Find Academic Supervisors

• Peptide Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Antimicrobial Agents
• +6 more

Prof. Marc Devocelle is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). He holds additional roles including Erasmus Officer and previously served as Associate Vice Dean for Student Affairs. His academic journey includes a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Lille (1997), followed by postdoctoral research at RCSI (1999–2000). He has led the HEA-funded Peptide Synthesis Laboratory and contributed to advancing medicinal chemistry education through a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education (2017–2018). Research focuses on peptide synthesis, drug delivery systems, and antimicrobial agents. Notable areas include peptide-based biofilm eradication, prodrug development for cancer therapy, and sustainable chemical synthesis methods. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). Prof. Devocelle has secured significant grants, including a Science Foundation Ireland-funded project on 'Greener Synthesis of Peptide Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients' (2025–2029) and collaborations with industry partners. He has supervised numerous research projects, including studies on antibacterial peptide prodrugs and polymer-based delivery systems. Awards include the RCSI President Teaching Award (2017) and the Dr Jacques Servier Scholarship (2006). He is a member of the European Peptide Society and the Centre for Synthesis & Chemical Biology. Teaching responsibilities include foundational medicinal chemistry courses for medicine and pharmacy programs, alongside specialized postgraduate training in drug discovery and peptide chemistry.

• Modern Methods of Construction
• Modular Construction
• Structural Steel Engineering
• +9 more

Associate Professor Daniel McCrum is a faculty member at the School of Civil Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD). He holds a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and has held academic positions at Queen's University Belfast and UCD. His research focuses on modern methods of construction, structural steel, resilience of infrastructure, and cyber-physical threats. He leads the Modern Methods of Construction Research Group (MMCRG) and is involved in projects like Construct Innovate and the Horizon 2020-funded PRECINCT initiative. Education: BEng (1st class) from Trinity College Dublin (2005), MSc in Structural Engineering (2006, University of Glasgow), PhD in Civil Engineering (Trinity College Dublin, 2008). Research interests include modular construction, cold-formed steel design, bridge aerodynamics, and critical infrastructure resilience. He has supervised over 15 postgraduate researchers and led numerous funded projects including EU-funded research on construction standards and predictive modeling tools. Awards include the 2022 Teaching Excellence Award and the 2016 Fulbright Scholarship. Professional roles include Programme Director for Civil Engineering programs at UCD, Head of Teaching and Learning (2019–2020), and member of Construct Innovate's Centre Executive Management Committee. He is a Chartered Structural Engineer with the Institution of Structural Engineers and an active peer reviewer for journals like Engineering Structures and Structure and Infrastructure Engineering. Key contributions include advancing CFS structural analysis, developing robustness frameworks for cyber-physical infrastructure, and aerodynamic studies on long-span bridges like the Queensferry Crossing. His work integrates computational methods with experimental testing to address challenges in construction safety and disaster resilience.

• Polymer Recycling
• Plastic Degradation
• Sustainable Materials Engineering
• +3 more

Margaret Brennan Fournet serves as Research Institute Director for both LIFE: The Health & Biosciences Research Institute and PRISM (Polymer, Recycling, Industrial, Sustainability and Manufacturing engineering) Research Institute at Technological University of the Shannon. Her leadership spans sustainability-focused research with demonstrable impact on UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in plastic pollution mitigation and circular economy solutions. Her research expertise centers on advanced polymer recycling technologies, with signature contributions in PET depolymerization , bacterial nanocellulose production from plastic waste , and antimicrobial biomaterial development . Current work integrates microwave-assisted chemistry, microbial biotechnology, and nanomaterial engineering to transform plastic waste into high-value products like nanocellulose and specialty chemicals. The fingerprint analysis of her 33 research outputs reveals dominant expertise in polyethylene terephthalate (100%), depolymerization (63%), and silver nanoparticle applications (46%). Recent publications demonstrate accelerating impact, with 10 articles in 2023 and 7 in 2024 across journals like Journal of Cleaner Production and Sustainable Materials and Technologies . Key trends include upcycling mixed plastics into bacterial nanocellulose, developing essential oil-enhanced antimicrobial blends, and creating bone regeneration scaffolds from recycled materials. Her work bridges fundamental science with industrial applications, particularly in chemical recycling and biosensing. €2.9 million plastic pollution project launch (2021) EU-China sustainability research liaison role Media coverage in 6 press outlets including X and Bluesky As principal investigator, she leads transnational collaborations spanning microbiology, materials science, and chemical engineering. Current initiatives include the PRISM institute's industrial partnerships focusing on polymer recycling infrastructure and the LIFE institute's health-focused biomaterials development. Her research program actively engages with industry partners to scale chemical depolymerization technologies and nanocellulose production systems for commercial implementation.

Diarmuid O'MaoileidighView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant Developmental Biology
• Transcription Factor Networks
• Floral Organ Development
• +3 more

Dr. Diarmuid O'Maoileidigh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Maynooth University, part of the Faculty of Science & Engineering. He holds a PhD in Plant Developmental Genetics and a B.A. in Human Genetics from Trinity College Dublin (TCD). His research focuses on plant developmental genetics, particularly the molecular mechanisms governing flower and fruit development, with an emphasis on cis-regulatory elements and transcription factors. He leads the Comparative Developmental Genetics (CDG) lab, exploring how floral organs become photosynthetically active and investigating variation in photosynthetic activity across species using genomic and physiological approaches. Education: PhD in Plant Developmental Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin (2007) B.A. Moderatorship in Human Genetics, Trinity College Dublin (2003) Research Interests: His work dissects transcription factor networks controlling floral organ identity and the integration of leaf developmental programs. Recent projects include studying photosynthetic activity in floral organs and the role of microRNAs like MIR172 in floral transitions. He has secured grants such as the BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship (2020) and led projects like the 'Rewiring of photosynthesis in floral organs' (2023-2025). Professional Highlights: Recipient of the Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship (2016) Associate Editor for bio-protocol (2023–present) Committee Member of the Sustainable Ecosystems Research Cluster (2023–present) Outreach: Engages in public science initiatives like Pint of Science Ireland and serves as a judge for secondary school science competitions (SciFest 2023).

Deirdre DesmondView profile

Professor

• Psychosocial adjustment to illness
• Assistive technology
• Rehabilitation Psychology
• +4 more

Deirdre Desmond is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Maynooth University and serves as Head of the Department and Co-Director of the Assisting Living and Learning (ALL) Institute. She co-leads the Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research Training in Advanced Networks for Sustainable Societies. Her research focuses on psychosocial adjustment to long-term illness and disability, with a particular emphasis on assistive technologies and their integration into healthcare and education systems. Research interests include: psychosocial adjustment to illness, coping mechanisms, outcomes measurement in rehabilitation, assistive technology design, and self-management strategies for chronic conditions. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Dublin Psychoprosthetics Group and the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics. Her work has been funded by the Health Research Board, Irish Research Council, and other organizations. Key contributions include studies on cancer survivorship, disability inclusion in higher education, and the application of connected health technologies. She has led projects addressing barriers to self-management for head and neck cancer survivors and cognitive functioning in individuals with limb amputations. Advising and grants: She oversees research teams and collaborates with international consortia (e.g., SHAPES Consortium for smart ageing). Her work bridges clinical practice, technology development, and policy advocacy. Current focus includes advancing assistive technologies to enhance quality of life and fostering inclusive educational practices for students with disabilities. Labs and teams: ALL Institute (focusing on assistive living and learning innovations), Dublin Psychoprosthetics Group (prosthetics and orthotics research), and collaborations within Maynooth University's Human Health Institute.

Ciara McCormackView profile

Assistant Professor

• Chronic Disease Management
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Cardiovascular Health
• +3 more

Ciara McCormack is an Assistant Professor in Sport Science and Health at Maynooth University and a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. She is affiliated with the Faculty of Science & Engineering and the Sport Science and Nutrition department. Her research focuses on leveraging exercise and lifestyle interventions to manage chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Education: PhD in Clinical Exercise Physiology (Dublin City University). She leads national programs at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, integrating physical activity into clinical pathways for pulmonary hypertension patients. Her work emphasizes scalable interventions for adults aged 40+ and those with chronic illnesses, with a focus on addressing health inequalities. Research Interests: Exercise in chronic disease prevention/management Patient-centered intervention design Digital health solutions for rehabilitation Behavioral science-driven programs Recent Article Trends: Her publications emphasize remote exercise programs (e.g., PHAHB intervention), patient-reported outcomes in pulmonary hypertension trials, and barriers to exercise rehabilitation. Key areas include telehealth applications, qualitative patient experiences, and clinical trial methodologies. Awards: American Thoracic Society European Respiratory Society DCU Invent Teaching & Outreach: Coordinates modules like SN252 (Cardiovascular Physiology) and SN254 (Exercise Testing). Engages in national campaigns (e.g., RTÉ’s Operation Transformation) and advises healthcare groups on evidence-based physical activity programs. Collaborations: Works with institutions like the University of Sheffield (UK) and Royal Papworth Hospital. Serves on national committees including Ireland’s Physical Activity Guidelines Working Group and the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) initiative.

Niall BarronView profile

Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Biochemical Engineering
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• +5 more

Professor Niall Barron is a Professor of Biochemical Engineering at the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), and a Principal Investigator at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT). He holds a BA (Mod) in Microbiology from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in Applied Microbiology/Biochemistry from the University of Ulster (1997). His postdoctoral research at Baylor College of Medicine focused on nuclear steroid receptor function via genome engineering. He has held academic and research roles at Dublin City University (DCU), including Director of the National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology (NICB) from 2015–2017. His research focuses on genetic engineering strategies to improve recombinant protein production in CHO cells, AAV/LV vector manufacturing, and epigenetic regulation of bioprocess performance. He leads projects funded by industry and EU grants, including initiatives to enhance gene therapy vector production and mRNA methylation control. Education: BA (Mod) in Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin PhD in Applied Microbiology/Biochemistry, University of Ulster (1997) Research Interests: Targeted genome editing in CHO cells for improved biopharmaceutical production Optimization of AAV and LV vector systems for gene therapy miRNA and epitranscriptomic regulation of cellular processes Single-cell analysis to understand clonal variability and production instability Grants & Collaborations: Lead on grants from GSK, Enterprise Ireland, and Horizon 2020 (e.g., STACCATO, GeneClick) Focus on advancing bioprocess technologies and cell line engineering Teaching: Coordinates modules in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology principles, and gene therapy processes Program Director for the MEngSc in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing (Part-Time) Labs & Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary team at UCD and NIBRT focusing on biopharmaceutical engineering and cell line optimization

• Children's and Young Adult Literature
• Children's Lived Experiences of Displacement
• Children's Narratives of Chronic Illness
• +4 more

Lucy Stone serves as Assistant Professor at Dublin City University's School of English, coordinating Histories and Contexts and Fantasy and Poetry modules for the MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature. Her academic foundation includes PhD research at Newcastle University funded by the Research Excellence Academy, postgraduate studies at Cambridge, and undergraduate honors at Sydney. PhD in Children's Literature, Newcastle University (Research Excellence Academy Studentship) MPhil in Children's Literature, University of Cambridge (Homerton Santander Master's Award) BA (Hons) in English, University of Sydney (Emilie Marguerite Honours Scholarship) Stone's research examines children's lived experiences through displacement narratives and chronic illness representations, integrating medical humanities, health literacy, and participatory archival methods. Her interdisciplinary approach analyzes how children process trauma through literature and art, with particular focus on Nazi-era exile and contemporary forced migration. Recent publications (2021-2026) reveal consistent engagement with historical trauma through authors like Judith Kerr and Tomi Ungerer, increasingly incorporating medical humanities frameworks. Her work bridges literary analysis with archival studies, visual culture, and refugee narratives while expanding into chronic illness representation through an ongoing interdisciplinary project. Scientific Awards IRSCL Edited Book Award (2023) for Intergenerational Solidarity in Children's Literature and Film Australian Academy of the Humanities Travelling Fellowship (2024) Children's Literature Association Faculty Research Grant (2024) David Almond Fellowship for archival research (2016) Research Excellence Academy Studentship (2015) Multiple University of Sydney scholarships including Women's College Prize As module coordinator for DCU's MA program, Stone mentors graduate students while leading the "Picturing War" research project on children's displacement narratives. She serves as ECR Representative for the Children's History Society and board member for ACLAR, contributing to global scholarly discourse through editorial work for Children's Literature in Education and conference organization. Her current interdisciplinary project on children's chronic illness narratives extends her research into medical humanities applications. Stone maintains active collaborations with international institutions including the Musée Tomi Ungerer in Strasbourg, Adelaide Holocaust Museum, and Kids' Own Publishing, demonstrating commitment to connecting academic research with public engagement through projects like the DCU MA blog and Ukrainian children's voice initiatives.

• Psychological Medicine
• Food Allergy
• Celiac Disease
• +7 more

Audrey Dunn Galvin is a Lecturer at the School of Applied Psychology , University College Cork (UCC), with a dual appointment as an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Cork University Hospital. Her work bridges psychological medicine , food allergy , and celiac disease research. Key Roles : Director of the EYCS Degree Programme, member of the EuroPrevall consortium, and leader in initiatives like iFAAM and FARRP. Education : PhD in Applied Psychology, registered with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and British Psychological Society (BPS). Her research focuses on bio-psycho-social models for chronic disease, quality of life assessment , and psychoeducational interventions . She has developed questionnaires for food allergy impact and worldwide patents for predictive algorithms. Recent publications analyze depression narratives , long-COVID effects , and peanut allergy burden . She leads multicenter studies on allergen labeling and collaborates with institutions in the US, Europe, and Asia. Grants include funding from Enterprise Ireland , EU Framework Programs , and FARRP . She co-edited books like Risk Management for Food Allergy and Food Allergy: Experience and Coping .

Robert KingView profile

Lecturer

• Biological Psychology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Philosophy of Mind
• +3 more

Robert King is a Lecturer in the Department of Applied Psychology at University College Cork (UCC). His research focuses on biological frameworks to investigate human behavior, including human sexual behavior, fertility-related aspects of female sexual response, and applications of evolutionary theory to social phenomena such as bare-knuckle fighting traditions and spree killings. He has authored the book Naturally Selective: Evolution, Orgasm, and Female Choice (2024) and contributed to peer-reviewed journals and encyclopedias on topics ranging from transgender healthcare avoidance to the evolutionary psychology of criminal behavior. Education: King holds a PhD in Psychology from Birkbeck University of London (2011), preceded by degrees in Philosophy, Mathematics, and Psychology from King's College London, Middlesex University, and others. He is also a member of the British Psychological Society. Research Interests: His work integrates behavioral ecology, life history theory, and anthropology to explain modern and historical human behaviors. Recent projects include investigating healthcare avoidance in transgender populations and exploring the evolutionary underpinnings of violent crimes. Grants: He has secured funding from the Irish Research Council, Enterprise Ireland, and the UL Foundation, including a €105k grant studying healthcare avoidance in transgender communities (2019–2023) and a €6k project applying evolutionary insights to infertility challenges (2022–2023). Professional Contributions: King serves as a referee for the Journal of Sexual Medicine and Journal of Evolutionary Psychology , and has presented at conferences like the Psychological Society of Ireland and the European Human Behaviour and Evolution Association. He is also a consultant for media outlets such as Channel Four and the Natural History Museum. Teaching: At UCC, he teaches social psychology, cognitive psychology, and research methods, and co-directs the Master’s in Applied Psychology program.

• Cognitive Psychology
• Ageing
• Lifespan Development
• +7 more

Annalisa Setti is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Applied Psychology at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. She also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin and is actively involved in multiple research initiatives including the steering committee of UCC Futures - Future Ageing and Brain Sciences, co-leading the ISS21 Ageing Cluster, and membership in the Environmental Research Institute. Her work bridges cognitive psychology, aging research, and environmental psychology with practical applications for healthy aging. Dr. Setti's research focuses on cognitive psychology across the lifespan, particularly in aging. Her work examines how environments and activity levels influence cognition, perception, and wellbeing. Recent interests include Sensory Processing Sensitivity and its relationship to nature connectedness and pro-environmental behavior. She collaborates extensively with Cork Healthy Cities on aging well initiatives and with Green Campus on nature contact's role in student wellbeing. Her research is funded by major organizations including Science Foundation Ireland, the Health Research Board, Irish Research Council, and Horizon Europe. Dr. Setti's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding multisensory integration in aging populations, environmental influences on cognition, and the relationship between sensory processing and wellbeing. Her work spans experimental studies, systematic reviews, and community-based research with strong translational potential, particularly in understanding how audiovisual integration relates to fall risk, how urban versus rural environments shape perception, and how sensory sensitivity connects to environmental behavior. Associate Editor: Scientific Reports, Frontiers in Psychology Editorial Board: International Review of Sport and Exercise, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Member: Psychonomic Society, ISS21 Ageing Cluster, Environmental Research Institute Dr. Setti has secured significant research funding for projects addressing healthy aging, environmental influences on cognition, and multisensory processing in older adults. She actively mentors students through the BA in Applied Psychology program at UCC and collaborates with researchers at Trinity College Dublin, University of Bologna, and across multiple international projects. Her outreach activities include media contributions to RTE Brainstorm on nature's benefits for wellbeing, keynote addresses at international conferences, and community workshops on biodiversity action plans. Dr. Setti is dedicated to translating research into practical applications that promote healthy aging and environmental engagement across the lifespan.

Andrew O'ReganView profile

Associate Professor

• Chronic Disease Management
• Primary Care Integration
• Medical Education
• +3 more

Associate Professor Andrew O'Regan is a Senior Lecturer in General Practice at the University of Limerick School of Medicine and a practicing General Practitioner in Killarney, Co. Kerry. He holds concurrent appointments at the Health Research Institute and the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre. His research focuses on chronic disease management, patient engagement in healthcare systems, and innovations in medical education, particularly expanding training in community settings. He received the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2011 and has led numerous studies on physical activity interventions for older adults and healthcare system integration. Education Background: Medical training culminating in appointment as Senior Lecturer (2014). Prior roles include researcher and clinical skills tutor at the University of Limerick School of Medicine. Research Interests : Chronic disease management, primary-secondary care interfaces, medical education in community settings, and physical activity promotion strategies. His work aligns with UN SDGs related to good health and well-being (SDG3) and sustainable cities (SDG11). Publications highlight themes of healthcare policy impact (e.g., pay-for-performance models), innovative interventions like Move for Life program for older adults, and qualitative studies on physician well-being and patient experiences. His work bridges clinical practice, education, and public health policy. Awards : Excellence in Teaching Award (2011) Advising & Grants : Leads collaborative projects on physical activity interventions and rural healthcare. Involved in curriculum development for longitudinal integrated clerkships that foster professional identity and clinical skills. Labs/Teams : Active in University of Limerick's General Practice Quality Assurance Initiative and interdisciplinary teams at the Health Research Institute.

Matthew HerringView profile

Professor

• Physical Activity and Mental Health
• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health
• +3 more

Dr. Matthew Herring is a Professor in the Department of Physical Education & Sport Sciences at the University of Limerick. He holds additional roles as Director of the Exercise is Medicine Ireland National Centre, Visiting Research Fellow at The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), and Co-Director of Exercise is Medicine On Campus UL. His research focuses on the psychobiological mechanisms linking physical activity to mental health outcomes, particularly anxiety and depression, using epidemiological and experimental approaches. Dr. Herring earned a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Georgia (2010), along with multiple advanced degrees in the field. He has held research positions at institutions like the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of South Carolina. His expertise includes physical activity epidemiology, meta-analytic techniques, and the implementation of exercise as personalized medicine. His research interests encompass exercise dose optimization, inflammatory and autonomic pathways in mental health, and the translation of research into clinical practice. Notable awards include the Altmetric Top 100 (2018) and the Mary Ella Lunday Soule Competitive Research Award (2007). Current projects investigate optimal exercise regimens for clinical populations, the role of physical activity as a vital health sign, and the development of models like the EXPERT framework to explain exercise participation patterns. He leads initiatives to enhance mental health through structured exercise programs in diverse populations.

• Sport Psychology
• Exercise Psychology
• Health Behavior Change
• +4 more

James Matthews is an Associate Professor and Head of School at University College Dublin's School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science. He holds roles such as Deputy Head of School and former Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning. With a PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology from UCD, he also completed training in cognitive behavioral psychotherapy at Trinity College Dublin. His research focuses on sport psychology, health behavior change, mental health in sport, and performance management in elite environments. Education: BA (Hons) Psychology, UCD (2000) MA Social & Organizational Psychology, UCD (2002) PhD Sport & Exercise Psychology, UCD (2009) Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy, Trinity College Dublin Research Interests: Behavioral interventions for physical activity, mental health in sports, leadership in elite sports, and curriculum development for health behavior change. He leads programs like the SOLAS intervention for musculoskeletal pain management and mental health promotion for coaches. Grants & Awards: Recipient of multiple grants including HRB-funded projects (2015–2023) University Teaching & Learning Award (2017) Fellowship in Teaching & Academic Development (2019) Professional Activities: Served on committees for Psychological Society of Ireland, European Congress of Sports Sciences, and led the MSc Sports Management program (2013–2020). Reviews for journals like Journal of Applied Sport Psychology and Psychology of Sport and Exercise . Labs/Teams: Involved in interdisciplinary teams at UCD's Health Sciences Centre, focusing on behavioral interventions, sports performance, and chronic disease management.

• Clinical Psychology
• Family Therapy
• Positive Psychology
• +4 more

Professor Alan Carr is a Full Professor of Clinical Psychology at University College Dublin's School of Psychology, holding a personal chair since 2006. He is a leading expert in clinical psychology, family therapy, and positive psychology. He served as Head of the School of Psychology from 1999–2000, 2012–2015, and 2016–2019, and founded UCD's doctoral programme in clinical psychology. His research focuses on trauma, child abuse, and systemic interventions, with over 200 publications and 20 books. Carr has secured over €10 million in research grants, including studies on family therapy, child mental health, and the impact of adversity. He received prestigious awards such as the Eminent Scientist of the Year (2009) and Fellowship from the Psychological Society of Ireland (2002). His teaching roles include coordinating clinical psychology modules and supervising doctoral students. He has pioneered interventions like the Parents Plus program and contributed to policy through roles in the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. His research emphasizes evidence-based family and systemic therapies, with a focus on resilience and mental health outcomes. Recent work includes studies on childhood adversity, pandemic mental health, and interventions in low-resource settings. Carr's work bridges clinical practice and academia, addressing both individual and systemic challenges in mental health care.