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Nursing and Midwifery

Dr Sally Whelan

BA., M.Sc., MA., PhD

Contact Details

Post Doctoral Researcher
E: sally.whelan@nuigalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

Dr Sally Whelan is a Research Fellow in the Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN). She coordinates the Irish branch of the EU Horizon 2020 GEMMA project and co-supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research conducted in ICAN. Sally has a long-standing professional and personal interest in autism and she is committed to research that increases understanding how the gut microbiome impacts the well-being of autistic people and how assistive technologies can be used to promote wellbeing and resilience.
Sally has many years' experience working as a registered nurse and nurse tutor in hospital and community healthcare settings. She has a BA (Hons) in Applied Social Science with Health Visiting, an MSC in Social Sciences, an MA in Nurse Education, and a PhD in Nursing. Her doctoral studies focused on how assistive technologies can promote the resilience and well-being of people with dementia. 

Research Projects

  Project Start Date End Date
GEMMA - Genome, Environment, Microbiome and Metabolome in Autism: an integrated multi-omic systems biology approach to identify biomarkers for personalized treatment and primary prevention of Autism Spectrum 01-JAN-19 31-DEC-23

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2022) 'Examining the Relationship Between Sleep Quality, Social Functioning, and Behavior Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review'
Whelan, S., Mannion, A., Madden, A., Berger, F., Costello, R., Ghadiri, S., Leader, G (2022) 'Examining the Relationship Between Sleep Quality, Social Functioning, and Behavior Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review'. Nature and Science of Sleep, [Details]
(2022) 'Relationships between challenging behavior and gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children and adolescents with Angelman syndrome'
Leader, G., Gilligan, R., Whelan, S., Coyne, R., Caher, A., White, K., ... & Mannion, A (2022) 'Relationships between challenging behavior and gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children and adolescents with Angelman syndrome'. Research In Developmental Disabilities, [Details]
(2022) 'The Usability and Impact of a Low-Cost Pet Robot for Older Adults and People With Dementia: Qualitative Content Analysis of User Experiences and Perceptions on Consumer Websites'
Koh WQ, Whelan S, Heins P, Casey D,Toomey E, Dröes R (2022) 'The Usability and Impact of a Low-Cost Pet Robot for Older Adults and People With Dementia: Qualitative Content Analysis of User Experiences and Perceptions on Consumer Websites'. Jmir Agingjmir Aging, [DOI] [Details]
(2022) 'Affective problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems, and challenging behaviour in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder'
Leader, G., Browne, H., Whelan, S., Cummins, H., & Mannion, A (2022) 'Affective problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems, and challenging behaviour in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder'. Research In Autism Spectrum Disorders, 92 [DOI] [Details]
(2022) 'An examination of adaptive behavior and functional outcomes in adults with 22q11. 2 deletion syndrome: A parental perspective'
Curtin, A., Mannion, A., Shprintzen, R. J., Whelan, S., Coyne, R., & Leader, G. (2022) 'An examination of adaptive behavior and functional outcomes in adults with 22q11. 2 deletion syndrome: A parental perspective'. American Journal Of Medical Genetics Part A, [Details]
(2022) 'Association between Early and Current Gastro-Intestinal Symptoms and Comorbidities in Children and Adolescents with Angelman Syndrome'
Leader, G., Whelan, S., Ni Chonaill, N., Coyne, R., Tones, T., Heussler, T., Bellgard, M., & Mannion, A. (2022) 'Association between Early and Current Gastro-Intestinal Symptoms and Comorbidities in Children and Adolescents with Angelman Syndrome'. Journal Of Intellectual Disability Research, 66 (11):865-879 [DOI] [Details]
(2022) 'Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review'
Leader, G., Abberton, C., Cunningham, S., Gilmartin, K., Grudzien, M., Higgins, E., Whelan, S., & Mannion, A. (2022) 'Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review'. Nutrients, [Details]
(2021) 'The Co-Occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy and Associated Comorbid Conditions in Children and Adolescents'
Leader, G., Mooney, A., Chen, J. L., Whelan, S., Naughton, K., Maher, L., & Mannion, A. (2021) 'The Co-Occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy and Associated Comorbid Conditions in Children and Adolescents'. Developmental neurorehabilitation, [Details]
(2021) 'Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Sleep Problems, Challenging Behavior, Adaptive Behavior, and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder'
Emma Dooley, Sally Whelan, Shawn P. Gilroy, June L. Chen, Autumn Farren Barton, Rory Coyne & Arlene Mannion (2021) 'Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Sleep Problems, Challenging Behavior, Adaptive Behavior, and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder'. Developmental neurorehabilitation, [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) 'The perceptions of people with dementia and key stakeholders regarding the use and impact of the social robot MARIO'
Casey, D., Barrett, E., Murphy, K., Adamantios K., Daniele S., R., Santorelli, A., Kovaic, T., Gallagher, N., & Whelan (2020) 'The perceptions of people with dementia and key stakeholders regarding the use and impact of the social robot MARIO'. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) 'The effect of MARIO, a social robot, on the resilience of people with dementia: A multiple case study'
Whelan, S., Burke, M., Barrett, B., Mannion, A., Kovacic, T., Santorelli, A., Oliveira, B.L., Gannon,L., Shiel,E., Casey, D. (2020) 'The effect of MARIO, a social robot, on the resilience of people with dementia: A multiple case study'. Gerontechnology, [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) 'Applying the DESCARTE model: an example of case study research practice'
Whelan, S., & Casey, S. (2020) 'Applying the DESCARTE model: an example of case study research practice'. Research In Gerontological Nursingresearch In Gerontological Nursing, [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) 'Fostering the Resilience of People with Dementia: A Narrative Literature Review'
Whelan, S., Teahan, Á., & Casey, D. (2020) 'Fostering the Resilience of People with Dementia: A Narrative Literature Review'. Frontiers In Medicine, [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2019) 'MARIO Project: Validation and Evidence of Service Robots for Older People with Dementia'
D’Onofrio, G., Sancarlo, D., Raciti, M., Burke, M., Teare, A., Kovacic, T., ... & Dolan, A. (2019) 'MARIO Project: Validation and Evidence of Service Robots for Older People with Dementia'. Journal Of Alzheimers Disease, [Details]
(2019) 'Evaluation of a Companion Robot for Individuals with Dementia: Quantitative Findings of the MARIO Project in an Irish Residential Care Setting'
Barrett, E., Burke, M., Whelan, S., Santorelli, A., Oliveira, B. L., Cavallo, F., ... & Mountain, G. (2019) 'Evaluation of a Companion Robot for Individuals with Dementia: Quantitative Findings of the MARIO Project in an Irish Residential Care Setting'. Journal Of Gerontological Nursing, [Details]
(2019) 'Introducing the Social Robot MARIO to People Living with Dementia in Long Term Residential Care: Reflections'
Mannion, A., Summerville, S., Barrett, E., Burke, M., Santorelli, A., Kruschke, C., ... & Whelan, S. (2019) 'Introducing the Social Robot MARIO to People Living with Dementia in Long Term Residential Care: Reflections'. International Journal of Social Robotics, [Details]
(2019) 'Introducing the Social Robot MARIO to People Living with Dementia in Long Term Residential Care: Reflections'
Mannion, A., Summerville, S., Barrett, E., Burke, M., Santorelli, A., Kruschke, C., ... & Whelan, S. (2019) 'Introducing the Social Robot MARIO to People Living with Dementia in Long Term Residential Care: Reflections'. International Journal Of Social Roboticsinternational Journal Of Social Robotics, [Details]
(2018) 'Factors affecting the acceptability of social robots by older adults including people with dementia or cognitive impairment: a literature review'
Whelan, S., Murphy, K., Barrett, E., Krusche, C., Santorelli, A. & Casey, D (2018) 'Factors affecting the acceptability of social robots by older adults including people with dementia or cognitive impairment: a literature review'. International Journal of Social Robotics, [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2021) 'Examining Social Robot Acceptability for Older Adults and People with Dementia'
Whelan, S. and Casey, D., (2021) 'Examining Social Robot Acceptability for Older Adults and People with Dementia' In: Collaborative and Humanoid Robots. Online: IntechOpen. [ARAN Link] [Details]

Conference Publications

  Year Publication
(2017) Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) Conference
Whelan, S., Kouroupetroglou, C., Raciti, M., Barrett, E., Santorelli, A., & Casey, D. (2017) Investigating the effect of social robot embodiment Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) Conference [Details]
(2017) Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) Conference, Sheffield, UK
Kouroupetroglou, C; Casey, D; Raciti, M; Barrett, E; D'Onofrio, G; Ricciardi, F; Giuliani, F; Greco, A; Sancarlo, D; Mannion, A; Whelan, S; Pegman, G; Koumpis, A; Reforgiato Recupero, D; Kouroupetroglou, A. & Santorelli, A. (2017) 'Interacting with Dementia: The MARIO Approach' Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) Conference, Sheffield, UK [Details]
(2016) International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs
Casey, D., Felzmann, H., Pegman, G., Kouroupetroglou, C., Murphy, K., Koumpis, A., & Whelan, S. (2016) What people with dementia want: designing MARIO an acceptable robot companion International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs [Details]

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2021) British Society of Gerontology 50th Annual Conference,
Whelan, S & Casey, D (2021) The effect of MARIO, a social robot, on the resilience of people with dementia. [Oral Presentation], British Society of Gerontology 50th Annual Conference, Zoom Webinar hosted Lancaster University , 07-JUL-21. [Details]
(2021) PROSPERO workshop,
Whelan, S., Flynn, A. & Casey, D. (2021) Challenges of using a social robot in the real world of practice: The MARIO project. Social Robotics and Dementia. [Oral Presentation], PROSPERO workshop, Online , 20-JAN-21. [Details]
(2020) Engaging Dementia 12th Virtual International Dementia Conference, Transforming Care and Communities,
Whelan, S. & Casey, D. (2020) Fostering the Resilience of People with Dementia with Psychosocial Interventions. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Engaging Dementia 12th Virtual International Dementia Conference, Transforming Care and Communities, Zoom Webinar hosted in Dublin, Ireland , 02-NOV-20. [Details]
(2019) 12th International Dementia Conference,
Whelan, S., and Casey, D. (2019) Resilience in the Context of Dementia: A literature Review. [Poster Presentation], 12th International Dementia Conference, Dublin Ireland , 01-APR-19. [Details]
(2019) British Society of Gerontology Conference,
Whelan, S., & Casey, D. (2019) Evaluating the impact of the Social Robot MARIO on the resilience of people living with dementia in residential care. [Oral Presentation], British Society of Gerontology Conference, Liverpool, UK , 10-JUL-19 - 12-JUL-19. [Details]
(2018) 10th International Dementia Conference,
Burke, M., Whelan, S., Kovacic, T., Santorelli, A., Oliveira, B., & Casey, D. (2018) Evaluating the impact of MARIO on people with Dementia in a nursing home setting. [Poster Presentation], 10th International Dementia Conference, Dublin Ireland , 16-APR-18. [Details]
(2018) 10th International Dementia Conference,
Kovacic, T., Felzmann, H., Mannion, A., Summerville, S., Barrett, E., Burke, M., Santorelli, A., Whelan, S., Murphy, K., & Casey, D. (2018) Value sensitive design: Evaluating the usefulness of the MARIO ethical framework. [Poster Presentation], 10th International Dementia Conference, Dublin Ireland , 16-APR-18. [Details]
(2018) 11th Annual Conference Irish Research Nurses Network,
Whelan, S., Barrett., E & Casey D. (2018) Using Dementia Care Mapping to Evaluate the Impact of MARIO, a Social Robot. [Poster Presentation], 11th Annual Conference Irish Research Nurses Network, Dublin Ireland , 07-NOV-18 - 08-NOV-18. [Details]
(2018) 10th International Dementia Conference,
Mannion, A., Whelan, S., Burke, M., Barrett, E., Santorelli, A., & Casey, D. (2018) Introducing MARIO, a social robot to people living with dementia in long term residential care: Reflections. [Poster Presentation], 10th International Dementia Conference, Dublin Ireland , 16-APR-18. [Details]
(2018) 10th International Dementia Conference,,
Whelan, S., Kovacic, T., Burke, M., & Casey, D. (2018) Exploring the Perceptions of Resilience in Nursing Home Residents. [Poster Presentation], 10th International Dementia Conference,, Dublin Ireland , 16-APR-18. [Details]
(2018) 66th Annual scientific meeting Irish Gerontology Society,
Casey, D., Whelan, S., Barrett, E., Murphy, K., Santorelli, A., Burke, M., & Kovacic, K. (2018) The impact of a companion robot in combatting loneliness in people living with dementia in residential care: The MARIO Project. [Poster Presentation], 66th Annual scientific meeting Irish Gerontology Society, Cavan, Ireland , 27-SEP-18 - 29-SEP-18. [Details]
(2017) 9th International Dementia Conference,
¿ Whelan, S., Murphy, K., Barrett, E., Krusche, C., Santorelli, A., & Casey, D. (2017) Factors Affecting the Acceptability of Social Robots by Older Adults, People with Dementia and Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Literature Review. [Oral Presentation], 9th International Dementia Conference, Dublin Ireland , 08-OCT-17. [Details]
(2015) 5th International Nursing and Midwifery conference 2015,
Sally Whelan Lorraine Mee (2015) An interpretative descriptive study exploring Irish Practice Nurses' readiness to use E Health in Asthma guided self -care. [Poster Presentation], 5th International Nursing and Midwifery conference 2015, NUIGalway , 30-MAR-15 - 31-MAR-15. [Details]

Teaching Interests

2015 ¿ 2021. Tutor Clinical Education Post Graduate Diploma. Dept. of General Practice University of Galway. Responsible for curriculum development, online teaching, workshop facilitation, student assessment, and administration of two modules: Clinical Teaching Methods and Foundations of Assessment.