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 and an MSc in Health Psychology at the University of Ulster in 2016. 

My programme of research seeks to understand the psychosocial impact of cancer on both patients and their families. I work in partnership with patients, carers and health care professionals to understand  experiences of cancer and cancer services and to co-design effective and feasible solutions .  Together we have developed online supports for families affected by cancer in Northern Ireland ( www.cancercaringcoping.com), Austrailia and Vietnam. I have a particular interest in the development of supportive oncology services in low middle income countries. 

I am responsible for teaching Public Health to undergraduate Nurses. I lecture Psychology and Public Health 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.