About

Caroline is the host of the Glow West podcast, which explores sex, sexuality, and the body. Caroline is also currently a sex and relationship expert for Independent.ie, the Elaine Show on Virgin Media One, and Bumble Ireland.

Caroline completed her PhD in 2020; this research focused on the experiences of women working in the American pornography industry, situated in the context of feminist discourses on pornography. This research explored themes of stigma, violence, and interactions with fans. Caroline also holds an MA in Sexuality Studies, and is interested in the relationship between power, sex, and knowledge.

She has presented her research nationally and internationally, and is a frequent media commentator on sexuality and feminist related topics. She is passionate about creating spaces for calm, informed conversations about sex, and works to reduce shame and stigma around sex in Ireland. 

In 2018 Caroline was listed as one of Silicone Republics’ ‘Top high flying scientists making the world a better place in 2019’, and in 2020 Irish Country Woman magazine included her in their ‘Wonder Women: Meet the Women shaping 2020’ feature. 

Caroline lives in Dublin with her partner and dreams of owning far too many sausage dogs one day. 

Education

PhD in Sexuality Studies, Dublin City University. 2014 - 2020

Thesis Title: Dancing in the shadows of the outer limits: an exploration of the experiences of female pornography performers and feminist discourses on their experiences. 

Master’s Degree in Sexuality Studies, Dublin City University. 2011 - 2012

Thesis Title: Researching the experiences of five sex positive heterosexual women exploring their desires in the context of modern Ireland.

Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychoanalytic Studies, Dublin Business School. 2009 - 2010

Thesis title: Riddle me this...An examination of Freud’s approach to the secrets of the dark continent of female sexuality and the responses provoked by his work. 

Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (Honours) University College Dublin. 2000 - 2003

Academic Experience

Caroline has taught on the MA in Sexuality Studies, MA in Refugee Integration, MSc in Psychotherapy, and the Graduate Certificate in Sexuality and Sexual Health Education in DCU. 

She has designed, taught and assessed undergraduate modules on Ireland, Sex and Text, and Languages, Sexualities and Societies in DCU, and done the same for the module Psychology of Marketing for the International School of Business. Additionally, she has given guest lectures on research ethics in Sexuality Studies for undergraduates in Psychology at National University of Ireland, Galway. In September 2020 Caroline will be teaching Academic Literacy Skills for the Open College.

Caroline has disseminated her research at academic conferences in Ireland, Thailand, and the USA. She frequently speaks at public talks and has presented at the Science Gallery, feminist conferences, psychoanalytical conferences, and sexual wellness events around Ireland. She is also an Active Consent facilitator, and taught the pilot Bystander program in DCU in 2016.