While working in socio economic disadvantaged areas of Limerick city for almost 20 years has given Caroline a unique insight to the complex and multi layered issues facing areas now designated for Regeneration including poverty, safety and social exclusion; it has also afforded her the opportunity to experience the very positive effects of Community Development Work - effecting change at grass roots level.  Having initially studied Community Development at UL, she returned in 2006 to take on a Masters in Partnership Studies, her M.A dissertation examined the use of Partnership as a strategy to address food poverty at local level, she is currently undertaking a PhD with the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Limerick.

Her research interests include: Partnership, Governance, Social inclusion, Community Development, Poverty, Irish Social Policy and Citizen Participation.