She is an urban geographer and her research is focused on understanding how cities are governed; how urban policy is developed; and with what impacts. She is the author of Dublin Docklands Reinvented (Four Courts Press, 2008), has co-edited two books and has papers published in national and international journals. She is a Senior Fellow in Teaching and Academic Development at UCD and has a strong research and practice interest in first year transitions and student partnership. Niamh is: a member of the Social Sciences Committee, Royal Irish Academy; Chair of the IGU Urban Commission Young Scholars Committee; and has been elected President of the Geographical Society of Ireland, 2016-2018.