Dr Ahern is also a Registered Teacher with a Bachelor of Education and experience as a Senior Secondary School Teacher. She joins JCU in 2017 as a Lecturer, enjoying combining her skills in education and nursing. Having recently completed her Doctorate, exploring the role of the Breast Care Nurse in Australia, she also has a keen interest in developing her research portfolio. Dr Ahern's research interests include; models of nursing care, telehealth in nursing and supportive care for people with cancer living in rural and remote areas.