BENCY SEBASTINE

Impact-driven social sciences researcher and educator with expertise in health research, community development, and social impact. Experienced in qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, program coordination, and academic teaching. Proven ability to manage complex information and support project delivery while fostering equity and inclusion within diverse communities.

Needs Assessment Survey — Wayanad, Kerala
• Conducted field-based needs assessment in flood-affected tribal colonies in collaboration with the District Administration of Wayanad, Kerala.
• Engaged with vulnerable communities to understand post-disaster needs, service gaps, psychosocial concerns, and recovery priorities.
• Supported the collection and organisation of community-level insights to inform relief and response efforts. 

Women’s Education and Economic Participation Research Project
• Assisted on the research project “The Dichotomy Between Women’s Education and Economic Participation”, exploring the social and institutional barriers faced by educated stay-at-home mothers.
• Conducted literature review and supported qualitative data collection through in-depth personal interviews.
• Examined the psychological, social, and economic implications of women’s limited workforce participation despite educational attainment. 

Master’s Dissertation
“The Social and Emotional Gains and Losses of Dual Working Parents and the Role of Industry in Contemporary Society”
• Conducted independent sociological research examining family, work, emotional wellbeing, and industry-related expectations in contemporary society.
• Applied qualitative research methods to analyse the experiences of dual-working parents and the broader social implications of work-family dynamics.

Kerala Flood Relief Initiative - Wayanad, Kerala, India
• Led a relief fundraising team that raised over AUD 900,000 for the Kerala Flood Relief efforts of 2018.
• Provided psychosocial counselling support to flood-affected tribal communities in Wayanad.
• Supported community-based relief coordination, needs assessment, and engagement with affected populations.
• Demonstrated leadership, crisis response capability, empathy, and cross-sector coordination in a high-pressure humanitarian context. 

Early Childhood and Primary Educator, HOPE Foundation - Kolkata, India
• Provided early childhood and primary education support to vulnerable children living on the streets.
• Supported foundational literacy, classroom engagement, emotional wellbeing, and child-centred learning.
• Worked sensitively with children experiencing social and economic disadvantage. 

EdSupport Team Member, Make A Difference - Kolkata, India
• Mentored and tutored adolescent children living in shelter homes.
• Supported academic development, confidence building, life skills, and long-term educational engagement.
• Contributed to a structured volunteer-led education support program for children in care settings.

Research Coordination

• Community Engagement
• Stakeholder Relationship Management
• Project and Program Support
• Academic Teaching and Mentoring
• Report Writing
• Cross-cultural Communication
• Administrative Coordination
• Public Speaking and Presentation
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Social Impact Practice
• Working with Vulnerable Communities
• Inclusive Practice
• Teamwork and Independent Work