Dr. Isabella Jackson is an Assistant Professor in Chinese History at Trinity College Dublin's Department of History. She specializes in modern Chinese history, with a focus on colonial Shanghai, treaty ports, and the intersections of imperialism and identity. Her research includes the CHINACHILD project, investigating the sociolegal status of enslaved girls and evolving conceptions of childhood in 20th-century China. She is also a co-editor of Treaty Ports in Modern China and author of Shaping Modern Shanghai , analyzing colonial governance and transnational networks. Her teaching includes courses on Republican China, global childhood history, and imperialism. She contributes to Trinity's Asian Studies programs, supervising PhD students researching topics like medical objects in late Qing China and Irish identities in Chinese maritime history. Dr. Jackson's work bridges urban history, colonial studies, and gender analysis, often exploring how global and local dynamics shaped modern China. Her research highlights include examining Sikh policemen in Shanghai's International Settlement, treaty port governance via the Shanghai Municipal Council, and the socio-political dimensions of foreign presence in China. She frequently publishes in journals like Modern Asian Studies and collaborates internationally on projects linking urban development, legal frameworks, and cultural identity.
Morgan Wait is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow Level I in the School of History at University College Dublin. She is currently working on the ERC-funded DIASPORA project, focusing on the history of drug use in late 20th-century Ireland. Her research centers on social history, with a strong emphasis on media, gender, and sexuality in modern Ireland. Education: PhD in History, Trinity College Dublin (2022) M.Phil in Modern Irish History, Trinity College Dublin BA in History, English, and Political Science, Salisbury University Her research interests lie at the intersection of media history and gender studies, particularly in the context of Irish public broadcasting. She has published extensively on women’s programming at Teilifís Éireann and institutional practices such as the marriage bar. Her work reconstructs marginalized media narratives using archival and press sources. Morgan’s recent publications show a consistent focus on Irish television history, gender representation, and cultural policy. Her articles analyze programming content, institutional discrimination, and public discourse, reflecting a deep engagement with both academic and public history. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Morgan has contributed to significant research projects and is currently working on a forthcoming monograph, Rediscovering Women in Early Irish Television , under contract with Liverpool University Press. While no formal advisees are listed, her collaborative publications indicate active participation in scholarly networks. She is affiliated with the DIASPORA research team at UCD and contributes to public scholarship through RTÉ Brainstorm and online academic blogs.
Dr. Caoimhe Nic Lochlainn holds the rank of Professor at Dublin City University's Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge, the university's School of Irish and Celtic Studies. She earned her BA Joint Honours in Irish and French, MA in Irish, and PhD in Irish at Queen's University Belfast. Her research focuses on translation methodologies, children's literature, and cultural history with a particular emphasis on Irish-language texts. Her academic contributions include co-editing major volumes such as Laethanta Gréine & Oícheanta Sí (2013) and Thar an Tairseach (2014), as well as publishing extensively on children's literary culture and folklore adaptation. She has also authored children's books like Scéalta le hInsint don Ghealach (2018). Recent publications explore representation in Irish-language YA fiction (2025), Scottish cultural depictions in Irish prose (2023), and Gaelic translation challenges (2022). Awards include the 2025 Research Ally designation and 2019 IBBY Honour List recognition. Current supervision includes three PhD candidates: Dara De Poire, Eilis Neary, and Mohamed Yazjeen. She actively participates in academic committees such as the Irish Association for the Study of Children's Literature (EASCL) and serves on Rádio na Life's board.
Dr. Deirdre Nic Mhathúna is a Professor at Dublin City University's Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge. Her research focuses on 18th-century Irish poetry, manuscript studies, and the works of Piaras Feiritéar. She holds leadership roles in Studia Hibernica and Chumann Merriman . She earned a BA in Irish and German from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD from University College Cork. Her research explores post-classical Irish manuscript culture, the poetry of Piaras Feiritéar, and the cultural heritage of Corca Dhuibhne. Recent work includes analyses of scribal transmission, accentual verse development, and the influence of place on literary expression. She has contributed to major publications like the Cambridge History of Irish Poetry and edited volumes such as Ar an Imeall i Lár an Domhain . Her articles span topics from Jacobitism to the Great Famine, Peig Sayers' life narratives, and the enduring legacy of Piaras Feiritéar. She frequently presents at international conferences, including the American Conference for Irish Studies and the Ó Thrácht go Twitter seminar series. No scientific awards are listed, but her editorial and collaborative roles highlight her contributions to Irish literary preservation and scholarly networks. Her work bridges historical and modern contexts, emphasizing cultural continuity and the interplay between oral tradition and written text. Her research often intersects with regional identity, religious thought, and transnational literary connections.
Claire Dunne is a Professor and Head of the Department of English and Irish at Marino Institute of Education since 2022. With 16 years of experience as a lecturer in Irish and translator, she specializes in Irish language education, children’s literature, and literacy. Her research focuses on immersion education, sociolinguistics, and the history of Irish teaching. She holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Trinity College Dublin and has authored numerous books, including Irish in Outlook . Notable awards include a Fulbright Scholarship and grants for revitalizing Irish language education. Dunne’s work spans teacher training, curriculum development, and promoting Irish literacy in schools. Education: PhD (2016), MA in Intercultural Studies (2007), BEd (Honors) (2006) Her research explores Irish language policy, teacher proficiency, and children’s literature. Recent projects include studies on bilingual education and revitalizing Irish in English-medium schools. Publications highlight her expertise in CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), teacher education, and language policy. She contributed to national literacy initiatives and served as President of the Literacy Association of Ireland (2022–2023). Awards include grants from Foras na Gaeilge and the Gaeltacht Education Council. Dunne advises on curriculum reforms and has led workshops on fostering Irish literacy in homes and schools.
Mary Gallagher is Professor of French and Francophone Studies at University College Dublin, affiliated with the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics. She has held significant academic appointments at UCD since 1991, progressing from Lecturer to full Professor, and has served as a Visiting Professor in France, China, and Tunisia. Her scholarly leadership includes founding roles in the Association for the Study of Caribbean and African Literature in French (ASCALF) and the Irish Association of French and Francophone Studies (ADEFFI), where she was president from 2006 to 2008. She led the PRTLI-funded 'World Writing in French' research programme and has coordinated multiple Erasmus+ partnerships with institutions in the French Caribbean, Tunisia, and Vietnam. Education: BA in French and German, Trinity College Dublin DEA in French Literature, Université de Paris VII (Denis Diderot) Doctorat ès Lettres, Université de Paris VIII (Vincennes-Saint-Denis), supervised by Henri Meschonnic, viva chaired by Édouard Glissant Higher Diploma in Mediation and Diploma in Arbitration Law and Procedure, University College Dublin Her research focuses on postcolonial Francophone literature, Caribbean studies, Creole identity, migration, and ethical dimensions of writing. She has published extensively on Saint-John Perse, Lafcadio Hearn, and Paul Morand, with a recent emphasis on Holocaust testimony through her critical edition of Paul Léon’s letters from Drancy. Her work bridges literary scholarship, cultural critique, and historical recovery, often engaging with themes of displacement, memory, and transcultural dialogue. The 15 most recent publications illustrate a sustained engagement with global Francophone narratives, from Caribbean poetics and Creole hybridity to Shoah testimony and critiques of academic corporatism. Her scholarship reveals a trajectory from regional Caribbean studies to broader global and ethical concerns, emphasizing literary witness, intercultural translation, and the responsibilities of the intellectual in an age of globalization. Scientific Recognition and Editorial Roles: Editor of 22 issues of the biennial journal of ASCALF Editorial Board member, Journal of French and Francophone Philosophy (US) Editorial Board member, Forum Poetiki (Poland) Editorial committee roles for monograph series at Palgrave, Gallimard, Brill, and Peter Lang As an advisor and grant leader, she has supervised major research programmes and cross-institutional collaborations. She has not advised named students in the provided texts but has mentored through programme leadership and editorial guidance. She convened UCD’s Asia-Pacific Research Forum (2018–2022), now a formal Research Centre. Her work continues to shape interdisciplinary approaches to Francophone and postcolonial studies. Research Groups and Collaborations: Founder, Association of Francophone Postcolonial Studies (formerly ASCALF) President, Irish Association of French and Francophone Studies (ADEFFI, 2006–2008) Convenor, UCD Cross-College Asia-Pacific Research Forum (2018–2022) Initiator of Erasmus+ partnerships with Université des Antilles, Université de Tunis, and Université Nationale du Vietnam Developing an all-island Irish research group on Former French Island Colonies
Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald is a Lecturer/Assistant Professor and Head of the School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore at University College Dublin (UCD). She also served as Vice-Principal (International) at UCD from September 2020 to August 2023. Fitzgerald holds a BA and PhD from UCD, focusing on folklore and early Irish studies. Her research emphasizes the intellectual history of Irish folkloristics, archives, and oral history, with notable contributions to journals like Béaloideas . She chairs ANU Productions and directs oral history initiatives, including projects for Dublin’s Tenement Museum and social housing communities. Her teaching spans modules such as Folklore and Folkloristics , Healers and Healing , and Oral Text Interpretation . Fitzgerald has held leadership roles, including Head of Irish Folklore & Ethnology (2019) and Head of School (2021). She contributes to professional activities like committee memberships (e.g., The Royal Society of Antiquaries) and public engagements, including talks on Irish cultural traditions and folklore. Her research outputs include analyses of aging discourse, cultural heritage preservation, and interdisciplinary studies. Fitzgerald’s work bridges academic and public spheres, advocating for inclusive cultural narratives and policy-informed research on aging.
Cormac O'Brien is Assistant Professor of Irish Drama at University College Dublin (UCD) in the School of English, Drama and Film. He is a Fulbright Scholar and a leading academic in the fields of Irish theatre, gender and sexuality studies, and the Medical Humanities, particularly in relation to HIV/AIDS representation. His scholarship intersects drama, literary studies, and public health advocacy. His research interests include: Modern and contemporary Irish drama Queer theory and LGBTQ+ representation Medical Humanities and cultural responses to epidemics Gender, masculinities, and national identity Biopolitics and cultural memory O'Brien's recent publications and research projects explore HIV/AIDS in Irish theatre, the cultural politics of stigma, and the dramaturgy of queer identities. His work often employs non-realist forms to challenge dominant narratives of crisis and shame. He has also contributed extensively to edited collections on Edward Albee, contemporary Irish theatre, and performance studies. His scholarly output reveals a strong thematic focus on stigma, identity, and the intersection of theatre with social and political activism, especially in the context of HIV/AIDS. His work bridges academic research and public engagement, with contributions to policy discussions and community-based initiatives. Scientific awards and recognitions include: Fulbright Scholar (2018/19) O'Brien actively supervises PhD students aligned with his research areas and has secured major research grants, including the Fulbright-funded project 'Ireland in the Age of AIDS'. He is also involved in teaching and curriculum development, coordinating modules on Irish theatre, masculinities, sexuality, and Tennessee Williams. He serves on the Executive Committee of the International Association for the Study of Irish Literatures and the Board of Directors of the Dublin Youth Theatre, reflecting his commitment to both academic and community engagement. He is associated with research groups and initiatives such as the Queer Futures working group of the International Federation for Theatre Research and has led public symposia and digital engagement projects on HIV/AIDS histories and representations.
Prof. Ciarán Mac Murchaidh is a Professor in Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge at Dublin City University (DCU). He holds degrees from Maynooth University and the Pontifical University, Maynooth, including a PhD in Irish Studies. His research focuses on the Irish language in the 18th century, preaching literature, Hiberno-English, and translation. He leads the Ainm project and serves as Joint Editor of Studia Hibernica and Irish-language Editor of Eighteenth-Century Ireland/Iris an dá Chultúr . Education B.A., M.A., PhD, HDipEd from Maynooth University BD, DLT from Pontifical University, Maynooth Research Interests His work explores the Irish language’s role in the 18th century, devotional literature, Hiberno-English dialects, and translation theory. He emphasizes the cultural and linguistic dynamics of Ireland’s historical and contemporary contexts. Publications Recent works include studies on Irish sermons, cultural history, and translation strategies. Notable articles analyze topics like LGBTQ+ terminology in Celtic languages and the role of bagpipes in protest movements. Awards Recipient of the Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin (2009) for contributions to Irish language and culture. Advising & Grants Supervises PhD students like Mohamed Yazjeen and Craig Moran. Active in research grants through DCU’s research offices. Labs & Teams Leads the Ainm project and collaborates with academic societies like the Eighteenth-Century Ireland Society and Studia Hibernica editorial boards.
Lucy Collins is an Associate Professor in the School of English, Drama and Film at University College Dublin (UCD), where she has been a faculty member since 2008. She previously taught at Trinity College Dublin and the University of Cumbria. Her academic affiliations include the UCD College of Arts and Humanities, where she served as Associate Dean for Graduate Studies from 2020 to 2023. BA (Mod), Trinity College Dublin MRes, History of the Book, University of London PhD, Trinity College Dublin Prof Dip, University Teaching & Learning, University College Dublin Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University Her research focuses on poetry and poetics, with particular emphasis on Irish, British, and American poetry since 1900. Key areas include ecocriticism, gender studies, the history of the book, and genetic criticism. She has published major works such as Contemporary Irish Women Poets: Memory and Estrangement (2015), Poetry by Women in Ireland 1870–1970 (2012), and The Irish Poet and the Natural World (2014). She is a co-founder of the Irish Poetry Reading Archive and academic lead on the Poetry as Commemoration project. Her recent scholarly output reflects a sustained engagement with environmental themes in poetry, archival practices, and intersections between literature, fashion, and identity. Articles such as 'Poet, Editor, Anarchist: Lola Ridge’s New York Networks' (2023) and 'Hidden Collections: The Value of Irish Literary Archives' (2020) demonstrate her interdisciplinary reach across literary history, cultural studies, and digital humanities. Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholarship MARBL Travelling Fellowship SMC Teaching Fellowship Trinity Award Wake Forest University Archives Travelling Fellowship Lucy Collins has supervised numerous graduate students and coordinated key modules including Dissertation, Irish Literature in English, and Reading Contemporary Poetry. She has received external funding and led research projects related to poetry, commemoration, and archival access. Her professional service includes editorial roles for Irish University Review and Canadian Journal of Irish Studies , and committee membership in IASIL, ASLE-UKI, and the International Yeats Society. She has also served as an external examiner for MA programs at several UK institutions.
Peter Tuite is a Full Titled Professor and Head of the Keyboard Faculty at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), one of Europe’s leading music institutions. He holds dual appointments, previously serving as Head of Piano and Keyboard Instruments at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London (2015–2018). His academic roles are complemented by extensive international performance and curation work. Education includes Trinity College Dublin, University of Oxford, and a Fulbright Scholarship at Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute. He is renowned for his specialization in 18th-century keyboard works, particularly Haydn and Bach, and has pioneered innovative recordings such as the Goldberg Variations (2020) and the Art of Fugue project (2025). As a concerto soloist, he collaborates with renowned conductors like Andrei Boreyko and orchestras across Europe and the U.S. Research interests span performance practice, musicology, and interdisciplinary projects blending music with literature. He co-founded the New Lights Festival (2018), a London-based platform for contemporary music innovation, and launched the New Lights Forum for artist-intellectual dialogues. His recent hybrid works merge poetry with ancient instruments, including a 2023 piece premiered in London. Awards: Glenn Gould Bach Fellowship (2020), Loubser Fellowship (2020), Lead Curator of PLF Projects (2022), Poetry Commendation (2015). Grants & Projects: Digital exhibition space development (PLF Projects, 2024), Weimar Bach exhibitions (2021), international masterclasses in 15+ countries. Labs/Teams: Leads the RIAM Keyboard Faculty, collaborates with the Vanbrugh String Quartet and artists like Hakan Hardenberger.
Professor Therese Smith is a faculty member at the School of Music, University College Dublin , where she has served as Head of School (2008–2011) and Deputy Head of School (2005–2008, 2018–2021). Her research focuses on Ethnomusicology, African American music, Irish traditional music, music and identity , and traditional song . She has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and other foundations for fieldwork in the U.S. and Ireland. PhD and MA from Brown University BA, BMus, and Dip in Music Teaching from University College Dublin Her scholarly output includes work on fieldwork documentation, religious music practices, and cultural memory. Recent publications analyze music ownership, digital worship, and the ethics of traditional song collecting. She has served as external examiner for multiple institutions and is active in professional organizations like the International Council for Traditional Music Ireland. International Certificate of Merit (2013) Catherine Briggs Award shortlist (2013) Alan P. Merriam prize nominee (2004) Therese coordinates modules in Ethnographic Methods, African-American Religious Music , and Dissertation Supervision at UCD. She also mentors PhD students and evaluates academic proposals nationally and internationally.
Prof. Meidhbhín Ní Úrdail is a Professor in the School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore at University College Dublin (UCD). She holds roles including Head of Subject (Modern Irish), Member of the Academic Council, and Fellow of the Royal Irish Academy. Her research focuses on Irish manuscript traditions, scribes' roles, and the interplay between script and print in 18th/19th-century Ireland. She has published extensively on topics like Gaelic manuscripts, literary heritage, and historical narratives. Awards include NUI Scholarly Publication Awards (2000, 2012, 2021) and teaching excellence recognitions (2011, 2014). She collaborates with institutions like the Royal Irish Academy and RTÉ Radio na Gaeltachta. Education includes a BA (First Class) from UCC, DPhil from Freiburg, and MA/H Dip in Education from UCC. Research interests span medieval to modern Irish literature, oral traditions, and cultural preservation. Recent articles explore manuscript discoveries, scribal practices, and historical contexts. Grants include an IRC Postdoctoral Project (2020–2022) on antiquarianism in 19th-century Ireland. She coordinates modules in Modern Irish language and literature, contributing to UCD’s languages strategy. Her work bridges academia and public engagement through media collaborations and educational initiatives.
Dr. Till Weingärtner is a Senior Lecturer in Japanese Studies at the Department of Asian Studies, University College Cork (UCC). He previously served as Director of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Languages and Cultures (CASiLaC) and Research Officer for the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at UCC (2019-2022). He held acting roles as Head of Department of Asian Studies and Programme Director of the BA World Languages. A Japan Foundation Fellow, he was a visiting scholar at the University of Tokyo in 2022. Senior Lecturer, Asian Studies, UCC (2015-present) Director, CASiLaC (2019-2022) Japan Foundation Fellow, University of Tokyo (2022) Education: PhD in Japanese Studies, Freie Universität Berlin (2012) Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, UCC (2022) Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, UCC (2017) His research focuses on Japanese comedy (especially manzai and rakugo ), performance studies, cinema, stardom, gender issues, food culture, and memory studies. He explores how comedic traditions intersect with media, societal changes, and cross-cultural influences, including Zainichi Korean filmmakers and transnational cinematic themes. His publications analyze comedic forms like rakugo and manzai , film stardom (notably Takamine Hideko), and transnational East Asian cinema. He examines humor's role in societal identity, the evolution of comedic tropes, and intersections between performance and media. Scientific Awards: Ernst Reuter Prize (2013), Freie Universität Berlin Japan Foundation Fellowship (2022) JaDe Prize (2016) International Society for Humor Studies Graduate Student Award (2010) ERC Support Grant (2022) He supervises doctoral research in Japanese Studies, particularly humor, comedy, and film, leveraging UCC's access to the National Diet Library's digitized resources. He also organizes Rakugo performances and contributes to academic committees, including the European Association for Japanese Studies.
Naomi McAreavey is an Associate Professor in the School of English, Drama and Film at University College Dublin (UCD), where she has been a faculty member since 2006. Her research and teaching focus on early modern Irish literature and culture, particularly women's writing and the memory cultures of the 1641 rebellion. She is actively involved in academic leadership, having served as Head of Teaching and Learning and Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning in the College of Arts and Humanities, and currently serves as the University for All Faculty Partner for Arts and Humanities. PhD, Queen’s University Belfast MA, Queen’s University Belfast BA, Queen’s University Belfast Graduate Diploma in University Teaching and Learning, University College Dublin McAreavey specializes in seventeenth-century Irish literature , with a focus on women’s life writing , 1641 rebellion memory cultures , and aristocratic female networks . Her work bridges literary studies, history, and trauma theory, using archival sources like the 1641 Depositions and the letters of the Duchess of Ormonde. She advocates for inclusive pedagogy through Universal Design for Learning and has published on Shakespeare, Renaissance drama, and innovative teaching methods. Her recent publications explore themes of memory, trauma, gender, and political agency , particularly through the lens of women’s writing and testimony. She has edited major volumes such as Women's Life Writing and Early Modern Ireland (2019) and The Letters of the First Duchess of Ormonde (2023), and her articles appear in journals like Memory Studies , Irish Historical Studies , and Parergon . These works demonstrate a consistent engagement with historical trauma, female alliances, and editorial methodology . President's Teaching Award, UCD, 2012 Teaching Excellence Award, College of Arts and Humanities, 2017 McAreavey has supervised PhD and MA students, particularly in early modern women’s writing, and coordinates modules on Shakespeare, Renaissance literature, and primary source research. She is Principal Investigator of a SATLE-funded project on generative AI in Arts and Humanities education. Her professional roles include external examiner positions at Ulster University and Dublin City University. She is also active in curriculum development and tutor training programs. She is involved in multiple collaborative research projects and edited collections, including The Body in Pain in Irish Culture (2016) and current work on a monograph titled Memory, Trauma and the 1641 Depositions . Her research lab or team is not explicitly named, but she works closely with scholars like Julie Eckerle and participates in international academic networks.
