She was born, raised and educated (PhD, UCD) in Ireland. Her research is centred on indigenous-led strategies of conservation/environmental stewardship that draw upon indigenous institutions of knowledge and practice, and enhance local authority over decisions affecting the lives, lands, seas and resources of indigenous communities. She has worked closely with the James Bay Crees (Eeyou Istchee), in northern Quebec for more than twenty years and is one of the lead researchers on an ambitious proposal to create the Tawich (Marine) Conservation Area in the eastern part of James Bay.