Dr Aventin is a social psychologist who specialises in complex behavioural intervention development, optimisation and evaluation. Her research focuses on addressing global challenges in sexual and reproductive health, perinatal mental health, pregnancy loss, and relationships and sexuality education.

Dr Aventin is Principal Investigator of the PRESENT study, which examines trauma and grief among parents experiencing pregnancy loss, and Chair of the Northern Ireland Pregnancy Loss Research and Policy Network.  She is also Co-Principal Investigator of the If I Were Thabo trial, which examines the feasibility of a relationships and sexuality education intervention in South Africa and Lesotho.