Bernie is a Lecturer in Design at NCAD, serving as the Academic Lead and Co-Chair of the inter-institutional Academic Development Group for Creative Futures Academy. She supports the development and validation of new programmes and contributes to the institutional review of existing programs across NCAD's Schools of Design, Fine Art, Education, and Visual Culture. With extensive experience in collaborative practice, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Bernie has facilitated and mentored a range of creative collaborative projects and practitioners, often in collaboration with state agencies.

Her research focuses on sustainable material development and the exploration of improvisation in responsive design. In addition to her academic and research roles, Bernie represents NCAD on the Creative Futures Academy's student and staff mobility working group, further contributing to CFA's broader engagement and collaborative initiatives.