Maria was previously the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of Engineers Ireland, having worked as a civil engineer for more than 30 years.
She lectured in what was then NUI Galway as well as the University of Limerick before joining TUS, where she has held positions of Lecturer, Head of Department and Head of Faculty.
Maria has international experience, including leading several reviews of civil engineering programmes in Lithuania.
Her research interests are in the area of engineering education quality assurance.
Maria was also the 2025 recipient of the Engineers Ireland Thomond Region Engineering Engagement Award.