Jessica Whelan

Dr. Jessica Whelan is an Assistant Professor and Head of School at the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin. She holds a BE (Chemical) and PhD from UCD, specializing in bioprocess optimization and PAT-enabled control systems. Her career spans academic and industrial roles, including leadership at APC and Bristol Myers Squibb. Research focuses on biologics manufacturing, advanced therapies, and process analytical technologies.

Education:

• PhD in Bioprocess Optimization (UCD, 2008)
• BE (Chemical Engineering, UCD, 2002)
• Professional Certificates in University Teaching & Learning

Research Interests:

• Process analytical technology (PAT)
• Advanced process control
• Bioprocess modeling and optimization
• AAV and monoclonal antibody production
• Scale-up/down strategies

Grants & Projects:

• PROSPLIGN: Valorizing lignin biodiversity (€3M, Horizon Europe, 2024–2026)
• Investigating foam fractionation for pharmaceuticals (Science Foundation Ireland, 2024–2025)
• School Startup Account funding (UCD, 2020–2024)

Teaching Contributions:

• Coordinates modules on biopharmaceutical engineering, GMP manufacturing, and work placements
• Developed the Professional Certificate in Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacture

Labs & Teams: Affiliated with the BioRes research group at UCD, focusing on bioprocess innovation and advanced therapy manufacturing.