Find Academic Supervisors

• Optical Sensors
• Biomedical Diagnostics
• Plasmonics
• +3 more

Prof. Colette McDonagh is a Full Professor at the School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University (DCU), where she leads the Optical Sensors Laboratory (OSL). She is also affiliated with the National Centre for Sensor Research (NCSR) and the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute (BDI). Her research focuses on optical sensor technologies, particularly sol-gel materials for environmental and biomedical applications, plasmonic enhancement strategies, and nanoparticle-based bioassays. Funding sources include industry, EU grants, and national agencies. Dr. McDonagh holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Trinity College Dublin and has contributed over 120 publications with 3,500+ citations. Her work spans sensor development for dissolved CO₂ monitoring, bioprocess tracking, and in vivo diagnostics. She pioneered innovations in fluorophore-doped silica nanoparticles and surface plasmon-enhanced fluorescence for high-sensitivity detection. Her labs emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating photonics, material science, and biomedical engineering. Recent projects include microfluidic automation, ultra-bright nanoparticle labels for cancer imaging, and plasmonic biochip platforms for point-of-care diagnostics.

• Biological and Artificial Vision
• Human Sensory Augmentation
• Secure Data Analytics
• +3 more

Dr. Noel Murphy is an Associate Professor and Head of the School of Electronic Engineering at Dublin City University (DCU). He has held various leadership roles, including Associate Dean for Education in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing (2005-2007), Head of School (2007-2012, 2015-2018, and returning in 2021). He has been teaching at DCU since 1986 and has contributed extensively to academic governance, including roles on Academic Council and Governing Authority committees. Dr. Murphy holds a BA (Mod) in Theoretical Physics from Trinity College Dublin (TCD), a PhD from DCU (2003) on Information Theory models for Biological and Artificial Vision, and a part-time MA in Pure Mathematics from Maynooth University (2015). His research focuses on: Biological and Artificial Vision: Including Information Theoretic models and the work of Stephen Grossberg. Secure Data Analytics: Particularly leveraging SGX-enabled applications for data ownership control. Algebraic Number Theory: Exploring elliptic curves and Apéry's Constant. IoT and Edge Computing: Focusing on secure processing for IoT applications. Human Sensory Augmentation and Multimedia Information Retrieval. In addition to his teaching and leadership roles, Dr. Murphy has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students to completion. He has secured funding as Principal Investigator or co-Investigator on national and EU-funded research projects. He is affiliated with DCU's Entwine Research Centre. Outside academia, Dr. Murphy is Honorary Secretary of the Irish Light Aviation Society, holds a Private Pilot’s License, and is involved in aircraft restoration projects, including a 1940 Piper J5 and a Vans RV-8.

• Composite Materials
• Materials Science
• Tribology
• +5 more

Aswani Kumar Bandaru is an Assistant Professor at the School of Engineering, University of Limerick. His research focuses on composite materials, particularly their design, manufacturing, and performance under various loading conditions. Key areas include the development of lightweight composites for body armor, tribological properties of PTFE composites, and high strain rate analysis of thermoplastic composites. He has pioneered work on hybrid composites using Kevlar and basalt fibers, investigating their ballistic impact resistance and mechanical behavior under extreme conditions. His expertise spans material characterization techniques, including thermal, mechanical, and tribological testing. Current projects involve the application of PTFE-reinforced composites in domestic applications like floor panels and doors. He employs both experimental and numerical methods, such as finite element analysis and computational modeling, to study progressive damage in composites under impact and high-strain-rate loading. Bandaru’s work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals by advancing sustainable material systems and improving energy efficiency through lightweight composites. Notable collaborations include studies on laser-assisted tape placement (LATP) for composite manufacturing and recycling strategies for composite waste.

Gerard DoolyView profile

Associate Professor

• Robotics
• Intelligent Systems
• Software Engineering
• +3 more

Gerard Dooly is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering, University of Limerick. He is affiliated with the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems and Lero – the Irish Research Centre for Software. His work spans robotics, autonomous systems, and sensor technologies. Research Interests: His research focuses on robotics, UAV navigation, fiber optic sensors, and multi-sensor fusion. Recent projects include autonomous forklifts, real-time wildlife monitoring, and LiDAR-based bridge inspection. Collaborations: He collaborates with institutions like Lero and contributes to cutting-edge robotics research. His work involves applications in industrial automation, environmental monitoring, and autonomous charging systems.

Thomas NeweView profile

Professor

• Cyber Security
• Data Security
• Network Security
• +10 more

Professor Thomas Newe is a cybersecurity expert at the University of Limerick's Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering. He leads the department since 2025 and participates in national research centers like Lero and the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems. He also serves as Adjunct Professor at Munster Technological University and contributes to Cyber Ireland and CyberSkills initiatives. Education: PhD in Formal Logics for Security Protocol Verification MEng in Security Protocol Design BEng in Computer Engineering NCEA Diploma in Electronic Engineering His research spans cyber security for data, networks, operational technology (OT), and smart robotics. Key areas include IoT security , formal verification methods , encryption algorithms , and remote control operation security . Teaching focuses on Cyber Security for IoT , Security Protocols , and Cryptography . Recent publications explore AIoT standards , Zero Trust IoT , and IoE security engineering . He has contributed to over 190 academic works and graduated numerous PhD students. Academic Leadership: Head of Department, University of Limerick (2025–present) Board Member, Cyber Ireland (2019–present) Founding Member, CyberSkills Initiative Professor Newe has held academic roles from Junior Lecturer to Senior Lecturer at University of Limerick, with industry experience in software design and testing. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for Quality Education and Industry Innovation .

• Additive Manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical Engineering
• Digital Twin Technology
• +3 more

Evert Fuenmayor Antunez is an academic researcher with a strong focus on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science, pharmaceutical engineering, and advanced manufacturing technologies. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to innovation and industrialization. He has been actively publishing since 2016, with a notable increase in research output from 2021 onward. Research Interests: Evert's research spans additive manufacturing (3D printing), digital twin technology integration in smart manufacturing systems, and pharmaceutical formulation innovations. He investigates material compatibility in additive processes, drug delivery systems using novel excipients, and robotic automation applications. His work emphasizes practical solutions for challenges in both industrial and healthcare sectors. Collaborations: Recent collaborations involve global teams working on topics like digital twin applications for robotic arms, polysaccharide-based functional foods, and advanced drug release mechanisms. Key collaborators include institutions contributing to smart manufacturing, food science, and polymer engineering. Grants & Awards: While specific grants are not listed, his high citation count (1,423) and H-index of 14 reflect significant academic impact. His work has attracted attention in both technical and general media, with articles generating blog and news mentions.

• Fiber Optic Sensors
• Biomedical Engineering
• Marine Technology
• +4 more

Dr. Dinesh Babu Duraibabu is a Research Professor in the Department of Mechatronic Engineering at Athlone Institute of Technology (ATU). He serves as Principal Investigator for two research centers: Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE), and Precision Engineering Materials and Manufacturing Research Centre (PEM). His work focuses on fiber optic sensor technologies, robotics, and biomedical applications. He leads research in underwater sensing systems, thermal management, and material science, with applications in marine environments and medical devices. Research Interests: Fiber Optic Sensors: Development of FBG and EFPI-based sensors for pressure, temperature, and salinity measurement Robotics: Underwater inspection and repair systems for ship hulls using advanced welding techniques Biomedical Engineering: Application of optical sensors in cancer therapy and urodynamic monitoring Marine Technology: Design of sensors for freshwater/marine environmental monitoring He has published widely in sensors technology and collaborates internationally on projects involving renewable energy systems and sensor integration. Currently accepting PhD students in mechatronic engineering and sensor technologies.

Mary Doyle-KentView profile

Professor

• Industry 4.0 and 5.0
• Human-Centered Automation
• Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality in Engineering
• +4 more

Dr. Mary Doyle-Kent is the Head of Department in the Department of Engineering Technology at SETU Waterford, leading the Cost Oriented Automation Research Unit within the Centre for INformation SYstems and TEchno-culture (INSYTE). She holds a Technical Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from TU Wien (Austria) and has over 20 years of academic experience across SETU and TU Dublin. Her research focuses on Industry 4.0/5.0, human-centered automation, diversity and inclusion in engineering, and sustainability. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Collaborative Robotics in Industry 5.0), TU Wien, 2021 Masters in Mechanical Engineering (3D Finite Element Analysis), Dublin City University, 2016 Masters in Mathematics, Trinity College Dublin, 1990 Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Technological University Dublin, 1990 Research Interests: Industry 4.0/5.0 frameworks and societal impacts Inclusion and diversity strategies in STEM Engineering ethics and environmental design Collaborative robotics and automation Techno-economic analysis of sustainable systems Professional Roles: Chair of IFAC’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Executive Committee Member of Engineers Ireland’s Diversity Committee External Examiner at TU Dublin and Visiting Lecturer at University for Business and Technology, Kosovo Recent Research Trends: Her publications emphasize sustainable manufacturing, gender equity in technology, and frameworks for institutional inclusion. Current work includes ecological certification indices for socially intelligent manufacturing and career reentry strategies for women in STEM. Grants & Collaborations: Leads transdisciplinary research initiatives on Industry 5.0 and collaborates internationally on diversity in engineering education. Funded projects include studies on solar-assisted biomass heating systems and lifecycle assessments in construction. Labs & Teams: Directs the INSYTE Centre and co-organizes global conferences like the IFAC TECIS 2024 on Technology, Culture, and International Stability.

Paul ListonView profile

Lecturer

• Discrete Event Simulation
• Healthcare Logistics
• Operations Research
• +5 more

Paul Liston is a Lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Business Computing at the Faculty of Business and Hospitality, Technological University of the Shannon. His research focuses on simulation-based decision support systems, with particular emphasis on healthcare logistics, manufacturing SMEs, and robotics collaboration. He has contributed to understanding humanitarian decision-making in crisis scenarios, optimizing contact center operations, and evaluating the impact of incubators on SME ecosystems. Research Interests: Liston’s work integrates operations research, discrete event simulation, and reinforcement learning to address complex systems. Key areas include: Healthcare system optimization (e.g., emergency department congestion) Manufacturing SME digitalization strategies Multi-robot systems collaboration Humanitarian logistics and disaster response modeling Virtual organization operational design Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes scalable reinforcement learning frameworks for autonomous systems, decision support tools in healthcare and contact centers, and analysis of Ireland’s innovation ecosystems. His 2024 paper on CESDQL demonstrates advancements in multi-robot coordination under sparse reward conditions, while 2023 studies highlight contact center simulation and incubator impact assessment. Advising & Grants: Accepting PhD students in areas like Humanitarian Operations Theory (as per TUS RISE scholarships). Active in collaborative research projects involving multi-country networks and industry partnerships. Labs/Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary teams focusing on simulation-driven solutions for complex systems, with contributions to cloud computing simulation tools and lean manufacturing methodologies.

Rudi VillingView profile

Associate Professor

• autonomous mobile robotics
• systems for health and wellbeing
• applications of real-time intelligent systems
• +7 more

Rudi Villing is an Associate Professor and Programme Director for Robotics & Intelligent Devices at Maynooth University's Department of Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Science & Engineering. He is actively affiliated with the Hamilton Institute and the Assisting Living and Learning (ALL) Institute at Maynooth University. Dr. Villing holds a first class honours B.Eng. in Electronic Engineering from Dublin City University and a PhD in Engineering from NUI Maynooth. Prior to his academic career, he spent 10 years working in the telecommunications software industry, specializing in Telecommunications Management Networks and software systems architecture. His primary research focuses on autonomous mobile robotics , systems for health and wellbeing , and applications of real-time intelligent systems . With expertise spanning system design, real-time embedded software, machine learning, autonomous behavior, signal processing, communications, and psychoperception, his work bridges theoretical research with practical applications. His recent publications demonstrate strong activity in robot vision, assistive robotics for elderly care, and computational healthcare applications, particularly in Parkinson's disease rehabilitation through the BeatHealth project. Dr. Villing's scientific contributions have been supported by funding from: Science Foundation Ireland Enterprise Ireland Irish Research Council European Commission As Programme Director, he plays a key leadership role in robotics education while maintaining an active research program. His work consistently translates theoretical concepts into practical implementations, particularly evident in his research on gait rehabilitation systems and quality control applications in food engineering. His recent publications show increasing interdisciplinary work at the intersection of robotics, healthcare, and food science. Dr. Villing is deeply involved with the Hamilton Institute and the ALL Institute, contributing to interdisciplinary research initiatives focused on intelligent systems with real-world impact. His laboratory work emphasizes practical robotics applications that address tangible human needs, especially in healthcare contexts where technology can improve quality of life for vulnerable populations.

• Additive Manufacturing
• Polypropylene
• Heat Transfer Analysis
• +6 more

David Tormey is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Precision Engineering Materials and Manufacturing Research Centre (PEM Research Centre) at Atlantic Technological University's Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering. His research focuses on additive manufacturing, heat transfer optimization, and advanced materials processing, particularly in polypropylene and stainless steel applications. He leads interdisciplinary projects addressing sustainable manufacturing and industrial innovation. Research interests include additive manufacturing techniques, laser welding of polymers, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and sensor integration for real-time process monitoring. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Climate Action (SDG 13). Recent studies emphasize roughness effects on heat transfer in additive-manufactured channels, optimization of injection molding processes, and biomedical applications of nanocoatings. Collaborations span academic and industrial partners globally, addressing challenges in energy-efficient manufacturing and materials science. The PEM Research Centre, under his leadership, develops cutting-edge solutions for precision engineering and advanced manufacturing systems. His publications (58+ articles) highlight contributions to thermal engineering, polymer processing, and AI-driven quality control in manufacturing.

Dimitrios ArgyropoulosView profile

Assistant Professor

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Agricultural Automation
• Digital Technology in Food Systems
• +5 more

Dr. Dimitrios Argyropoulos is an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin's School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, leading the Digital AgTech Lab. He holds a PhD in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Hohenheim, Germany. His roles include Programme Director of the MSc in Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture and Principal Investigator in EU-funded projects like WATSON (€11M Horizon Europe initiative addressing food authenticity and traceability). Education: BSc in Biosystems Engineering (Agricultural Machinery & Irrigation) from Greece, MSc in Environmental Protection & Agricultural Food Production from Germany’s University of Hohenheim, followed by a PhD in Agricultural Engineering. Postdoctoral research at Hohenheim focused on renewable energy systems and post-harvest technology. Research interests center on sustainable agri-food systems, digitization (IoT, AI, hyperspectral imaging), and precision agriculture. Key projects include Farmtopia (democratizing digital farming for small farms), Mushnomics (AI for mushroom growth monitoring), and SpectroFood (hyperspectral tech for food quality). Over 100 peer-reviewed articles span machine learning in agriculture, robotic harvesting systems, and gamification in farming education. Professional activities include roles as Associate Editor for Smart Agricultural Technology and Computers and Electronics in Agriculture , and leadership in EU projects like SMARTCHAIN and GOOD. He co-ordinates IEEE AgriFood Electronics conferences and chairs sessions on precision agriculture.

• Ethics in AI and Information Technology
• Healthcare Ethics
• Research Ethics
• +4 more

Dr. Heike Schmidt-Felzmann serves as a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy/Ethics within the Department of Philosophy at the School of History and Philosophy, University of Galway. She actively supervises PhD students and contributes to multiple academic programs across disciplines including Computer Science, Nursing, and Social Sciences. Her research focuses on ethical dimensions of emerging technologies, particularly: AI and robotics ethics with emphasis on ethics-by-design approaches Healthcare ethics specializing in mental health applications Feminist bioethics and ethics for marginalized communities Relational information technologies including care robots and AI companions She integrates clinical psychotherapy experience into her ethical analyses of neurodivergent and gender-diverse healthcare needs. Her 108+ publications demonstrate consistent output in AI ethics, with recent work examining social robot implementation in care settings, data privacy valuation, and interprofessional education frameworks. This research trajectory reveals increasing focus on practical ethics integration within healthcare technology development. Scientific recognition includes: EDI Project Fund award (2024) Leadership roles in European research consortia She has secured significant research funding through EU projects including COST Actions CHIPME and RANCARE, H2020 MARIO project, and ERASMUS+ PROSPERO initiative. Her supervision portfolio includes 23 postgraduate students across Philosophy, Nursing, and Computer Science programs, with recent teaching innovations in AI ethics for technical disciplines. Her laboratory work centers on European collaborative networks including COST Action on Wearable Robotics (CA16116) where she served as WG4 lead on ethical, legal and social issues, and the RANCARE consortium addressing nursing care rationing.

Eoin WhiteView profile

Associate Professor

• Product Design
• Medical Device Development
• Human Factors Research
• +3 more

Dr. Eoin White is an Associate Professor at the School of Design , University of Limerick. With expertise spanning human factors research, medical device development, and user-centered design methodologies, he bridges academic innovation with industry applications through multidisciplinary collaboration. PhD in Minimally Invasive Medical Devices (2017) BSc in Product Design & Technology (2012) Research focuses on qualitative methodologies for enhancing medical device design, with special emphasis on: Clinical evaluation and regulatory compliance Ethnographic studies in surgical environments Rapid prototyping for surgical tools Ethical product lifecycle management Recent publications analyze cardiovascular device design (2024), surgical grasp taxonomy (2023), and gender dynamics in STEM education (2023). His work contributes to SDGs in healthcare technology and educational equity. As principal investigator, he has secured €2.5M in research funding from IRC, Seedcorn, Enterprise Ireland, and Horizon 2020 grants. He supervises PhD candidates in human factors and medical device development while serving as design and regulatory lead in two university spin-out companies.

• Higher Education Leadership
• Embedded Systems Security
• Intelligent Systems
• +3 more

Dr. Jennifer Bruton is the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at Dublin City University (DCU), serving as a senior university administrator. Previously, she held roles including Associate Dean for Education (2007–2011), Chair of the University Disciplinary Committee (2017–2021), and Head of the School of Electronic Engineering until 2021. Her disciplinary expertise spans electronic, mechatronics, and software engineering. She actively contributes to national education initiatives through her membership in Engineers Ireland's Accreditation Board and representation on the National Forum for Teaching and Learning. Education Background: While specific degree details are not provided, her academic leadership roles and research profile imply advanced qualifications in engineering disciplines. Her career trajectory aligns with a traditional path toward professorial rank. Research Focus: Her work bridges technical and administrative domains: technical research includes embedded systems security, IoT optimization, and cooperative robotics, while leadership research examines student engagement in quality assurance processes and technology-enhanced pedagogy. Recent publications emphasize IoT security and higher education governance. Professional Contributions: As a policy-maker, she co-authored DCU's Student Code of Conduct and led European Standards implementation. Her teaching innovations focus on blended learning and accreditation frameworks. No specific grants or lab affiliations are noted in provided texts.