Maria is a Lecturer in Health Physiology / Healthcare Science at Ulster University. Maria was awarded a BSc and PhD from Ulster University. She is the co-chair of the Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion for the School of Health Sciences. Maria's current research interests focus on public health, children's physical activity, socioeconomic inequalities and interventions to improve health and wellbeing. She is involved in the leadership of the professional network for women working in physical activity, exercise and sport.