Ruths research focus is grounded in contributing to the health and wellbeing of persons living with intellectual disabilities and their support networks. 

Teaching is facilitated through a range of pedagogical methods and creative assessments. Specialised subject areas include; intellectual disability studies and meeting and supporting complex needs.

Ruths experience of providing support and care to persons, living with intellectual disability, and their families is predominantly in residential and community services and founded in nurse training and education. A registered nurse and nurse tutor with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) Ruth has enhanced these qualifications receiving a BSc. in Nursing Studies (University of Limerick; 2000) PG Dip. in Nurse Education (University of Limerick 2002), a MSc. in Advanced Nursing (University of Ulster 2004) and PhD Philosophy completed in 2019 (University of Limerick).

Working as an academic, Ruth is passionate about developing students to engage in learning and develop critical and reflective skills. I recognise that each student has their own journey, individual learning style and unique aspirations. Developing each student to engage and work collaboratively yet maintain their individuality reflects my approach to teaching. Group work, debates, case studies and individual reflections are some of the strategies I use to support this team and individual learning approach.

Core teaching relates to 'Intellectual Disability Nursing', Clinical Skill development, Practice Research Project and using evidence base care and heath interventions. Supervision at Masters and Phd is guided by a philosophy of commitment, curiosity and enhancing resilience. Supervision is founded in an approach that guides students to use reading, digital platforms and resources and analytical skills to engage in practice-based research that offers the student an opportunity to explore practice in a supported relationship.

Research is primarily focused on supporting people with intellectual disabilities and their families to live healthy ordinary lives. Family carers, supporting decision making and supporting complex needs are areas where I have published and continue to engage in real world impactful research.