I am a Research Fellow at the Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, where I investigate the complex interactions between neuroimaging, genetics, and immunometabolic dysfunction in psychiatric disorders.
My work integrates AI and data science techniques to uncover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in mental illness. With over 15 years of experience in academic research, I have held positions at Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. My academic background spans Electronic & Computer Engineering, Psychology, Cognitive & Clinical Neuroscience, and Clinical Neuroimaging. I have authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and received multiple research awards, including the Schizophrenia International Research Society Early Career Award (2021) and Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland Research Awards. Having personally experienced bullying and harassment in my scientific career, I co-founded Women in Research, a network supporting women and underrepresented groups in academia. I am deeply concerned about recent DEI policy changes, particularly in the US, where funding cuts have threatened essential research in mental health equity. In response, I co-founded the International Consortium for Equity in Neuroscience (ICEN) with Harvard University, a global initiative committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. We have published papers on global trends in academic DEI. I am passionate about using cutting-edge technology to improve mental health research and clinical practice while ensuring that science is inclusive, diverse, and representative.