Joyce Senior

Dr. Joyce Senior is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology at the School of Education, University College Dublin (UCD). She holds affiliations with the College of Social Sciences and Law, serving on committees such as the Academic Council Committee on Student Conduct and the National Forum for Teaching and Learning Ethics Committee. Her work bridges clinical practice and academic research, focusing on inclusive education, neurogenetic syndromes, and special educational needs.

Education: B.Ed. (Trinity College Dublin), M.Ed. and PhD (UCD), with additional qualifications in educational psychology and human development. Her career includes roles as a primary and special needs teacher, educational psychologist, and program director for master’s and diploma programs in SEN.

Research interests center on psychosocial functioning in genetic/neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, ADHD, autism, Williams Syndrome), inclusive education policy, and ethical issues in academia. She leads projects like the Children’s School Lives study (2018–2025) and has published widely on behavioral phenotypes, co-teaching efficacy, and special school roles in inclusion.

Grants include studies on cystinosis education barriers, pandemic impacts on SEN students, and art-special needs education collaborations. Awards include a UCD Digital Badge in Universal Design for Learning (2022).

Teaching involves coordinating modules on educational psychology, child development, and intervention theories. She mentors doctoral students and advises on accreditation for teacher education programs nationally.