My research explores the intersections between education, democracy, policy and professional practice, drawing on philosophical, sociological and policy perspectives to examine how educational systems can promote human flourishing, participation, social justice and active citizenship. My work has developed across a number of interconnected strands including educational policy and reform, democratic education, teacher professional development, teacher pedagogical wellbeing, service-learning and community-engaged learning.

A central focus of my recent scholarship has been the development of the concepts of Teacher Pedagogical Well-being (TPWB) and, more recently, Democratic Teacher for Pedagogical Well-being (DTPWB). This work examines the relationship between teaching effectiveness, teacher wellbeing, democratic competences and educational practice. It has informed a range of national and international research projects, including Erasmus+ funded research on teacher wellbeing and diversity, the Teaching Council Researchers in Residence Scheme, and ongoing collaborations relating to schools as sites of living democratic practice.

My broader research interests include:

• Democracy and education
• Educational policy and reform
• Equity and disadvantage in Education
• Teacher professional development and continuing professional learning
• Teacher learning communities
• Service-learning and community-engaged pedagogies
• Foundations in Education

My research has been supported through national and international collaborations, including Erasmus+, SCoTENS, the Teaching Council of Ireland, Campus Engage, and the Teacher Education Policy in Europe (TEPE) network.

My teaching is informed by a commitment to connecting educational theory, research and professional practice. Across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, I seek to create learning environments that encourage critical reflection, democratic engagement, intellectual curiosity and professional growth.

Prior to joining the University of Limerick, I lectured at the National University of Ireland Galway and subsequently served as Senior Lecturer in Education Studies at Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett University). During my time at Leeds, I developed and pioneered a pedagogical approach known as Directed Experiential Learning (DEL). DEL emerged from efforts to bridge the often-perceived gap between theory and practice by engaging students in structured experiential learning, critical reflection, inquiry and professional formation. The approach sought to support students in becoming reflective educational practitioners and emerging educator-researchers capable of engaging critically with professional contexts.

My teaching interests include:

• History and Policy of Education
• Education Foundations
• Democratic education
• Professional learning and development
• Service-learning and community engagement

At the University of Limerick, my teaching is particularly focused on educational foundations, educational policy, and contemporary philosophical perspectives on education, where democratic engagement and teacher wellbeing provide important organising themes for student learning.