Elena Vasiliou is a PhD candidate in Gender studies at the University of Cyprus. Her academic background is in Psychology (Panteion University, Athens). Her research interests include queer theories, post/decolonial theories and prison studies. Between 2010-2015, Elena worked as an instructor at the Nicosia Central Prison Educational Program. Part of her experience in institutions is also her long work with psychiatric patients and psychiatric care homes from 2010-2019. She currently belongs to the group of experts of the Council of Europe providing expertise in monitoring places of deprivation and personal freedom. She has also taken part in a number of local and European projects as researcher in relation to LGBTQ issues, queer parenting and prison studies. Elena also trains as an amateur triathlete and writes short stories.