[5] She studied history and theology at National University of Ireland Maynooth and St Patrick's College, Maynooth (a Catholic seminary and pontifical university that shares NUIM's campus), graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.
[6] Then moved to Trinity College Dublin, to undertake research in theology for her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, which she completed in 1991.
[8] During this time, she met Fr James F. Keenan, a Jesuit and ethicist: together, they would found the Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church in 2003.
[8] After a year teaching at Chester, she moved to the University of Leeds, England, as a lecturer in gender, ethics and religion in its Department of Theology and Religious Studies.
[6][13] In 2021 she was considered for the role of Provost of the college when the position was being considered for one of three women, including Linda Doyle and Jane Ohlmeyer, making it the first time a woman was provost since the founding of the college:[14] Doyle was subsequently elected.