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Prof. Ray O'Neill is an experimental physicist at Maynooth University's Department of Experimental Physics, affiliated with the Faculty of Science & Engineering and Hamilton Institute. He holds the title of Associate Dean of Science and Engineering, with prior roles including Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, and Vice President for Innovation (2013-2016). His research spans atomic and molecular physics, quantum entanglement, biomedical imaging, and innovation systems. O'Neill earned his BSc and PhD in Physics from Queen’s University Belfast, joining Maynooth in 1993. He contributed to Ireland’s first national research integrity policy (2011-2013) and led the Maynooth University Curriculum Commission (2014-2016). Education: BSc in Physics, Queen’s University Belfast PhD in Atomic and Molecular Physics, Queen’s University Belfast Research Interests: Combines foundational physics (electron impact excitation, quantum systems) with applied work in near-infrared biomedical imaging and innovation systems. Recent focus on data analytics and machine learning applications. Publications Overview: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles across atomic physics, optics, and biomedical engineering. Key topics include laser plasma dynamics, multiphoton ionization, and brain-computer interface technologies. Administrative Contributions: Chaired national research integrity working group (2011-2013) Member of European Universities Association Research Policy Group Developed university-wide curriculum reforms as Curriculum Commission Chair Labs/Teams: Active in Hamilton Institute collaborations, focusing on interdisciplinary innovation and applied physics research.

• Experimental Physics
• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Quantum Entanglement
• +4 more

Professor Emma Sokell is a distinguished academic at the UCD College of Science, University College Dublin. Her research focuses on laser-plasma physics, EUV spectroscopy, and atomic/molecular processes in extreme environments. She has contributed significantly to the development of advanced EUV sources for lithography and imaging applications, with a strong emphasis on plasma diagnostics and material characterization. Her work spans experimental and computational methods, including studies on laser-produced plasmas, X-ray transmission gratings, and Faraday isolators. Notable achievements include investigations into collisional radiative models and the design of compact spectrometers. Professor Sokell also engages in academic advising, emphasizing community-building strategies to enhance student confidence and success. Her research has been published widely in top-tier journals, with a focus on topics such as soft X-ray emission analysis, photoionization dynamics, and resonance effects in molecular systems. Key subfields include plasma radiance modeling, electron correlation studies, and the interplay between laser parameters and plasma behavior.

• Laser-Plasma Physics
• Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Spectroscopy
• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• +3 more

Semen Vasilev is a researcher at the University of Limerick , affiliated with the Department of Chemical Sciences and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Centre (PMTC) . His work focuses on advanced materials research at the intersection of applied machine learning and physical chemistry. Current academic rank: Researcher Specializations: Piezoelectricity, Ferroelectric materials, Peptide bioelectrets Research Interests Vasilev's research explores: Quantitative 3D optical birefringence in bioorganic systems Humidity-responsive polyelectrolyte films for dynamic applications Self-assembled nanostructures from amino acids and peptides Machine learning integration for powder conveying optimization His work often combines experimental approaches with computational modeling to understand electromechanical properties at nanoscale. Publication Trends Over the past decade, Vasilev has published extensively on: Piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties Self-assembly mechanisms Optical characterization techniques Material interface engineering Cost-effective manufacturing processes Humidity-sensitive materials Collaborations Active in international research networks, with collaborations spanning: Europe (Germany, UK, Russia) Asia (Japan, China) North America (USA)

• Applied Machine Learning
• Data Analysis
• Piezoelectricity
• +6 more

Richard Hobbs is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), where he leads a research group focused on nanoscale materials, plasmonics, and nanofabrication. His work bridges chemistry, physics, and engineering, with a strong emphasis on electron emission, quantum electron devices, and plasmonic nanoantennas. He maintains an active research profile with numerous publications in top-tier journals and leads multiple externally funded projects. His research interests center on plasmonics, nanofabrication, and quantum electron microscopy . He investigates how nanostructures such as aluminum and gold nanorods can enhance optical field emission and manipulate electron beams at ultrafast timescales. His lab explores energy transfer at plasmonic surfaces and the design of efficient electron beam splitters using quantum principles. These efforts contribute to advancements in ultrafast electronics, nanochemistry, and next-generation electron microscopy . The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on plasmonic nanostructures, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and ultrafast photoemission . His work spans from fundamental quantum effects in electron devices to applied nanophotonics in data storage technologies like HAMR. The integration of simulation, nanofabrication, and experimental characterization underscores a multidisciplinary approach to solving challenges in nanoscience. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While specific student names are not listed, Dr. Hobbs leads a research group and is likely mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. He is principal investigator on several major grants: Nanolace – Funded by the European Commission (2020–2024) Engineering energy transfer on the nanoscale at plasmonic surfaces – Funded by Royal Society and SFI Engineering plasmonic nanoantennas for nanochemistry and ultrafast electronics – Funded by Royal Society and Science Foundation Ireland (2021–2024) Labs and Research Teams: Dr. Hobbs leads the Hobbs Lab (hobbslab.weebly.com), which focuses on nanoscale engineering of plasmonic systems and quantum electron devices. His team collaborates widely with institutions in Ireland and internationally, particularly in the areas of electron microscopy, helium ion beam lithography, and ultrafast optics. The lab is active in both experimental and computational aspects of nanoscience, contributing to the AXSIS project and other large-scale collaborative efforts.

• Nanotechnology
• Plasmonics
• Nanofabrication
• +7 more

Professor Kenneth Dawson is a Full Professor of Physical Chemistry and Director of the Centre for BioNano Interactions (CBNI) at University College Dublin's School of Chemistry. A pioneering figure in bionanoscience, he founded the concept of the 'protein corona,' which defines engineered nanoparticles' biological identity. His career spans leadership roles at UCD since 2007 and academic positions at institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Oxford. Prof. Dawson's research focuses on: Nanoscale interactions between synthetic materials and biological systems Protein corona dynamics and its impact on nanoparticle targeting Quantitative modeling of nanoparticle uptake and trafficking Design of smart delivery systems via surface engineering Shape-dependent immunomodulation and epigenetic effects His recent publications analyze: 2025: Nanoparticle shape-driven T cell receptor modifications 2023: Ultrasmall nanoparticle behavior in biological systems 2022: Epigenetic regulation via nanoscale spatial stress 2021: Magnetic nanoparticle recovery for intracellular trafficking studies Scientific honors include Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2017), Cozzarelli Prize (2008), and IBM Supercomputing Awards (1991). He serves on editorial boards for Nature Research and ACS Applied Bio Materials . As an educator, he has supervised multiple PhD students and coordinated modules in chemical thermodynamics. His grant portfolio includes EU-funded projects like HYBRID (2018-2022) and Bio-PADT (2023-2027), supporting interdisciplinary research in nanosafety and therapeutic applications.

• BioNano Interactions
• Protein-Nanoparticle Interactions
• Quantitative BioNanoInteraction
• +5 more

Dr. Lewys Jones is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Trinity College Dublin . His research focuses on advancing Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) techniques for atomic-scale materials characterization, particularly in low-dose imaging, detector optimization, and 3D tomography. Key Research Areas: Aberration-Corrected Microscopy, Atomic-Resolution Imaging, Nanomaterials Analysis, and Machine Learning for Image Enhancement Instrumentation Expertise: Detector Calibration, Probe Drift Compensation, Low-Voltage Imaging, and Digital Pulse Read-Out Systems His work has resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications (2013-2024) with a focus on electron microscopy innovations and nanostructured materials . Notable scientific awards include the Royal Society & SFI University Research Fellowship (2019) and the International Federation of Societies for Microscopy 'Young Scientist Award' (2014). He has contributed to open-access resources and educational tools for STEM data analysis, including the 'Smart Align' software.

• Aberration-Corrected Electron Microscopy
• Atomic-Resolution Imaging
• Nanomaterials Characterization
• +4 more

Professor Brian Rodriguez is a full-time faculty member in the School of Physics at University College Dublin, based at the Conway Institute in Belfield, Dublin 4. His research bridges nanoscale materials physics and biomedical applications, with expertise in scanning probe microscopy techniques. He maintains an active teaching schedule across multiple modules and can be contacted via brian.rodriguez@ucd.ie or phone at 01 716 6744. His academic credentials include: BS from University of North Carolina MS from North Carolina State University, USA PhD in Physics from North Carolina State University, USA (2003) Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning from University College Dublin Rodriguez specializes in piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for characterizing ferroelectric materials, polar nitride semiconductors, and biological systems. His work has expanded into bio-inspired nanomaterials development, including sustainable peptide semiconductors for sensing, amorphous alloys for antibacterial implants, and electrocatalysts for green hydrogen. He actively integrates machine learning with AFM data to advance cancer diagnostics, emphasizing translational applications in biomedicine and energy. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate interdisciplinary momentum toward sustainable nanomaterials for energy conversion and biomedical sensing. Key trends include seawater electrolysis catalysts using MBenes/borides, metal-free SERS platforms with peptide semiconductors, and electric-field-activated pathogen detection. His group pioneers techniques like fluid-phase 3D printing for hydrogel patterning and high-voltage KPFM adaptations, with consistent focus on fundamental electromechanical property characterization. Award highlights include: UCD College of Science Women in Science Mentoring Award (2024) Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (2007) RMIT Foundation International Research Exchange Fellowship (2010) Two UT Battelle Team Awards (2006) Rodriguez coordinates core modules including Bio-inspired Technologies (2016-2025), AFM for Bionano (2016-2025), and Nanomechanics (2017-2025), using active-learning pedagogies. His research is funded through Science Foundation Ireland's GROW Supplement (2017), the OBRSS Research Support Scheme (2016-2023), and the Resolve-NP project grant (2023-2025) targeting lipid nanomedicine characterization at single-particle resolution. He leads the NanoFunction research group (nanofunction.org) within UCD's Conway Institute, focusing on nanoscale functional materials. Current projects involve peptide-based sensors, antimicrobial coatings, and electrocatalyst engineering, supported by collaborations with Zhang, Bao, and Brennan on the Resolve-NP grant. Rodriguez also contributes to SIMUFER (Single- and Multiphase Ferroics with Restricted Geometries) and maintains active professional society memberships.

• Scanning Probe Microscopy
• Piezoresponse Force Microscopy
• Ferroelectric Materials
• +7 more