Jessica is a project specialist, whose work primarily focuses on research, policy and evaluation. Jessica brings with her to CES an enthusiasm for evidence-based practice. Jessica’s expertise lies in qualitative research methodologies, literature reviews, thematic data analysis and evidence synthesis. Her thematic areas of interest include feminist criminology, DSGBV, IBSA, CSA, penology, cultural criminology, queer studies, and intersectionality.
Jessica’s work in CES has spanned a range of sectors (e.g. education, social work, mental health) utilising various methodologies, such as mixed-method evaluations, exploratory research, case study approaches, and rapid integrative reviews. In this capacity, she has undertaken projects with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, The Department of Education and Youth, Tusla-The Child and Family Agency, The HSE-The National Office for Suicide Prevention and a number of community and voluntary sector organisations.
In terms of special interest, Jessica has led and supported several projects that focus on crime and justice, namely Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) and penology. Examples include supporting CUAN in the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy, leading a review on behalf on the Irish Prison Service (IPS) which mapped services available to people in custody who have experienced DSGBV, and undertaking a review mapping services available to male adult and child victim-survivors of domestic and sexual abuse which was commissioned by the Commissioner for Victims of Crime Northern Ireland. This report can be read here.
Prior to joining CES, Jessica worked for several years in Education as an English Language Teacher (TEFL), both in Ireland and internationally, wherein she enhanced skills such as communication, relationship building, presentation and intercultural competencies.
Jessica holds an M.A in Criminology from Utrecht University and B.A. International (Hons.) in Sociology and German from Maynooth University. Jessica has recently completed a Diploma in Project Management (PMP) from IBAT College and a Certificate in Implementation Practice from the University of North Carolina School of Social Work.
