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I have backgrounds in Social Anthropology (PhD, University of Cambridge and MA, University of Alberta), Occupational Therapy (BScOT, University of Alberta and DipCOT, St. Joseph's College of Occupational Therapy, Dublin) and History (MA, University of Limerick).
I have held positions at the University of Central Lancashire (1998-2007) and Leipzig University (based at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu) (2007-2008). I joined the University of Limerick in 2009.
My research interests encompass three primary areas: mental health, the history of occupational therapy and the impact and legacy of political violence.
In mental health, my research focuses on understanding the experiences of individuals in forensic mental health settings. By examining how people in confining circumstances create meaning and manage their daily activities and social relationships, I contribute to ongoing debates on quality of life and service provision.
In education, I investigate child and youth participation and mental health in schools. This research aims to enhance support from teachers and the school community for student participation, inclusion, and overall well-being.
My research in occupational therapy centres on the historical dimensions of its theory and practice. By examining the past, I investigate a range of subjects, notably the development of therapeutic occupation in mental hospitals during the mid-20th century. This inquiry entails the in-depth examination of the structures within which these practices were implemented, as well as the contributions made by pioneering therapists. Additionally, I undertake analysis of the written works and photography of a World War I occupational therapist. Working collaboratively with international partners, I actively advocate for the advancement of critical scholarship in the history of occupational therapy, recognising its implications for both theory and practice.
Ongoing anthropological research in Nepal focuses on the legacy of the civil war, oral healing traditions and mental health. It has resulted in key publications including a monograph titled: Maoists at the Hearth: Everyday Life in Nepal’s Civil War which examines the impact of Nepal's civil war (1996-2006) on social life, cultural practices, and overall well-being.
I have successfully secured competitive funding from various national and international sources, including the Irish Research Council, the National Council for Special Education, the British Academy and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. I am the Principal Investigator of the National Council for Special Education’s Occupational Therapy Support Services for Schools Project based at UL.