My research primarily focuses on the area of psychosocial oncology. My research aims to  understanding the health, wellbeing and service needs of both cancer patients and their primary caregivers. Through qualitatative a quantitative methods I aim to understand the psychosocial implications of cancer and how this knowledge can be used to prevent late effects of treatment and  how we can best treat and support those affected by cancer.

I graduated from Queens University Belfast in 2006 with a BSc Psychology and later in 2010 with a PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health. I enrolled in  MSc in Health Psychology at the University of Ulster in 2013. On completion of my PhD , I obtained a Cochrane Fellowship to undertake a  Cochrane review ‘ Psychosocial interventions for informal caregivers of people living with cancer’. This has lead to a programme of work in partnership with CPH, CCRCB and HSCT's examining the development of support packages for caregivers.

In 2010 I became the project co-ordinator of a Macmillan commissioned study examining the health and wellbeing of cancer survivors and their primary caregivers. This study provided understanding of the health wellbeing, health service utilisation and treatment effects following cancer and provided the catalyst for the transformation in cancer follow up in Northern Ireland. I have conducted a number of research studies within the cancer field including a needs assessment of colorectal cancer survivor in Northern Ireland, testing novel methodologies in cancer survivorship and examining late effects post treatment.

I also have a particular intereest in how cancer affects marginalised groups specifically LGBT populations and people with serious mental illness .

Current Graduate Supervision

I currently supervise a number of PhDs :

Exploring the issues faced by individuals affected by serious mental illness and cancer.

The development of a psychosocial intervention for cancer caregivers.

Understanding breast health awareness in Saudi Arabia.

The psychosocial implications of living with a pre-malignant disease (MGUS).

Sickle Cell Anemia in Cabinda. A prospective study evaluating life long effects on Childrens Quality of Life.

Current Funded Research Projects 

Leadership roles:

I am post-doctoral advisor and the equality and diversity officer within the School of Nursing and Midwifery. 

I am responsible for teaching Health and Wellbeing to undergraduate Nurses. I lecture Psychology and its application to nursing practice including ; understanding patient thoughts and behaviour, understanding health behaviours and techniques to change, public health and nursing, smoking cessation and social psychology and health.