After studying at Queen's University, Belfast and Trinity College, Dublin I worked in the private sector before returning to academia, completing my PhD at Cardiff University. I am currently a Senior Lecturer in British Politics and Director of Learning and Teaching in the Department of Politics and International Relations. 

My research interests mostly focus on the core executive and policy making.

Having lived and worked in Northern Ireland, I have a particular interest in the governance structures and policy decision making at Stormont, with particular emphasis on the Unionist tradition.

I am currently working on a project examining how the stop-start nature of devolution has

impacted the working practices of Northern Ireland MPs at Westminster.