Gerard is a disability activist and rising leader in higher education. He has long championed the rights of people with disabilities. As a student himself, he lead the first society in the country for students with disabilities and was also elected as Equality Officer to USI. Having a primary degree in Social Science from UCD. He is also a graduate of UCD's Equality Studies MA programme. He joined Maynooth University in 2013 and supports students with multiple disabilities. He also supports the day to day management of the Disability Office.