Research
My research examines how education systems and societies can remove barriers to learning, participation, belonging, and progression. Working at the intersection of psychology and education, I connect people’s lived experiences with the policies, practices, and institutional structures that shape their opportunities.
A central focus of my current work is inclusive higher and post-secondary education for people with intellectual disabilities, including pathways into meaningful employment. As Director of the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID), I bring together research, educational innovation, collaboration with learners and graduates, and engagement with employers and policymakers.
Across my research, my aim is to develop and evaluate approaches that support equitable opportunities, meaningful choices, and lasting change in educational provision.
Explore My Research
- Research Projects and Impact
- Research Collaboration and Networks
- Doctoral Supervision and Researcher Development
- Research Internships
- Publications
Intellectual Disability and Inclusive Higher Education
I examine how higher and post-secondary education can support access, meaningful learning, participation, belonging, and progression for people with intellectual disabilities. This includes the development of sustainable provision and the changes needed in institutional culture, policy, curriculum, and student support.
Explore inclusive higher-education research
Transitions, Career Development, and Employment
My work connects inclusive education with work readiness, career guidance, inclusive internships, employer partnerships, and pathways into meaningful paid employment. I am interested in how people can exercise choice and pursue their aspirations across education, work, and community life.
Explore education-to-employment pathways
Universal Design (UD) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
I explore how Universal Design (UD) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can inform curriculum, teaching, assessment, and institutional practice. This work considers the whole student journey and how educational environments can anticipate learner diversity and reduce barriers to participation.
Read selected UD and UDL publications
Educational Psychology, Relationships, and Well-being
My research encompasses bullying and cyberbullying, early intervention, relationships, and supportive educational environments. It also includes experiences of bereavement, separation, and loss, and the ways educators can support learners’ well-being and participation.
Read selected psychology and education publications
Disability, Rare Disease, and Educational Opportunity
I investigate the educational experiences of people with disabilities and rare diseases, including 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. This work attends to individual experiences, family perspectives, educators’ understanding, and opportunities for learning and progression.