About
I am a health psychologist and researcher (Dozentin) at the Competence Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (Ostschweizer Fachhochschule), in St. Gallen, Switzerland. My research interests focus on mental health, trauma, stress, and resilience, as well as the (psychological, social, biological, and environmental aspects of) health and ageing processes, and dementia. I also have experience developing, managing, and evaluating health-promotion interventions. I am particularly interested in research using a co-creation approach, emphasising collaborative and interdisciplinary exchange, and applying qualitative research methodologies. Originally from Ireland, I have worked in a number of research institutes, both in Switzerland (currently) and internationally. These positions have provided me with valuable experience in the development of research project proposals, building and managing research networks, coordinating and conducting multi-study projects, writing scientific publications and project reports, and the teaching and supervision of students and project members. My current research focuses on (the promotion and maintenance of) mental health and resilience in various populations with experiences of trauma, stress, adversity, and psychopathology. I also have a particular focus on research with older adults (and healthy ageing), and the psychosocial considerations of dementia.
Work
Ostschweizer Fachhochschule OST
|Senior Researcher and Lecturer (Dozentur Gesundheits- und Gerontopsychologie)
Switzerland
→
University of Lausanne
|Postdoctoral Researcher & Project Coordinator
Switzerland
→
University of Zurich
|Postdoctoral researcher and lecturer
Switzerland
→
University of Zurich
|Doctoral Research Assistant and lecturer
Switzerland
→
Swansea University
|Project Officer (and) Research Assistant [Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin]
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
→
Swansea University
|Research Assistant [Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin]
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
→
Dundalk Institute of Technology
|Research Assistant [Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin]
Ireland
→
Centre for Science, Society & Citizenship
|Research Assistant [Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin] – secondment
Italy
→
Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit
|Research Assistant [Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin]
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
→
Education
University of Zürich
→
Ph.D. in Psychology
University of Zurich
→
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Higher Education (Hochschuldidaktik)
Swansea University
→
Postgraduate Certificate in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology
University of the West of Scotland
→
Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
University of Stirling Department of Psychology
→
Master of Science (MSc) in Health Psychology
University College Dublin
→
Bachelor of Arts (BA) honours degree in Psychology
Coláiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon
→
School-leaving examinations: Honours Leaving Certificate