Ciara Close

Ciara Close is a Lecturer (Education) in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen's University Belfast. Her research focuses on midwifery education, student wellbeing, maternal care, and healthcare communication, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being.

Research Interests:

• Midwifery student experiences and professional identity
• Wellbeing interventions for nursing and midwifery students
• Continuity of midwifery care education
• Digital communication strategies for healthcare advocacy

Awards:

• Gold Award in Aware NI Mental Health Initiative (2024)
• QUB Excellence Collaboration Award (2024)
• QUB Star Performance Award (2025)
• Funding for Student Wellbeing Initiatives (2023-2024)

Advising & Grants: Organized World Mental Health Day events and secured funding for wellbeing programs. Collaborates on projects like the 'Wellbeing Shelf' web resource.