Find Academic Supervisors

Francisco Vitor Santos da SilvaView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Bioprocess Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Industrial Biotechnology
• +6 more

Dr. Francisco Vitor Santos da Silva is a Senior Lecturer at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, with a joint appointment between the School of Microbiology and the School of Engineering and Architecture. He holds a PhD from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (2017, Summa Cum Laude) and a first-class honours degree from Federal University of Paraná (2012). His research focuses on reducing uncertainty in bioprocess development through hybrid modelling techniques combining first-principles and statistical inference. He has contributed to novel strategies for monoclonal antibody capture and sustainable biopharmaceutical production. Key academic milestones include a FAPESP postdoctoral fellowship (2018) and leadership roles in the Bernal Bio Labs at University of Limerick. His work has been published in journals like Journal of Chromatography A and supported by grants from FAPESP and CAPES. He actively engages in science communication, including Wikipedia contributions and public outreach events. Dr. da Silva teaches bioprocess design using modern data-driven approaches and serves as a peer reviewer for multiple journals. His research spans bioprocess optimization, PAT implementation, and sustainable chemical/biotechnological processes for food and pharmaceuticals. Education: BSc (Hons) Bioprocess Engineering & Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná (2012) PhD (Summa Cum Laude), Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (2017) Awards: Top Student of the Year Award, Federal University of Paraná (2012) Summa Cum Laude PhD Distinction (2017) Grants: FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018) CAPES Brazil grants His professional activities include organizing international conferences, reviewing PhD funding applications, and advising on industry collaborations. He leads UCC's efforts in integrating cutting-edge simulation tools into bioprocess education and research.

• Data Management
• Peer Review
• Research Evaluation
• +3 more

Professor Kalpana Shankar is a Full Professor at the School of Information and Communication Studies at University College Dublin (UCD). She holds roles such as former Head of School (2015-2018) and Co-Director of the UCD Centre for Digital Policy. Her research focuses on data management, peer review processes, research evaluation, and digital policy, with notable projects funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the Irish Research Council, and the U.S. National Science Foundation. Key contributions include studies on the sustainability of social science data archives and peer review at SFI. Education: PhD in Library and Information Science from UCLA, postdoctoral fellowships at UCLA (Center for Embedded Networked Sensing) and NIH (Science Policy). Professional Roles: Editor-in-Chief of Online Information Review , member of the Royal Irish Academy’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion committee, and representative on the National Open Research Forum (NORF). Teaching: Coordinator for UCD’s MSc/Diploma in Digital Policy and PhD supervision in critical data studies, open data, and research evaluation. Research Interests: Sociotechnical imaginaries of data, peer review fairness, digital policy frameworks, and the impact of pandemic responses on academia. Awards include the 2020 UCD College of Social Sciences and Law Teaching Excellence Award.

• Additive Manufacturing
• Materials Engineering
• Surface Engineering
• +3 more

Denis Dowling is a Full Professor at University College Dublin (UCD), leading the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. He directs the I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, a 40M Euro initiative focusing on additive manufacturing and digital integration in manufacturing environments. His research spans surface engineering, plasma treatments, and advanced materials processing, with a focus on composites and additive manufacturing innovations. Dr. Dowling holds a PhD from UCD and has supervised 20 PhD and 5 MSc students. He is actively involved in the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) in manufacturing and previously led UCD's participation in the SFI Precision Cluster. His awards include the UCD Innovation Award (2012) and the Institute of Materials Finishing Gold Medal (2013). His work bridges academia and industry, with collaborations in solar energy, medical devices, and manufacturing SME sustainability. Key research themes include functional coatings for biomedical applications, microwave-assisted synthesis of nanostructures, and in-situ process monitoring for additive manufacturing quality control. Teaching includes modules on nanomaterials and manufacturing, reflecting his research-led approach. Professional roles include chairing the Irish branch of the Institute of Metal Finishing.

Vivek RanadeView profile

Professor

• Process Intensification
• Chemical Reactor Engineering
• Multiphase Flows
• +6 more

Prof. Vivek Ranade is a Bernal Chair Professor of Process Engineering at the Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, and a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Queen's University Belfast. He leads research in multiphase reactors, process intensification, and sustainable energy/water technologies. His work spans applications in energy, water, and fine chemicals sectors, with contributions to industrial flow modeling, CFD, and digital twins. Education: B.Tech in Chemical Engineering (1983) and PhD (1988) from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. Postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich (1988–1990). Served as Deputy Director at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) until 2016. Holds adjunct roles at the Institute of Chemical Technology and Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research. Research Interests: Multiphase flow dynamics, reactor engineering, process intensification, hydrodynamic cavitation, and sustainable technologies. Co-founded Tridiagonal Solutions and VIVIRA Process Technologies to commercialize innovations. Awards: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (2004), Swarnajayanti Fellowship, Fellowships from IChemE, Indian National Science Academy, and multiple academies. Advising: Guided over 20 PhD students; involved in industrial collaborations and start-ups. Labs/Teams: Leads the Multiphase Reactors group at UL and QUB, and collaborates on projects like the MAGIC initiative for specialty chemicals.

Tewfik SoulimaneView profile

Professor

• Enzymology
• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Tewfik Soulimane is a Professor at the University of Limerick, affiliated with the Bernal Institute and Department of Chemical Sciences. His research focuses on enzymology, biochemistry, and biophysics, particularly exploring thermophilic enzymes, nanotechnology applications, and protein engineering. He leads projects in sustainable chemistry, including protein stabilization in industrial processes and piezoelectric properties of biomolecules. Collaborations span materials science, environmental engineering, and biomedical applications. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, addressing health innovations, clean energy, and industrial sustainability. Key contributions include studies on cytochrome oxidases, nanorod-based LEDs, and enzyme immobilization techniques. Over 148 research outputs highlight his interdisciplinary impact across biochemistry, nanotechnology, and materials science.

Denis RingView profile

Lecturer

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Process Optimization
• Powder Technology
• +7 more

Dr. Denis Ring is a Lecturer in Process & Chemical Engineering at University College Cork (UCC), with extensive experience spanning over three decades in academia and industry. He holds a PhD (2012) and multiple postgraduate teaching qualifications from UCC, alongside earlier degrees from the University of Strathclyde and Cork Institute of Technology. His roles include teaching core courses like Pharmaceutical Engineering and Process Design, as well as supervising student projects and contributing to laboratory resources. Dr. Ring is a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (FIChemE) and a member of Engineers Ireland and ISPE. His research focuses on pharmaceutical process optimization, particularly in granulation and modified-release drug production, alongside interests in Pharma 4.0, powder technology, and sustainable manufacturing. He actively promotes engineering education through initiatives like the KNEX Challenge and has organized international conferences such as the 3rd International Symposium for Engineering Education (ISEE2010), emphasizing sustainability in engineering curricula. Dr. Ring collaborates with industry partners to bridge academic and industrial practices, emphasizing practical applications of process design and safety. His publications span topics including buffer management in biopharmaceuticals, Industry 4.0's role in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the integration of sustainability into engineering education. He has supervised numerous student projects, contributing to the development of future engineers capable of addressing global challenges through sustainable and innovative solutions.

• Chemical Engineering
• Process Intensification
• Vortex Reactors
• +2 more

Gode Amol Shailendra is a researcher in the Department of Chemical Sciences at the University of Limerick's College of Engineering and Informatics. His work focuses on advanced chemical engineering technologies for process intensification. Affiliation: University of Limerick Department: Chemical Sciences Key Research Areas: Emulsification technology, vortex cavitation reactors, energy efficiency optimization Research Trends: Recent publications analyze vortex-based reactor designs and compare emulsification devices, emphasizing geometric parameters, hydrodynamic behavior, and energy consumption metrics. His work combines experimental analysis with reactor design innovations. Publications: Two peer-reviewed articles in Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification and Ultrasonics Sonochemistry demonstrate his focus on scalable, energy-efficient chemical processes.

Fatemeh KavousiView profile

Lecturer

• Fluid Dynamics
• Membrane Separation Processes
• Biopharmaceutical Processes
• +4 more

Dr Fatemeh Kavousi is a College Lecturer in the Department of Process and Chemical Engineering at University College Cork (UCC). She joined UCC in 2019 as the Eli Lilly lecturer in Biochemical/Biopharmaceutical Engineering. Previously, she held an Assistant Professor position at University College Dublin (UCD) in Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering. Her research focuses on fluid dynamics, membrane separation processes, and bioprocess optimization with applications in biochemical and biopharmaceutical systems. Dr Kavousi holds a BE (2007) and ME (2011) in Chemical Engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), followed by a PhD from UCD (2012-2016) under Prof. Eoin Casey, funded by the IRC Embark Initiative Scholarship. Her work integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with experimental analysis to advance bioreactor design, membrane technology, and sustainable bioproduction systems. Her research interests span bioreactor hydrodynamics, duckweed-based cultivation systems, and novel structural designs like kirigami/origami-inspired engineering solutions. Her recent studies explore multi-tiered duckweed cultivation systems and CFD modeling of stacked bioreactors, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to biochemical engineering challenges. Dr Kavousi has been awarded the IRC Embark Initiative PhD Scholarship and has published extensively on topics ranging from hollow fiber membrane modules to vane demister optimization. Her academic contributions bridge engineering principles with biological systems, focusing on scalable and sustainable bioprocess solutions.

Serena CussenView profile

Professor

• Materials Chemistry
• Energy Storage Materials
• Solid-State Battery Technology
• +4 more

Serena Cussen is a Full Professor of Materials Chemistry at the School of Chemistry, University College Dublin. She graduated in Natural Sciences before earning her PhD in Chemistry at Trinity College Dublin on magnetic nanocomposite materials for imaging. Her postdoctoral work at UC Santa Barbara focused on metal-insulator transitions in oxides. She held academic positions at the University of Glasgow (2013-2018) and University of Sheffield (2018-2024) before joining UCD in 2024. Education : BA (Hons) in Chemistry, Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education, Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management. Research : Interdisciplinary design of energy storage materials, solid-state electrolytes, and sustainable synthesis methods. Key Research Areas include: Advanced synthesis techniques for battery materials Operando characterization of ion transport Surface chemistry and fracture mechanics in cathodes Science communication and gender equity in publishing Recent Publications highlight innovations in Lithium-metal batteries , anion redox centers , and microwave-assisted manufacturing . She has pioneered Secondary Electron Hyperspectral Imaging for nanoscale carbon analysis. Awards include: RSC Interdisciplinary Prize (2023) ISIS Science Impact Award (2021) RSC Journal of Materials Chemistry Lectureship (2017) She serves as Scientific Editor for Journal of Materials Chemistry A and on advisory boards for Nanoscale , Chemistry of Materials , and Batteries & Supercaps . Her grants portfolio includes UK EPSRC, Faraday Institution, and Horizon Europe funding.

Eoin CaseyView profile

Professor

• Wastewater Treatment
• Biofilm Reactors
• Membrane Technology
• +5 more

Professor Eoin Casey is a distinguished academic at University College Dublin's College of Engineering and Architecture, where he serves in the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering. His career has been dedicated to advancing sustainable wastewater treatment technologies, with a particular focus on energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction. Professor Casey leads groundbreaking research that bridges academic inquiry with practical industrial applications through collaborations with spin-out companies. Professor Casey's primary research interests center around Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) technology, which represents a paradigm shift in wastewater treatment. His work explores biofilm dynamics, energy optimization in treatment processes, membrane technology applications, and sustainable engineering solutions for water management. His research group investigates how bacterial biofilms function within MABR systems, examining both the fundamental science and practical implementation challenges. This research spans environmental engineering, chemical engineering, and sustainable technology development, with significant implications for global water and energy conservation efforts. The articles published by Professor Casey and his research group demonstrate a consistent focus on optimizing wastewater treatment processes while reducing energy consumption. Recent publications reveal an expanding scope that now includes data-driven modeling, continuous biomanufacturing, and integration of water treatment facilities into broader energy systems. His work shows a clear trajectory from fundamental biofilm research toward practical implementation of energy-efficient systems that address climate change challenges. The research increasingly incorporates advanced modeling techniques, process optimization, and consideration of the energy-water nexus. Professor Casey's research has generated significant commercial and environmental impact through the spin-out company OxyMem, founded in 2013 with support from NovaUCD. While specific personal awards aren't detailed in the provided text, his work has contributed to OxyMem receiving notable recognition including the 2014 Irish Times Innovation Award, the US Imagine H2O 2015 Infrastructure Challenge award, and a Knowledge Transfer Ireland 2015 Impact Award. OxyMem was also named in the prestigious Global Cleantech 100 in 2016 and 2017. Professor Casey's research group has secured substantial funding from Science Foundation Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to develop and scale MABR technology. His work has progressed from laboratory experiments to full-scale implementation at wastewater treatment plants, demonstrating energy savings of up to 75% compared to conventional treatment methods. The commercial deployment of this technology in countries including the United States, Singapore, Brazil, Spain, and Japan represents significant international impact. His research group continues to collaborate with OxyMem on further development and optimization of the technology. The research led by Professor Casey operates through specialized laboratories focused on membrane technology, biofilm reactors, and sustainable water treatment. His team has successfully demonstrated the scalability of MABR technology from laboratory settings to full-scale wastewater treatment plants, most notably in a demonstration plant near Birmingham, UK. The research infrastructure supports both fundamental investigations of biofilm mechanics and practical engineering development of commercial systems.

Shikha OjhaView profile

Lecturer

• Food Processing Technologies
• Alternative Bioresources
• Non-thermal Food Processing
• +3 more

Shikha Ojha is a Lecturer in the Department of Land Sciences at South East Technological University (SETU). She holds a PhD in Food Science and Technology from University College Cork (UCC), awarded on 23 February 2018. Her research focuses on novel non-thermal technologies for food processing, sustainable exploitation of alternative bioresources like insects, and process intensification. She is a recipient of the prestigious EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship, enabling her work on insect processing at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy in Germany. Research Interests: Novel non-thermal technologies (ultrasound, cold plasma, high pressure processing) Process intensification and bio-transformation Alternative bioresources (insects, seafood) Publications: Over 40 peer-reviewed articles, including 29 in high-impact journals, and one co-edited book. Recent work emphasizes sustainable agrifood systems, microbial safety of insect-based products, and valorization of aquaculture waste through insect bioconversion. Her research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing food security and climate action. Awards: EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (2020) Collaborations: Active in international networks, including projects at Leibniz Institute and collaborations across Europe. Her work is cited in influential journals like Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies and Sustainable Development .

• Chemical Engineering
• Process Engineering
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• +6 more

Dr. Philip Donnellan is an Assistant Professor at the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin. He holds a BE from University College Cork, a PhD in Engineering from UCC, and a Professional Diploma in University Teaching and Learning from UCD. His research focuses on chemical process engineering, with a particular emphasis on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), heat and mass transfer, pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, and energy systems. Key areas of investigation include bubble column evaporators for solvent swap applications, crystallization optimization, microbial fuel cells, and liquid air energy storage. He coordinates modules such as Heat Transfer & Fluid Mechanics and Transport Phenomena , and oversees work placement programs for students. His research outputs span over 30 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work addressing low-temperature evaporation systems and energy security through gas diversification. Collaborations emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable energy and pharmaceutical process innovation. Education: BE, University College Cork PhD in Engineering, University College Cork Professional Diploma in University Teaching and Learning, University College Dublin Research Themes: Dr. Donnellan’s work integrates experimental and computational methods to solve challenges in chemical processing and energy systems. His CFD-driven studies on bubble column evaporators advance solvent swap efficiency in pharmaceuticals, while his microbial fuel cell research explores algae-bacteria synergies for wastewater treatment and bioelectricity. He also examines synthetic natural gas production economics and low-temperature evaporation technologies. Recent contributions include optimizing crystallization processes and analyzing energy storage systems like liquid air storage. Teaching & Mentoring: He leads teaching in core chemical engineering modules such as heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and transport phenomena. His coordination of work placement programs ensures students gain industry-relevant experience. Collaborations & Impact: His interdisciplinary research bridges academia and industry, addressing energy sustainability, pharmaceutical process intensification, and scalable bioenergy solutions. Partnerships focus on translating computational models into practical engineering solutions for energy and chemical sectors.

• Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Continuous Crystallization
• Flow Synthesis
• +4 more

Steven Ferguson is an Associate Professor at the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin. His academic journey includes a BE and PhD from UCD, followed by postdoctoral research at MIT and industry roles at Biogen. He leads research in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing, flow synthesis, and nanotechnology. His roles include Theme Lead in Manufacturing at the SSPC SFI Centre and leadership in the EPSRC-SFI Transformative PharmaTech CDT. Education: Bachelor of Engineering (BE), University College Dublin PhD in Chemical Engineering, University College Dublin Research Interests: Continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing and crystallization Flow chemistry and oligonucleotide synthesis Drug formulation using ionic liquids Nanoparticle applications in biomedicine and circular economy Downstream biopharmaceutical processing Grants & Collaborations: Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnership with Pfizer (purification technologies) I-Form SFI Centre (advanced manufacturing projects) Leadership in SSPC Pharmaceutical Research Centre Labs & Teams: A multidisciplinary team specializing in reactor design, process simulation, and formulation engineering, with vertical integration from fundamental research to industrial application.

• Pharmaceutical Crystallization
• Bioprocess Engineering
• Process Modeling
• +7 more

Professor Brian Glennon is a distinguished academic at the University College Dublin (UCD), affiliated with the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering. He holds the rank of Professor and has served in various roles, including Lecturer (1995–2004), Senior Lecturer (2004–2007), and Associate Professor (2007–2014) at UCD. His research focuses on bioprocess scale-up, pharmaceutical crystallization, process modeling, and continuous manufacturing. Glennon has extensive experience in academic leadership, including contributions to modularization and semesterization initiatives at UCD. Education: Glennon earned his BE and PhD degrees from University College Dublin. Research Interests: His work emphasizes optimizing pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, particularly crystallization, continuous flow chemistry, and computational modeling. He has pioneered methods for solvent swap systems, bubble column evaporators, and hybrid dynamic models for bioprocesses. Over 160 publications, including seminal studies on AAV purification and diastereomeric salt resolution, highlight his expertise in biopharmaceutical and chemical engineering. Grants & Collaborations: Glennon led projects such as the 'Design and Synthesis of Nanoparticles with Novel Cell Targeting Functionalities' (2009–2011) and an internal funding scheme (2016–2019). He collaborates with industry partners like Merck Sharp & Dohme and contributes to professional organizations including AIChE and Engineers Ireland. Teaching & Leadership: A champion of pedagogical innovation, Glennon has restructured curricula and promoted hands-on learning. He supervises PhD students and actively participates in academic governance, holding roles in Engineers Ireland and the European Federation of Chemical Engineering.

Edmond MagnerView profile

Professor

• Electrochemistry
• Bioelectrochemistry
• Biocatalysis
• +5 more

Edmond Magner is a Professor at the University of Limerick, affiliated with the Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, and SSPC – the SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals. His academic career includes roles such as Director of the Materials and Surface Science Institute (2003–2010) and industry experience as a Scientist/Senior Scientist at MediSense, Inc. (1994–1997). He holds a PhD in Electrochemical and Photochemical Studies of Cytochrome c and Hemoglobin from the University of Rochester (1988), following MSc and BSc degrees from the same institution and University College Cork. Research interests span electrochemistry, bioelectrochemistry, biocatalysis, biofuel cells, and enzyme immobilization technologies. His teaching focuses on physical chemistry, environmental chemistry, and environmental science. Magner is an active member of professional bodies including the International Society of Electrochemistry and the Irish Society of Chemistry. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and environmental sustainability. Over 146 peer-reviewed publications and 8 professional activities highlight his research in nanoporous materials, enzymatic biofuel cells, and electrochemical sensor development. His recent work emphasizes flexible biosensors, MOF-based catalytic systems, and sustainable enzymatic reactors.