Christal O. Spel is an early career researcher with growing expertise in African migration, and an advocate for immigrants’ wellbeing. She has research experience on immigrants’ wellbeing, immigration governance, integration policy, micro-business development and Africa regional integration. She holds a Ph.D. in Social and Public Policy from the University of Helsinki, Finland, and an MSc in Development and International Cooperation from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Dr. Spel is a volunteer at Think Africa ry and IWWOF. She is presently the vice-chair of Think Africa ry, and the coordinator of the Youth Educational Performance Program (YEPP) that offers mentorship and tutoring to immigrant youth in Finland. She is committed to bridging academic theory to societal development and contributes to society building through her research and advocacy for immigrant rights and wellbeing. Dr Spel has collaborated with several African migration experts in edited book projects focusing on African migration management and regional integration. She is published in regional and international journals and has written several blogs to call attention to social issues experienced by African immigrants, women and micro-entrepreneurs.
