People
As with life, this research project wouldn't be possible without the support and collaboration of its own Very Important People and Organisations
Dalia Avello-Vega
Lead Researcher
Dalia is the principal investigator and enthusiastic leader of the My VIP Scotland project. Trained as a psychologist, she has dedicated most of her career to exploring the intersection between adversity and children’s mental health in public policy contexts.
For My VIP Scotland she is using longitudinal data to learn about the influence that significant adults and peers have in children’s lives as they grow.
Other projects Dalia is currently involved in:
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Deconstructing Preschool Suspension and Expulsion: Discourse analysis in a policy setting.
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Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Latin-America: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis.
Michael Heffernan
Young Persons Advisory Group Leader
Michael is an youth participation advisor to the My VIP Scotland project. He is a Social Policy and Politics student at the University of Edinburgh. Alongside his studies, Michael is a longstanding ‘expert by experience’ and brought his lived experience of human rights breaches to projects at the Scottish Government and charitable foundations trying to tackle these issues.
For the project, Michael has been working with Dalia, using his experience of participation projects to construct an authentic and empowering participation experience for the Young Advisory Group.
Artists and Designers
The artists and designers behind the website
Street Artist
Dotmaster
Dotmaster is an internationally renowned street artist and multi-media creator, with an eclectic career spanning more than three decades of practice.
Dotmaster's Rude Kids' stencils from Jopps Lane and the E&Ms building in Aberdeen (Nuart Aberdeen 2019) became the graphic inspiration for the project.
All the fun kids found on this website courtesy of Dotmaster.
Photographer
Mano Mandal
Mano is a researcher, photographer, and documentary film maker based in Edinburgh.
They are currently writing up their PhD thesis in Social Anthropology. Adopting ethnographic and visual methods, their research explores themes of climate change, displacement, citizenship, and energy access.
All the photography used for the project courtesy of Mano.
Creative Director
Lorena Avello
Lore is a visual storytelling expert and strategic communications specialist. She transforms complex ideas into clear, impactful narratives.
Lore specialises in executive presentations and has an extensive background in the pharmaceutical industry. By merging design and strategy, she improves communication, engagement, and decision-making.
The creative direction and storytelling for this website courtesy of Lore.
