Brenda is a Research Associate at the Education Research Centre, specialising in Reading Literacy. She worked on the PIRLS 2016 assessments of reading, played a central role in developing test content of the Drumcondra Post-Primary Reading Test, and also worked on the redevelopment of the Drumcondra Reading Tests for primary schools. She is currently National Project Manager for PISA 2021.  Brenda holds a B.A in Italian and Drama & Theatre Studies from University College Cork, and was awarded a Ph.D. from Trinity College in 2013.