Irene is a highly experienced qualitative researcher with interests in ageing and disability, and ageing in culturally and linguistically diverse communities. She also has extensive experience in learning support and has been teaching at the university level for over 12 years. She is an editorial board member of the Journal of Nursing Practices and Research.

She is currently the Research Associate on the Australian Research Council Linkage Project, Choosing the way forward: addressing postparental housing transition needs of adults with intellectual disability and their older carers.