Ita is a Senior Psychiatric Pharmacist working in both clinical practice and research in St Patrick's Mental Health Services, Dublin. Ita has worked in psychiatry since qualifying as a pharmacist and recently completed credentialing at an advanced level with the College of Mental Health Pharmacy in the UK, demonstrating attainment of specialist skills and knowledge consistent with an advanced practitioner. Following completion of an MSc in Clinical Pharmacy with UCC, Ita is currently pursuing a PhD within the School of Pharmacy, focussing on improving obesity management within psychiatric settings, particularly overweight and obesity caused by antipsychotic medication. Aside from this, her research interests include methods to improve evidence-based prescribing of psychopharmacology amongst clinicians and implementing shared decision-making in psychiatric settings. Ita has convened several research groups as part of her MSc and PhD work, including with international collaborators, and has published her work in peer-reviewed, international journals. Ita has also been involved in guideline development at a national level, is a member of the College of Mental Health Pharmacy and represents Irish Psychiatric Pharmacy within several groups, including the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy.