Sandra Atkinson

Sandra Atkinson is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing & Midwifery at the University of Limerick, Ireland. She holds a PhD (Education) from the same institution (2019) and an MSc in Primary Care from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (2003). Her research focuses on midwifery education, women's health, and the lived experiences of women with obesity in maternity care. She has extensive clinical experience in hospital and community settings across England, Ireland, and Africa.

Education:

• Bachelor of Nursing Studies (Hons.), University College Dublin, 1999
• MSc in Primary Care, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 2003
• PhD in Education, University of Limerick, 2019

Her teaching spans the BSc Midwifery (Hons.) and Higher Diploma Midwifery programs, with expertise in supervising undergraduate and MSc theses. She contributes to midwifery curriculum development and competence assessment tools. Research interests include transcultural healthcare and postnatal care innovations.

Research Trends: Recent work emphasizes simulation-based education for healthcare students, pandemic impacts on clinical training, and stigma reduction in perinatal mental health. Over 29 publications span qualitative studies on midwifery education and clinical practice challenges.

Awards:

• MSc (Primary Care) Honorary Award, 2003
• PhD (Education) Honorary Award, 2019

Advising & Collaborations: Supervises student research projects and actively participates in professional networks like the HSE South East Midwifery Partnership Group and the Phenomenological Analysis Ireland Group.

Her work aligns with UN SDG 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).