Pregnancy, maternal health and early parenthood in criminal justice settings.

Qualitative research methods.

Ethnography.

Fellow of The Royal College of Midwives

Member of UK Network of Professors in Midwifery and Maternal and Newborn Health

Volunteer for the charity: Birth Companions.

External PhD Examiner 

Peer Reviewer for several journals

Expert Witness

Maternal Health and Criminal Justice

Midwifery care in prison and criminal justice settings

Complex Social Issues in Maternity Care.

Perinatal mental health.

Leadership.

Academic supervision for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Laura is a Professor of Maternal Health and Criminal Justice in the School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. She is a qualitative researcher dedicated to improving the lives of incarcerated pregnant women and mothers. Her work spans midwifery, sociology, and criminology, with strong policy influence and public impact through collaborations using arts and theatre. She has authored numerous international peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and an edited book, and regularly advises government bodies. Twice winner of the Vice-Chancellor’s Researcher of the Year Award, Laura frequently delivers keynote speeches and contributes to national media. She is Principal Investigator of the ESRC-funded Lost Mothers Project with the charity Birth Companions and their lived experience team. A Fellow of The Royal College of Midwives, registered nurse and midwife, she grounds her research in practice. Laura is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, supervises PhDs and Masters students and is a PhD examiner.