About

My main role at the University of Derby is as an academic, teaching undergraduate nursing students. My specialist area of nursing is Perinatal Psychiatry, where I have gained numerous of years of experience working on a Mother & Baby Unit, with women experiencing significant mental health problems in late pregnancy, or following childbirth. Prior to nursing, I also completed a BA in Sociology, so enjoy exploring the sociological perspective of nursing; particularly how race, and gender have an impact on mental health illness/access to treatment. I have had various teaching experiences over the past 10 years, and it has always been a passion of mine to support social mobility.

Teaching responsibilities

I currently teach on the BSc nursing course. This is an exciting year for students, as this is where they really get to develop their critical thinking skills. I have an interest in resilience skills and work as an advocate for more resilience-based learning throughout professional practice and education. I am keen to work interprofessionally with Midwives and Social Care students/staff to increase awareness around Perinatal Psychiatry.

Research interests

My specialist experience and interest has been in Perinatal Psychiatry. I am particularly interested in the impact of infertility on male and female mental health; during fertility treatment, in pregnancy, post-partum, or post fertility treatment. I am also interested in the use of resilience-based learning in nursing education, and the potential positive outcomes on staff retention. As mentioned, I previously studied Sociology, so am interested in the Sociological perspective of nursing.

Membership of professional bodies

• Nursing and Midwifery Council 
• National Teaching Fellowship – recognition of outstanding achievement in learning and teaching in higher education 

Qualifications

• BA (Hons) Sociology – Nottingham Trent University 
• PGDip Nursing (Mental Health) - University of Nottingham 
• MSc Nursing (Mental Health) - University of Nottingham 
• PG Cert Interprofessional Professional Practice Education (IPPE) - University of Derby 

Experience in industry

While completing my BA in Sociology, I was involved in supporting the Special Educational Needs (SEN) department in secondary education, which sparked my interest in teaching. While completing my PG Dip in Nursing, I lead a project to include nursing students into secondary education encouraging discussions around cardiovascular health and positive body image. Once working as a nurse, I began doing voluntary guest lectures at the University of Nottingham in order to raise awareness and knowledge of Perinatal Psychiatric services. I then worked on a part-time secondment as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Nottingham; before beginning a permanent lecturing position at the University of Derby.