I contribute to teaching and research at the School of Psychology.

I worked as a post-doctoral researcher with the MEDAL research group which is led by Dr. Gerry Molloy. I am continuing to contribute to this IRC funded research project which aims to produce a network meta-analysis comparing specific behavioural approaches to reducing blood pressure through physical activity to pharmacological approaches. We will also organise training in network meta-analysis for social scientists and health researchers as part of this project.

I worked as the Project Manager for the CHARMS pilot study. The CHARMS study focused on improving sexual health among people living with cardiovascular disease in Ireland. Sexual health can be a particular concern for people with cardiovascular disease, and issues related to sexual health can negatively impact on quality of life and relationship satisfaction. This was a HRB funded research project which was led by Dr. Molly Byrne who directs the Health Behaviour Change Research Group.

My PhD focused on critically analysing claims regarding the effect of mindfulness on thinking skills.In recent years, many claims have been made regarding the application of mindfulness practice to the improvement of everyday thinking skills. Everyday thinking skills are best measured using assessments developed in the field of research focused on critical thinking. When considering the theoretical foundation of a relationship between mindfulness and critical thinking, there are generally two main perspectives put forward. One view suggests that mindfulness does not facilitate critical thinking due to the association between mindfulness and acceptance. Another view suggests that since mindfulness practice appears to result in improved executive functioning, it may facilitate the operation of reflective processes which are crucial to effective critical thinking. However, no previous studies have directly examined the relationship between mindfulness and critical thinking. The research conducted as part of my PhD was intended to address this gap in the literature.

I worked as a research assistant in the Whitaker Institute under the supervision of Dr. Elaine Wallace. My main responsibility was to assist in the drafting of a grant application to the European Research Council.

I, along with Dr. Michael Hogan, organised a conference on well-being in Ireland with a systems science focus.

I served on the committee of the PSI Students Affairs Group. This involved assisting other members of the committee in organising events and carrying out the promotion of these events and representing Irish psychology students as best we can. I was International Officer for the PSI SAG.

As a SIPPA regional representative, I represented SIPPA by:- Contacting students and organizing regional student presentations on SIPPA- Spreading the word on SIPPA through local student newsletters and other student-oriented media- Fostering local student activities around Positive Psychology- Being listed on our website as a SIPPA regional representative so that other students in your area can contact you with questions and comments- Channeling questions and feedback from my student community to SIPPA- All in close collaboration with SIPPA, which will be assisting me with guidelines, powerpoints, tips and information

As a member representative for Ireland, my tasks included promotion, communication and facilitation of the relationship between EFPSA and the psychology students of Ireland. As member representative, I also had voting privileges at General Assemblies of EFPSA.

I developed lectures and assessments for a new module on positive psychology. This module is delivered to 2nd year students in NUI Galway. It is the first undergraduate module dedicated to positive psychology in Ireland

My role as a researcher involved data collection and statistical analysis in a number of studies. I worked closely with other researchers from diverse fields and under the supervision of Dr. Brian McGuire.

I served as the vice auditor on the committee of the NUIG Psychological society. My role in the Psychological Society has involved organising events such as lectures and a table quiz and a charity football match. I also maintained the society website with another committee member. As Vice-Auditor I managed much of the communication between the society and others.

I worked in St. Clare's as part of the Summer Camp/July Education programme. I devised and led musical activitysessions in all the classes in the school. I worked with children of a wide age group (ages 6-17) and a wide range ofabilities. I also helped supervise on excursions.