Deirdre Walsh

Dr. Deirdre Walsh is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at the Faculty of Science and Health. Her academic work centers on public health, with a focus on behavioral interventions to improve health outcomes, particularly among cancer survivors and office workers.

• Position: Assistant Lecturer
• School: Faculty of Science and Health
• Department: Department of Social Sciences

Her research interests span physical activity promotion, sedentary behavior reduction, and behavioral change strategies in clinical and occupational settings. She applies theoretical models such as the COM-B framework to design and evaluate interventions aimed at improving quality of life and long-term health.

The trends in her recent publications highlight a consistent focus on cancer survivorship and workplace health. From developing patient-centered physical activity programs like MedEx IMPACT to exploring managerial strategies for reducing sedentary time in remote work environments, her work bridges clinical research and real-world application. The use of mixed methods—ranging from qualitative focus groups to non-randomized trials—demonstrates a comprehensive approach to understanding health behavior change.

Dr. Walsh has contributed to impactful research in supportive care in cancer, public health, and rehabilitation, with publications in journals such as Supportive Care in Cancer, BMC Public Health, and Physical Therapy. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), particularly in promoting healthy lifestyles and improving outcomes for individuals living with and beyond cancer.

She has collaborated extensively with researchers such as Dr. Margaret Cantwell, Dr. Kathleen Bennett, Dr. Niamh McCaffrey, and Dr. Kenneth P. Dowd on projects related to cancer rehabilitation and physical activity interventions. While no formal advising or grant information is available, her involvement in multiple research outputs suggests active participation in funded research initiatives and collaborative networks.

Dr. Walsh is involved in research teams focused on developing and evaluating evidence-based, theoretically informed interventions for chronic disease management. Her work on the MedEx IMPACT program exemplifies her commitment to creating scalable, community-based solutions for improving physical activity and quality of life among cancer survivors.