Pregnancy and early parenthood in criminal justice settings.

Qualitative research methods.

Ethnography.

Fellow of The Royal College of Midwives

Volunteer for the charity: Birth Companions.

External Examiner at a comparable University.

Peer Reviewer for several journals.

Complex Social Issues in Maternity Care.

Maternal mental health.

Leadership.

Academic supervision for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Laura is a dedicated qualitative researcher with a strong committment to making a difference in the lives of incarcerated pregnant women and mothers. Her research has focused on experiences of pregnancy and early parenthood in prison and expanded into various facets of midwifery, sociology and criminology. Laura has made significant contributions to the academic field with multiple international peer reviewed publications, book chapters in collected volumes and an edited book. She has provided expertise to government bodies, contributing to policy development and frequently delivering keynote speeches. Laura is experienced in engaging with media organisations and has made contributions to national radio and television. Laura is the Principal Investigator leading the ESRC funded Lost Mothers Project in collaboration with the charity Birth Companions and their lived experience team.  She is a fellow of The Royal College of Midwives and holds registrations as a nurse and a midwife ensuring her research is deeply rooted in practical experience. Laura is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an experienced Masters and PhD supervisor.