Since joining the NIHR Healthy Ageing Policy Research Unit (HAPRU) (formerly Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit) in 2022 as a Research Fellow, I have been involved in providing timely, high-quality evidence on healthy ageing for policy makers. I am also a member of the Healthy Ageing Research Group within the School of Health Sciences since 2019.

I hold a PhD in Cognitive Psychology from Dublin City University, where my doctoral research explored protective factors in cognitive decline and dementia. My academic background is rooted in quantitative research, with extensive experience managing and analysing large longitudinal datasets and clinical trial data. I am experienced in advanced statistical techniques, including structural equation modelling, and the use of sophisticated statistical modelling software.

My primary research interests lie in the area of healthy ageing, with particular emphasis on leveraging technology to promote physical activity and prevent falls in older adults. A significant focus of my work is conducting high-quality systematic reviews. I have considerable experience with various methodologies, including Cochrane reviews, COSMIN reviews (psychometric properties), and overview and rapid review approaches. My work in this area contributes strong, reliable evidence to inform policy and practice.

PhD (Dublin City University 2017)

H.Dip. Psychology (Trinity College Dublin 2010)

M.Soc.Sc. Sociology (University College Dublin 2005)

B.Soc.Sc. Social Science (University College Dublin 2004)

Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (CPsychol) 2018

My methodological expertise centres on systematic reviews, where I have extensive experience with a variety of methodologies, including Cochrane reviews, COSMIN reviews, and both overview and rapid review approaches. I have a background in quantitative methods, and I'm experienced in statistical modelling techniques such as confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM), as well as psychometrics. 

• National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research (NIHR SPCR) funding – December 2021 (Co-applicant)
• Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing (MICRA) and the Centre for Ageing Better Seedcorn Funding  – January 2021 (PI)
• Institute Community Support (ICS) travel award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – April 2018
• Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship Award 2017-2019
• FP7 (European Commission 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development) PhD funding as part of the In-MINDD project (Innovative Midlife INterventions for Dementia Deterrence) 2012-2015

My research interests are primarily centred on healthy ageing, with a specific focus on physical activity, technology, and falls prevention. In my current role at the NIHR Healthy Ageing Policy Research Unit (HAPRU), I am actively involved in providing timely, high-quality evidence on healthy ageing to inform policy decisions. My current research employs an evidence synthesis approach to address key questions raised by policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions on crucial issues related to healthy ageing.

Previously, I have worked in psychometrics, conducting the multi-site validation of a patient-centred frailty measure and analysing clinical trial data to investigate the psychometric properties of patient-centred symptom assessment. With a background in cognitive psychology, my PhD research delved into cognitive decline among healthy older adults, framed within the cognitive reserve model.