My research interests lie in Intercultural Communication, Multilingualism, Migrant Education, Transversal Skills in Higher Education aligning with European policy goals supporting multilingualism and multiculturalism in education. I strive to improve teaching and learning quality while developing competent teachers for secondary schools.

Another aspect of my research explores how teachers can thrive and become the best educators they can be, focusing on the link between well-being and teaching practices. My work focuses on teacher wellbeing in multilingual and multicultural classrooms, exploring how these environments impact both teachers and students.

My research on Digital Teaching and Learning seeks to develop innovative and inclusive pedagogies. Recent projects investigate technology's role in enhancing intercultural communication competence and teacher education. I collaborated on the Erasmus TRIP project, a key initiative that seeks to advance inclusive internationalisation at home educational approaches in Higher Education, particularly in the area of eLearning. The project is centred around fostering intercultural communication competence and promoting an inclusive campus culture.

Global Citizenship Education is at the heart of my research in the field of teacher education, where I emphasises the importance of critical consciousness in teacher education. My projects guide student teachers in applying global citizenship frameworks, enabling them to address sustainability and diversity in their teaching roles.

I am a dedicated researcher in the field of inclusion, focusing on the education and training of educators working with students with additional needs. My journey in this area began in 2008, when I first underwent specialised training to support these students effectively. Since then, I have pursued advanced training at the University of Southern California, deepening my expertise in inclusive practices. My work emphasises equipping educators, students and their parents with the skills and understanding necessary to foster inclusive learning environments. Inclusion remains a key area of my research and professional commitment.

I am a member of the Centre for Applied Language Studies (CALS), a research center at the University of Limerick. I conduct research that brings together applied linguistics and teacher education, fostering real-world applications of research in educational settings.

I teach modules on foundation studies in education, encompassing key areas such as the history of education, contemporary issues, intercultural education, global citizenship, language-sensitive teaching, educational policy, and curriculum studies. Through these modules, I strive to foster a deep understanding of the socio-cultural, political, and historical contexts that influence education systems and practices.

Throughout my teaching career, I had the opportunity to work with a wide range of learners, from large lecture groups to smaller, more focused seminars. Her experience spans working with young and mature students, as well as international learners, all of whom bring diverse perspectives to the classroom. As a teacher educator, I prioritise inclusivity and best practices, ensuring that every student feels supported and empowered to succeed. 

By incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) principles in my teaching, I have gained recognition for her efforts toward educational excellence. This commitment to inclusive pedagogy was celebrated in 2024 with the European Language Label Award.

I have a Ph.D. in Intercultural Communication & Understanding and Foreign Language Pedagogy from the University of Kassel, Germany (magna cum laude). My Master’s degree is in Applied Linguistics from University College Dublin, Ireland. I have secondary school teaching qualifications and a degree ​in German and History from the University of Galway, Ireland. I hold qualifications in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Information and Communication Technology for Education Purposes (ICT), and Communication Studies. ​In addition to my educational qualifications, I am multilingual, with fluency English, Gaeilge, German and French. I have several language-related qualifications from higher education institutions such as Cologne University, Bochum University, Goethe Institut, and Kassel University in Germany.

​Before joining the University of Limerick, I was a secondary school teacher for 13 years, teaching German, History, and Information and Communication Technology. As a teacher, I received several national awards, including an eTwinning award (European Commission) for innovative pedagogy by enhancing learning through digital technologies and an award for an initiative for developing multicultural curricula.

​​I am the eTwinning/Erasmus Ambassador for Initial Teacher Education in Ireland. In this capacity, I promote the eTwinning programme to teachers and teacher educators, providing pedagogical and technical support to schools and teachers. eTwinning facilitates international exchanges, peer learning, multidisciplinary learning, and innovative pedagogy. It contributes to the development of intercultural and digital skills, aligning with several core priorities of national and international education policies seeking to harness the potential of digital technologies to enhance education and citizenship.