About

I am a Professor of Psychology and Health with expertise in ageing, sexual and reproductive health, well-being, and gender.

My work addresses inequalities in healthcare and wider society, and tackles negative social stereotypes and harmful discrimination that individuals can face. It is firmly embedded within a human rights framework.

As well as conducting research, I write about and create educational resources that promote understanding of ageing sexuality for professionals and the public, and which ultimately support mental well-being and human relationships. Check the ‘more’ menu tab to view my publications, blogs, and media stories.

A hugely rewarding part of my work are the collaborative projects with partners outside of academia (e.g. NHS, local government, business, and community organisations). We have worked together to co-design innovative resources that support healthy ageing and build inclusive societies.

I work at the University of Sheffield in the School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing, and Midwifery where I am Director of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

External to the University, I am part of the Task & Finish Group which designs the Menopause Care suite of educational materials (Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health), and the Executive Committee which oversees sexual health across Sheffield (Sheffield Sexual Health Network). I am an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

My PhD and BSc (Hons) are in Psychology: my doctoral research was one of the first studies to explore women’s lived-experiences of dance drug culture in the 1990s. The findings provided a counter-narrative to the negative gender stereotypes of women drug users that prevailed at the time. I am from a working class background and the first member of my family to go to University.

This website includes blogs and other information from my programme of work. Take a look around (use the menu above or the tag cloud below), and feel free to connect through LinkedIn, X, or the Contact Me page on this website.

I am honored to have received the following awards:

The Market Research Society’s President’s Medal (winner 2024) is awarded annually to organisations and individuals that have made an extraordinary contribution to research

The Northern Power Women’s Agent of Change Award (finalist 2024) is given to those who make lasting
improvements in gender equality
and wider inclusivity

The She Inspires Girl Up Award (winner 2022) celebrates an exceptional woman who has been kind and supported other women to achieve their goals

The National Sexual Health Awards (finalist 2021, Micro Influencer category) recognises excellence in sex-positive education and information

The British Psychological Society’s Public Engagement Award (winner 2021, North East England Branch) recognises members who undertake excellent communication of psychology with the public