My research is focused on understanding how dimensions of social connectedness are related to mental and physical health outcomes. Current projects are focused on (1) the impact of loneliness on health in young or "emerging" adults (2) the role of social support in managing illness including T1 diabetes and gestational diabetes, funded by awards from the Irish Research Council and the Irish Endocrine Society. Alongside my core research programme, I have extensive public engagement experience. I held an SFI Discover award to support the development of a mini-module in psychology for transition year students, and since 2018, have held a regular contributor slot on RTÉ Radio 1, discussing psychological concepts and research for lay audiences.

At UL, my primary teaching has been for research methods (UG and; PG; mainly quantitative), for introductory psychology, and for developmental psychology and psychopathology. I have also lead the psychology research project modules for UG and masters. My teaching has been recognised through three award schemes to date. In 2016, I was one of three UL staff shortlisted for the Shannon Consortium Regional Teaching Excellence Award. In 2015-2016, as part of the First Seven Weeks initiative, I was one of the top four most frequently cited staff in UL identified by first year students as having the most positive effect on their early learning experiences. In 2017 I was awarded the UL Team Teaching Award (with Prof. Stephen Gallagher). I completed the Graduate Diploma in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship at UL in 2022.

I completed my degree and doctorate in psychology at NUI Galway, supported by a college fellowship and IRCHSS. During my undergraduate studies I also completed a diploma in Gaeilge (Irish language). I joined the Department of Psychology at the University of Limerick as a Lecturer in September 2013, following my training at NUI Galway, and a year applying my research skills to several policy-relevant projects at the Educational Research Centre in Drumcondra. At UL, I am a member of the Health Research Institute, and the SASHLab research group (sashlab.com), involved in several strands of research in social connectedness and health.