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This website is geared to giving you an overview of who I am, what I study and what I have done research-wise. (You can also visit my department webpage, if that's not how you found this site.)

As of August 1st, 2009, I lecture at the University of Essex in the Psychology Department. I currently teach evolutionary psychology and introductory psychology. In the past, I have taught on modules covering psychobiology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, research methods and statistics, and historical and conceptual issues in psychology.

My general interests are in evolutionary approaches to human behaviour, with a particular emphasis on social behaviour. I am convinced that we cannot come to a full understanding of human behaviour, of our behaviour, without recognising the role of evolution, and particularly natural selection, in shaping what we are. I work by therefore trying to frame whatever behaviour is of interest to me within an evolutionary mesh, incorporating ecological, cultural, developmental and phylogenetic aspects. This approach does not necessarily adopt a deterministic, gene-centred view but rather one informed by the cultural nature of humans and the interaction between selective forces and that cultural capacity, itself a product of selection.

Interested in doing research with me? See my Research webpage for my interests and possible topics for collaboration.

I am originally from near Cork city, Ireland and am an alumnus of University College, Cork (BSc), University College, Dublin (MA), and the State University of New York at Binghamton (PhD).

Hopefully, you enjoy looking around my site and find it useful. Any comments are welcome.

Page Last Updated: 16th April 2010.