Chronic kidney disease, palliative care, qualitative research methods, mixed methods, end of life care.

As Professor of Nursing and Director of Postgraduate Research, I am a leading researcher in the field of nephrology as evidenced by A) my award of the prestigious ‘Walls Bursary’ from the Renal Association for my ‘significant contribution to the field of Academic Nephrology B) My distinguished collaborative programme of international research activity and dissemination which is cited in national and international evidence-based guidelines C) My research which focuses on improving nephrology care whilst ensuring health professionals are prepared for this challenging field, and addresses UN sustainable goals including good health and well-being and reduced inequalities D) My consistent track record of building and sustaining research internationally. I have successfully led multi-institutional bids with international collaborators submitted to high calibre funders including the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and Marie Curie E) My commitment to patient and public involvement. I have developed novel collaborations with creative artists and those living with kidney disease, leading the inaugural UK Renal Arts Group. I have conceived and deployed original creative arts approaches to improving wellbeing and quality of life for people living with renal disease. Events provide a forum, for unprecedented discussion about dying with renal disease. RAG has been extensively reported in the UK media, for example on NITV and radio Ulster and I supported a RAG member to publish an article describing the role of RAG and its impact on patients, carers and healthcare staff  G) My further contribution to QUB’s international research profile as previous Chair of the inaugural European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses’ Association/European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA) Research Board (2017-19) and subsequently a Scientific Board Committee (SPC) member. The joint Research Board and SPC has collaborated on international published papers and co-ordinated international webinars attended by 100s of healthcare professionals globally H) The global recognition of my academic leadership evidenced by invitations to speak to international audiences at high profile conferences globally, most recently at the Danish Society of Renal Nurses annual conference (2021) and the World Congress of Nephrology, Canada (2021) attended by 3918 participants and several other awards for my work J) My commitment to junior scholars working in the field including MSc and PhD supervision.

Since I came into post as Director of PGR in 2019 I have designed a reflexive programme of postgraduate research training and seminars in consultation with PhD candidates working closely with the Student Voice Committee. In addition I am a trained mindfulness teacher having completed 'Integrating Mindfulness and Compassion in Practice’ (2020)  and the 'Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Teacher training with Mindfulness UK (2020). My leadership of an innovative programme of Mindfulness Compassion for PhD students, helping them manage stress prior to annual reviews which supports the QUB Research Action Plan was awarded an RCN Foundation Impact Award (2022).

I have a Nursing and Midwifery registrable postgraduate Diploma in the Academic Practice (Technology Enabled) and am a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority. In recognition of my excellence in teaching I was awarded a Queen’s Students’ Union Education Award and was winner in the ‘Best Feedback’ category. I have made a substantial contribution to teaching particularly in nephrology and led all renal nursing postgraduate teaching across Northern Ireland since 2013 via three annual postgraduate modules. I have contributed to a key nurse education goal in undergraduate education to increase student research skills and knowledge co-developing the Research Internship Scheme (2012-2019) designed to encourage undergraduate nursing and midwifery students to pursue a research career. To enhance the scheme, a new initiative 'Getting Connected with Research' will be launched to expand the number of PhD applications.

Postregistration modules:

Module Leader

• DNP 9009 - Doctorate in Nursing Practice - Independant Module.
• HSN3076 - Nephrology Introductory Module
• HSN3074 - Renal Nursing
• HSN3075 - Renal Replacement Therapies (RRT)

External Examiner

• City University, London (2019-)
• University of Hertfordshire & Lincoln University College (Malaysia) (2015-19)
•    BSc (Hons) International Nursing programme (Malaysia)
•    BSc Contemporary Nursing
•    MSc Contemporary Nursing

Graduate Supervision outside QUB

• Carmela Arteaga Jorda – (Category B Supervisor): The concept of Self management and the Expert Patient Programme– 2010-2018 – City University London.