers. My mentoring combines academic development with structured coaching to strengthen skills, confidence, independence and professional growth.
I work with researchers across different academic and cultural contexts and have particular expertise in qualitative research. I provide methodological guidance throughout the qualitative research process, from developing research questions and study designs to qualitative data collection, analysis, interpretation and publication.
What is academic mentoring and coaching?
Academic mentoring and coaching is a collaborative, developmental process that supports researchers and academics to grow professionally, strengthen their scholarly skills and navigate the challenges of academic life. It combines mentoring — sharing knowledge, experience and guidance, with coaching that supports reflection, goal setting, confidence and independent decision-making. I help mentees:
Clarify academic, research and career goals
Strengthen academic writing, publication and grant-development skills
Develop research and methodological skills
Build confidence in teaching, supervision and academic leadership
Navigate challenges within academic institutions and cross-cultural contexts
- Develop sustainable academic careers with purpose and impact
Qualitative Research Support
I provide qualitative research support for researchers, PhD students and other academics who want methodological guidance at different stages of their research. Drawing on my experience in qualitative, participatory and co-design research, I support researchers to strengthen the methodological quality, coherence and rigour of their studies.
I can support you with:
- Developing and refining qualitative research questions and study designs
- Developing interview and focus group guides
- Planning qualitative data collection
- Coding and qualitative data analysis
- Developing themes and interpreting findings
- Strengthening reflexivity and methodological rigour
- Ensuring coherence between research questions, methodology, analysis and findings
- Preparing qualitative research for publication
My approach
Each mentoring, coaching or research-support journey is built on trust, respect and collaboration. I use a self-directed, strengths-based approach that supports mentees and researchers as active partners in the learning process. My aim is not simply to provide answers, but to strengthen your confidence, methodological thinking and capacity to make independent academic and research decisions.
You can expect:
- A supportive and inclusive space to explore your academic goals, aspirations and challenges
- Individualised guidance tailored to your career stage, research needs and professional context
- Practical, evidence-informed support with academic writing, publishing, qualitative research and grant development
- Structured reflection, goal setting and action planning to strengthen confidence and self-efficacy
- Support to develop your own methodological reasoning and independent research skills
- Flexible sessions tailored to your goals, available in English, Swedish or Somali
Our work together focuses on identifying the strategies, skills and resources that will enable you to continue developing as an independent researcher, educator or academic leader. The aim is sustainable academic growth that extends beyond our sessions.
Academic Mentoring in Collaboration with SOMENAC
I also collaborate with SOMENAC to provide academic mentoring and capacity-building opportunities for students, researchers and academics. Through this collaboration, we aim to create supportive spaces where scholars can strengthen their research skills, academic confidence and professional development.
This collaboration is particularly committed to supporting scholars from racially minoritised and underrepresented backgrounds, recognising that academic development is shaped not only by individual skills, but also by access to mentorship, networks, opportunities and supportive academic environments.
Individual mentoring and qualitative research support can be tailored to your specific goals, while SOMENAC also provides opportunities for group-based learning, mentoring and academic development.
“Fatumo, your invaluable guidance, unwavering support and continuous encouragement have significantly shaped my doctoral journey. Your expertise and insights guided me through each phase of my research. Beyond supervision, you have been a remarkable mentor, generously sharing your extensive experience in intervention research. Your commitment and encouragement have truly inspired and motivated me throughout this journey.”
PhD student, supervision
PhD student, supervisor
PhD student, supervisor
Course participant
Whether you are looking for academic mentoring, qualitative research support, or guidance at a particular stage of your research journey, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss how I can support you.
By submitting your personal information, you consent to its collection, use, and storage in accordance with GDPR privacy policy.