Biography
Susan is a Physiotherapist specialising in neurological rehabilitation. Her current focus is on optimising symptoms and quality of life for people living in the community with neurological conditions. Current projects are funded by the Health Research Board, MS Ireland (through the Ireland Fund) and the Irish Research Council. She has over 60 peer reviewed journal publications and has supervised 11 postgraduate students to completion.
She was appointed as Lecturer in Physiotherapy at University of Limerick in 2003,Senior Lecturer in 2015 and Associate Professor in 2016 and teaches and researches in the area of neurological rehabilitation at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She is the director of the MS Research team at UL and a member of the Health Research Institute and Center for Physical Activity and Health Research.
She leads a programme of work in close collaboration with Multiple Sclerosis Ireland, with whom UL formalised a memorandum of understanding in 2011. Collaborations with Sports Science, Psychology, Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy and Electronic Engineering in Ireland, the USA and Canada allow a convergent and multidisciplinary approach to the pertinent issues. This work is supported by her involvement in RIMS (Rehabilitation in MS, the European Network for Research and Best Practice) and through the PIMS (Physiotherapists Interested in MS) group.
Research Interests
My research mission is to reduce symptoms and optimise quality of life for people with Neurolgical conditions living in the comminuty. My main focus is on optimising physiotherapy and exercise interventions for these people.
The programme of work explores the following key issues; what is the optimal exercise programme for the various mobility levels and symptoms for people with MS? How can exercise programmes be delivered in a way that optimises behaviour change and long term adoption of physical activity? How can technology be used to augment exercise? How can exercise programmes reduce the risk of falls? And with engagement with all key stakeholders, how can these research findings be translated to routine clinical practice?
Professional Activities
Award
- 2012 - Excellence in Research (Early Career)
Education
- 2005 Trinity College Dublin - Doctor of Philosophy
- 2002 Trinity College - Higher Diploma in Statistics
- 1994 Trinity College Dublin - B.Sc.
Association
- 1994 Member, Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists