As a work and organizational psychologist, my broad focus is on the application of psychological principles to various applied settings. My research focus lies primarily at the level of the individual, and fundamentally, I am interested in topics that promote the self-management skills of individuals, which contribute to their achievement, well-being and/or optimal functioning.

My areas of expertise include:
• Work motivation, self-regulation and proactive and adaptive behaviours
• Emotions and emotion-regulation
• The psychology of entrepreneurship
• Positive Psychology and Occupational Health Psychology
• Self-regulated learning
• Silence and voice in the workplace

In line with this, current research projects are as follows:

Looking at the Bright Side of Work: A diary study For more information on this project click here. An international research project (Ireland, Germany and Canada), which is investigating the impact of positive psychology interventions on outcomes such as employee well-being, and proactive behaviour across three different countries. This study involves an international collaboration with four other researchers: • Prof. Dr. Annekatrin Hoppe, Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany), • Dr. Alexandra Michel, University of Heidelberg (Germany), • Dr. Anna Steidle, University of Stuttgart (Germany) • Dr. M. Gloria Gonzalez-Morales, University of Guelph (Canada).

The Role of Motivation in Proactive and Adaptive Behaviours in the Workplace  In collaboration with Dr. Karoline Strauss at the Institute of Work Psychology, University of Sheffield, this project applies Self-Determination Theory, and theories of self-regulation, to the prediction and enhancement of proactive and adaptive behaviours in the workplace, building on the work of Griffin, Neal and Parker (2007), among others.

Longitudinal investigation of entrepreneurial visions and success  In collaboration Dr. Finian Buckley (Dublin City University), this research considers the impact of top team and leader visions in venture success.

Motivation Regulation Strategies – In collaboration with Dr. Finian Buckley (Dublin City University) and Prof. Marylène Gagné (UWA, Australia), this project aims to to develop a comprehensive taxonomy of strategies that individuals’ use to maintain and enhance their motivation in the workplace. Drawing on self-determination theory and insights from self-regulated learning, this research projects advances our understanding of how individuals develop adaptive responses to aid performance in situations where they are bored, fatigued and challenged, amongst others.