SETU PhD student Katie Moore's professional and academic endeavors have taken her across the world to work on numerous sexual and reproductive health and disability rights programmes.
The Louth native, now in the third year of her PhD studies, joined the University as a mature student after she was awarded a scholarship from our Department of Nursing and Healthcare. Her area of research focuses on the menopausal experience of women with intellectual disabilities.
Background
I was awarded an undergraduate BSc in International Relations from Dublin City University (DCU) in 2004 and graduated with an MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh in 2012. Alongside my academic credentials, my professional experience reflects my commitment to advancing global health outcomes for vulnerable and marginalised groups.
Work with marginalised communities
Prior to joining SETU, I worked extensively as a Senior Research Associate with Anthrologica, a leading research organisation specialising in applied social science research in global health. In my career with Anthrologica, I successfully contributed to numerous significant research studies. I worked with marginalised communities across Africa and Asia, conducting formative and operational research with large international agencies including UNICEF, World Health Organisation (WHO), World Food Programme (WFP), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
"I have published a scoping review in the Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, highlighting the unique challenges faced by these women."
Katie Moore SETU PhD Student
Return to Ireland
After almost 10 years of international work, I decided to settle at home in Ireland to further my studies. My choice to return to academia stemmed from my desire to bring my extensive international experience ‘back home’ to contribute meaningfully to Irish society. Through my research, I aim to leverage my knowledge and skills to improve the lives of women and the most vulnerable populations within Ireland. My commitment to applying global insights locally underscores my dedication to fostering positive change and enhancing health and social outcomes in my home country.
PhD research & upcoming book
Since commencing my PhD at SETU, I have made significant strides in my research area which focuses on the menopausal experiences of women with intellectual disabilities. I have published a scoping review in the Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, highlighting the unique challenges faced by these women. Additionally, I have written a compelling commentary piece advocating for the inclusion of women with intellectual disabilities in menopause discussions. My contributions extend to an upcoming book, where I am co-authoring a chapter on addressing the menopausal needs of women with intellectual disabilities. Through my PhD research, I hope to bring about positive change in the experience and management of menopause for women with intellectual disabilities. I aim to promote the use of participatory action research to enhance the involvement of vulnerable communities in research that impacts them.
Impactful projects
As I continue to lead impactful projects and contribute to academic research, I look forward to my future achievements with SETU and the significant advancements I aim to bring to my field in both Ireland and abroad.