Lorna Lawther

Dr Lorna Lawther is a Senior Lecturer (Education) in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast. She serves as Deputy Programme Lead for the BSc Midwifery Programme and Professional Midwifery Lead for Simulation, overseeing Simulation-Based Education across pre- and post-registration midwifery training. Her roles include chairing the Midwifery Education Simulation Working Group and membership in cross-faculty governance committees. She holds a PhD from Ulster University (2016) and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2021). Her research focuses on public health in midwifery, simulation-based learning, and preconception care. She has received awards including the Florence Elliott Travel Award (2023) and STAR Performance Award (2023).

Dr Lawther’s teaching integrates constructivist theory and the ARCS-V model to enhance student engagement and confidence. She coordinates public health modules and a critical care module, co-designed with clinical partners. Her leadership extends to roles as a Council of Deans of Health Student Leadership Programme Coach and SistersIN mentor. She supervises PhD students researching perinatal mental health interventions and clinical guideline implementation in Jordan. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly maternal and child health.

Her research outputs emphasize maternal mental health, simulation education effectiveness, and midwifery workforce development. She actively contributes to national and international conferences, workshops, and collaborative projects.