Maria is a sport and exercise physiologist with expertise in physical activity and health. She completed her PhD at Ulster University, focusing on physical activity in prediabetic populations. As a British Association of Sport and Exercise Science accredited sport and exercise scientist and a charted scientist Maria applies an evidence-based approach to enhance health and performance across diverse populations. Her current research spans sports performance to clinical populations, exploring the role of exercise in maternal health, disease prevention, neurological rehabilitation and athletic development. Maria is involved in the all-island professional network for women working in physical activity, exercise and sport.