Helen is Head of Faculty (Dean) Education & Lifelong Learning, South East Technological University

In addition to her role as Head of Faculty, Helen is currently a member of the SETU Executive Board, a member of SETU Academic Council and university representative of the Regional Skills Forum in the South-East of Ireland.  Helen is involved in a range of research projects at national and EU levels. She has been Principal Investigator on a number of funded research projects (Exploring RPL for Lifelong Learning funded by HEA, Orientating low-skilled adults to learning Erasmus+ Policy Experimentation and Professional Development for Basic Skills Tutors – development of a series of on-line courses for adult education practitioners, Erasmus+. 

Current research projects include advisor to DDS MAP an EU4Health project; lead on EU Conexus Education work-stream (part of SETU European University Alliance.

Helen is also a PhD supervisor, lead supervisor on one PhD study exploring co-creation in lifelong learning and co-supervisor on two PhD studies exploring internationalisation in Higher Education.

She is 2025 incoming National Chair of HELLIN (Higher Education Lifelong Learning Ireland Network) and also a member of ESREA (European Society for Research into Adult Education) and a founding member of the HEI FET Forum, a national network in Ireland supporting adult educators. Helen has participated as an external examiner to PhD level and assessor and evaluator for the national Teaching Council in Ireland and the Quality and Qualifications Ireland. Helen is a current member of the Editorial Board for the Adult Learner, publisher, Aontas.  

Helen completed undergraduate studies at the University of Limerick (European Studies with Law), post-graduate studies at University College Dublin, Smurfit School of Business (Master Business Administration – International Executive) and her doctorate studies at University College Cork, School of Education (PhD).  

Helens’ research interests are in the field of education policy specifically policy relating to lifelong learning and adult education, strategy in higher education and the professionalization of adult education (her doctoral research).