I am interested in undertaking qualitative research which enhances understanding of the role of schools in divided societies: My published research falls into two key areas:

Educational Policy- in particular, the concept of neoliberalism and managerialism and its effects on educational policy/governance in NI and further afield 

Education in Divided Societies-  specifically the role of schools in challenging societal division.

I have undertaken research on school ethos and school governance attempting to develop greater conceptual clarity and specificity to both concepts.  I have published extensively on the role of schools in promoting or impeding the development of more positive relations between groups divided by religious belief, political persuasion and cultural tradition.

My current research is focused on exploring the potential of the relatively recent concept of ‘shared education’ to promote better intergroup relations in Northern Ireland and other divided societies. I am also the NI lead in a research project which  reviews  Educational Governance across the regions of the UK with the BELMAS (The British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society)

Doctoral Supervision

As a primary supervisor, I have supervised  12 students to successful completion. 

 I welcome inquires from potential doctoral candidates interested in undertaking research in the areas of intergroup relations; shared education; school ethos; educational policy; divided societies.  

Current Students

Clare McAuley:  Teaching about the Past in Northern Ireland

Yvonne Moynihan: The Educational Experiences of Ethnic Minority Students in NI 

David Coggans: Intergroup contact and the international student in Ireland

Catherine Monaghan: Transitions and the international nursing student in the UK

Catharine McGlade: International students in HE: Experiences of  Acculturation

Geraldine Patterson: Trauma in the lives of Early Career Social Workers in NI

Patricia Corrigan: Negotiating Learner Identity in an Educational Partnership in NI

Maggie Bennett: Experiences of Young Carers in Higher Education

Selected Current /Past Projects

2018- UK Review of Educational Leadership and Administration in the United Kingdom A Comparative Review (with P Woods; D Torrance; T Hamilton; K Jones; I Potter)

2017-  Shared Education  in NI - Atlantic Philanthropies [with J Hughes; P Connolly)

2016-2017 Longitudinal impact of cross-community contact on social attitudes- Atlantic Philanthropies (with J Hughes; T Gallagher)

2008 Parental Participation in peace education: a comparative study- British Academy ( with J Hughes)

 Teaching 

I have extensive experience in HE teaching and have taught across a range of programmes. Most recently I have taught Qualitative Research Methods  and Education in Divided Societies on the Doctorate in Education; I am the current Module Convenor for Introduction to Doctoral Research on the iPHD programme; I have also taught Education Policy on the Master's in Education programme

Current Leadership roles

Director of Post Graduate Taught Studies; in SSESW I have responsibility for the management and strategic development of postgraduate taught programmes within the School.

Module Convenor Introduction to Doctoral Research

Deputy Director of Centre for Shared Education

 I was awarded the 'supervisory excellence award' by the QUB Graduate School in 2015 and 2016 and was nominated for the award in 2017.