My research interests span a number of areas but are primarily located in the area of Mexican cultural studies with a particular emphasis on literature and visual culture including film, photography and art. Most of these research activities are channelled through my direction (since 1999) of the Centre for Mexican Studies, based in the Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies. Established in 1997, the centre functions as a research and teaching focus for the department and as a wider university (and community) focus for interest in Mexico. It thus forms an important point of contact with other departments and faculties in U.C.C. and with the wider community of Irish and international organizations and institutions interested in Mexico. At present the direction of the Centre involves all of the following activities: Co-ordination of series of research events – conferences, colloquia, symposia, readings and seminar series of visiting speakers, writers and artistsPreparation of applications for research funding to various bodies – funding of varying levels has been received from the Office of the President, U.C.C, E.I.L. and Volunteer Abroad, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Mexico, Embassy of Mexico in Ireland, Bank of Ireland, HLA Nathans Financial among others. Development of academic links with Mexico. Currently overseeing signing of Cátedra John Huston de cine y literatura UDG-UCC to promote research collaboration (2014-2018); negotiating agreements with ITESM – Tecnológico de Monterrey and UNAM – Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CESAN – Centro de Estudios de América del Norte – Claire JoysmithCátedra Juan Rulfo. Fundación Juan Rulfo, Mexico D.F.. Led by Victor Jiménez. Involves collaboration with Fundación and other international partners, Stanford and the University of Toky

In addition to my role in innovating the curriculum in the development of new programmes (evening courses, Certificate and Diploma courses, Masters and BA programmes), I have also been involved in the development of multiple new courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in all the academic posts I have held. I have been particularly interested in developing cross- and inter-disciplinary courses in generic postgraduate training (LL6000 and PATHs), MA in Film Studies and the MA in Women’s Studies and led design of the MA in Languages and Cultures and the Higher Diploma in Advanced Languages and Global Communication. I also serve as a judge on the Undergraduate Awards Languages and Linguistics panel (since 2012).