Neil is a Lecturer in International Law at The Open University. Prior to this Neil studied for a PhD in Law in Queen’s University Belfast, where he also completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Neil has also worked as an Associate Lecturer with The Open University and a Teaching Assistant at Queen’s University.

Neil’s research interests are within international human rights law, asylum law and law and emotion. Within these areas of legal enquiry, he is particularly interested in the legal framework which regulates what happens after someone has been ill-treated, as well as the impact of legal processes on individuals where trauma is present.

Neil is currently working on research which looks at racial profiling in immigration control in Northern Ireland. He is also conducting empirical research, sponsored by the OU Citizenship and Governance Strategic Research Area, which looks at the emotional impacts of working as an asylum practitioner, as well as education and training to help practitioners perform their roles.

In addition, Neil is currently working on a project with the UK charity, LawCare, to develop online resources to promote psychologically healthy practices within the legal profession. As part of this project, Neil is collaborating in research which looks at means of supporting the mental health of practitioners within the legal profession.