I have enjoyed an extensive and varied career in both healthcare and research, with a proven track record of embedding best practice in clinical nursing and midwifery through practice, leadership, innovation, education, knowledge mobilisation and primary research. My contribution to the nursing and midwifery professions have been acknowledged by receiving two prestigious national awards, and through development and evaluation of innovations that have been widely adopted across maternity services in Victoria, Australia.

My research goal is to improve the quality, safety and experience of healthcare, and I work towards building systems that support equality and empowerment in maternity care. My PhD research 'Labouring Together' explored the essential elements required to 1) empower women and families to get the care that theywant and need in maternity care, and 2) support healthcare professionals to work collaboratively to get the best outcomes. Multi-factorial issues were identified, and recommendations span individual, professional, organisational and policy levels.

In my current role as Midwifery Research Fellow at Curtin University, I am honoured to work with the inspiring With Lab, under the leadership of Professor Zoe Bradfield, collaborating on the Sweet Mum+Baby study. This groundbreaking study explores the lived experiences, impact and outcomes of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).