Shauna McCusker

Shauna McCusker serves as Principal Lecturer and Director of the Criminology, Sociology and Forensic Investigation section within Canterbury Christ Church University's School of Law, Policing and Social Sciences. She provides strategic leadership across these disciplines, overseeing staff wellbeing, student experience, equity and inclusion initiatives, quality standards, and learning/teaching operations while representing the school on faculty and university committees.

Her academic credentials include:

• BMedSc in Biomedical Science from Queen's University, Belfast
• MMedSc in Medical Laboratory Science from Queen's University, Belfast
• MSc in Forensic Science from the University of Strathclyde
• MA in Lifelong Education from Canterbury Christ Church University

McCusker specializes in the psychological dimensions of forensic investigation, focusing on competency assessment, cognitive bias, trauma impacts, and professional integrity within forensic practice. Her research extends to Violence Against Women and Girls, directly informed by her clinical work as a trauma-specialized psychotherapist. She develops and delivers trauma-informed methodologies for academic and professional settings, emphasizing equitable educational access.

With over two decades in higher education, McCusker champions marginalized student populations through inclusive pedagogy and staff development initiatives. She mentors academic colleagues within her section while integrating clinical insights into curriculum design and university-wide training programs on trauma-responsive practices.