Find Academic Supervisors

Hisain ElshaafiView profile

Lecturer

• ICT Security
• Privacy and Trust
• Service Composition
• +4 more

Hisain Elshaafi is a Lecturer in the Department of Computing at SETU Carlow. His research focuses on ICT security, privacy, trust, and service composition. He holds a PhD from Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and has contributed to EU-funded projects like sTRUST and CoMiFin. His work emphasizes composite service trustworthiness, security metrics, and critical infrastructure protection. Education: PhD: 'Establishment and Maintenance of Trustworthy Composite Services', WIT (2014) MSc: Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning, WIT (2020) BSc: Computer Science (Honours), Dublin Institute of Technology Research Interests: Elshaafi investigates secure service composition, attack surface analysis, smart grid cybersecurity, and trustworthiness metrics. His projects address challenges in distributed systems reliability, multi-tenant service trust, and cost-effective security frameworks. Recent work explores multi-agent smart grid architectures and collaborative trust assessment. Projects & Grants: Lead roles in Irish/EU projects: sTRUST, CoMiFin, Pripare, Aniketos Consultancy for SMEs and enterprises Focus on bridging academic research with industry needs Labs/Teams: Collaborates with WIT's TSSG and contributes to multi-institutional projects focused on trust management and service-oriented systems.

• Natural Language Processing
• Recommender Systems
• Explainable AI
• +2 more

Dairui Liu is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University College Dublin (UCD), affiliated with the Optimisation & Decision Analytics research group and collaborating with Huawei Ireland Research Centre on privacy-by-design recommendation frameworks. Education: PhD in Computer Science, University College Dublin, 2025 His research centers on natural language processing and recommender systems with specialization in explainable news recommendations. He develops privacy-preserving frameworks that integrate governance requirements while maintaining recommendation quality, focusing on user transparency and data protection in algorithmic systems. Scientific recognition: Best Student Paper Award at RecSys 2023 He actively serves the academic community through peer review for top-tier conferences including ACL and RecSys, and journals such as TOIS and TORS. His professional engagement extends to the Optimisation & Decision Analytics research group where he advances cutting-edge methodologies in recommendation technologies.

• Machine Learning
• Data Analytics
• Blockchain Technology
• +7 more

Prof. Tahar Kechadi is a Principal Investigator at the Insight Centre for Data Analytics , specializing in Machine Learning & Statistics and Optimisation & Decision Analytics . His research spans interdisciplinary domains including agriculture, healthcare, and cybersecurity. University : Insight Centre for Data Analytics Role : Principal Investigator Ranks : Professor His current research focuses on applying machine learning to smart agriculture (e.g., crop yield prediction, data engineering), blockchain technologies (e.g., energy trading, e-voting), and privacy-preserving systems in healthcare and cybersecurity. Publications highlight advancements in multi-modal analysis , deep learning architectures , and game-theoretic clustering . Recent work explores data contamination in LLMs , privacy-aware blockchain systems , and distributed reputation management . His team develops tools for agro-climate modeling , medical diagnostics , and cloud forensic readiness . Contact: tahar.kechadi@insight-centre.org

• Digital Communications
• Signal Processing
• Wireless Communications
• +5 more

Colin Murphy is a Lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University College Cork (UCC). He holds a B.E. (Gold Medal for academic excellence), M.Eng.Sc. (modelling of microwave transformers), and Ph.D. (wavelet packet modulation analysis) from UCC. His research focuses on digital communications, signal processing for cognitive radios, GNSS signal acquisition, and FPGA-based cryptographic countermeasures. Education: B.E. (1989), M.Eng.Sc. (1991), Ph.D. (2006), all from UCC. He has supervised numerous PhD students including Niamh O'Mahony, Donagh Horgan, and Robert McEvoy. Awards include the CEIA Gold Medal (1989) and the CogART 2011 Best Paper Award. Research interests span signal processing for cooperative/cognitive radios, weak signal GNSS tracking, and cryptographic hardware security. He has led projects funded by IRCSET and Enterprise Ireland, including work on FPGA-optimised transforms and spectrum sensing algorithms. Teaching includes modules like EE2007 Electronic Circuits and EE6105 Wireless Communications. He chairs UCC's School of Engineering Outreach Committee, promoting engineering studies through school visits and annual quizzes.

Sinead MorrisView profile

Lecturer

• Brewing and Distilling Technology
• Sustainable Bioprocessing
• Bioremediation
• +3 more

Dr. Sinead Morris is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Applied Sciences at South East Technological University (SETU), focusing on brewing, distilling, and environmental biotechnology. She holds a PhD in Microbial Bioremediation from IT Carlow (2019) and a Bachelors in Bioscience with Biopharma (2015), alongside a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Statistics from TU Dublin (2023). PhD: Microbial Bioremediation and Physiochemical Treatment of Landfill Leachate (IT Carlow, 2019) Bachelor’s: Bioscience with Biopharma (2015) Postgraduate Diploma: Applied Statistics (TU Dublin, 2023) Her research emphasizes sustainable practices in whiskey production, leveraging terroir effects on grain composition and optimizing fermentation efficiency. She explores alternative grains for distilling, biogas production, and microbial-driven phytoremediation. Recent work includes nitrogen fertilization impacts on whiskey wort and selenium remediation using Rhodococcus opacus. She is affiliated with the enviroCORE research group and leads the Optimisation of Irish Pot Still Whiskey project (2024–2028). Her articles span whiskey terroir studies, biorefinery innovation, and environmental remediation, reflecting a commitment to bridging agriculture, food science, and sustainability.

Mark SouthernView profile

Researcher

• Manufacturing Engineering
• Process Engineering
• Process Optimisation
• +7 more

Mark Southern is a Researcher affiliated with the School of Engineering and the Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) at the University of Limerick. He holds a PhD in Virtual Enterprise from Nottingham Trent University, focusing on mobile ICT technologies for collaborative engineering. His expertise spans SME manufacturing, process optimization, medical devices, and smart manufacturing systems. Southern has contributed to advancing knowledge in defect detection via deep learning, process innovation frameworks, and operational excellence in pharmaceuticals. His research interests include Manufacturing Engineering and Process Optimization Automation and Knowledge Management Smart Manufacturing Systems Medical Device Design Recent work emphasizes deep learning applications in remanufacturing, human-in-loop systems, and incremental learning for defect detection. Southern’s publications reflect a focus on bridging technology adoption gaps in SMEs and optimizing manufacturing processes through innovation. His involvement with the DPTC highlights engagement in dairy processing technology advancements. While no formal awards are listed, his peer-reviewed contributions demonstrate impactful research in industrial engineering and smart manufacturing trends.

• Biomaterials
• Powder Metallurgy
• Thermal Spraying
• +4 more

Prof. Lisa Looney is the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Registrar at Dublin City University (DCU), serving on the senior management team. She previously held roles as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing (2017–2020) and Dean of Graduate Studies (2011–2016). A founding academic staff member of the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, she has driven strategic curriculum renewal, transnational partnerships (e.g., PNU, Wuhan University), and research infrastructure development. Her academic focus includes optimisation of advanced materials processes, particularly biomaterials and surface engineering. Her leadership extends to national and international initiatives, including co-developing Ireland’s National Framework for Doctoral Education and leading the EU-funded DCU Futures project. She advocates for gender equity in STEM, with a decades-long commitment to advancing women’s careers in technology. Prof. Looney holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the Netherlands and has research experience in New Zealand. She is a seasoned doctoral supervisor and examiner, contributing to research governance at DCU and globally as a board member of the ECIU University.

• Computational Thinking Education
• Virtual Machine Interpreters
• Eye-tracking Analytics in Education
• +4 more

Kevin Casey is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science , Faculty of Science & Engineering , Maynooth University , associated with the Hamilton Institute . Since 2015 he has taught and researched at Maynooth, focusing on computational thinking education, learning analytics, virtual-machine interpreters, and educational technology innovation. Education PhD in Computer Science – Trinity College Dublin MSc (by Research) Computer Science – University College Dublin BSc (Hons) Computer Science – University College Dublin Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Training and Education – Griffith College Dublin Diploma in Training and Education – Griffith College Dublin Research Interests Dr Casey’s research integrates computer-science education with advanced analytics and systems design. He investigates how computational-thinking curricula can be co-created with teachers and scaled across diverse communities, from primary schools to nursing homes. He employs eye-tracking and keystroke analytics to model learner behaviour and predict academic performance, and explores immersive virtual-reality environments for collaborative programming. On the systems side, he optimises virtual-machine interpreters and studies the impact of JVM configuration on performance and energy efficiency. Projects & Funding CoCoA II (2023–2024) – Principal Investigator, €299,976 SFI Discover Programme Mob-programming in an Immersive VR Environment (2016–2017) – Co-supervisor, €96,000 Eye See, You Understand – Co-supervisor, €96,000 (eye-tracking analytics) InSPECT – Collaborator, €272,895 (computational-thinking outreach to DEIS schools) Professional Service Local Organising Committee Member, ITiCSE 2022 Steering Committee Member, International Conference on Engaging Pedagogy (ICEP) 2008–2018 Joint-publication Chair, ICEP 2015–2016

• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Genetic Programming
• +4 more

Dr. Anthony Ventresque is a Visiting Associate Professor at the University College Dublin, School of Computer Science , with a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Nantes & INRIA France (2008). He is also the Director of the TCD Complex Software Lab and a Senior Investigator with Lero, the SFI Irish Software Research Centre. MSc in Philosophy and Logic from the University of Nantes PhD in Computer Science from the University of Nantes & INRIA France His research focuses on Software Engineering , Genetic Programming , and Multi-objective Optimization , with applications to Autonomous Systems , Cloud Computing , and Sports Analytics . Recent publications highlight his work on grammar-obeying program synthesis using large language models, mutation testing for software quality, and domain adaptation for object detection in rugby data. His scientific awards include a Teaching Award from the UCD School of Computer Science in 2020. He has contributed to grants like Mutation Testing at Scale and Advancing Computational Archaeology , and his teaching activities encompass modules such as Big Data Programming and Operating Systems over multiple years. He leads the TCD Complex Software Lab , fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation.

• Care of the Elderly
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Diabetes
• +17 more

Dr. Shane Cullinan is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Director for the MPharm program at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. He holds a PhD in Pharmacy from University College Cork (UCC) and has extensive experience in both clinical pharmacy practice and academic roles. His research focuses on optimizing prescribing practices in older adults, medication safety, eHealth solutions, and health professions education. Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), University College Cork, 2004–2008 PhD in Pharmacy (Investigating Inappropriate Prescribing in Older Patients), University College Cork, 2012–2015 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education, RCSI, 2016–2017 Research Interests: His work centers on improving medication safety through eHealth technologies, geriatric pharmacy practice, and optimizing prescribing in populations with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. He has contributed to European clinical trials (FP7 and Horizon2020) evaluating software tools for prescribing optimization. Grants & Funding: HRB Postdoctoral Internship Programme (2021–2024) RCSI-funded projects on eHealth validation and professional doctorate programs Teaching & Supervision: He leads modules in endocrine systems, public health, and contributes to clinical pharmacy education across undergraduate programs. Supervision includes thesis topics on eHealth technologies, prescribing competence, and EHR impact analysis. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with RCSI’s research clusters in Endocrinology, Health Professions Education, and Population Health.

Denis KelliherView profile

Lecturer

• Structural Engineering
• Finite Element Analysis
• Structural Optimization
• +5 more

Dr. Denis Kelliher is a Lecturer in Civil and Environmental Engineering at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. He holds a PhD from 1999 and has been involved in full-time academic work since 1997. His research focuses on Structural Shape Optimization, Finite Element Analysis, and Engineering Computation. He established the Research Unit for Structures and Optimisation (RUSO), which explores topics such as cement hydration, offshore wave simulation, and structural experimentation. Education: BE (Civil Engineering, 1989) and PhD (1999) from National University of Ireland, Cork. He also spent time at UC Berkeley (1994) and MIT (2009–2010). Teaching: Teaches modules including CE1005 (Engineering Computation), CE4006 (Structures), CE4009 (Applied Elasticity), and coordinates final-year research projects and placements. Labs: Director of RUSO and maintains a structural experimentation lab using high-resolution imaging. His research bridges computational methods (e.g., PHREEQC, HYDCEM) with practical applications in cement materials, offshore engineering, and structural dynamics. Key areas include optimizing composite materials for wind turbines and modeling cement hydration processes.

Tom O'DwyerView profile

Associate Professor

• Waste Minimisation
• Waste Recovery
• Recycling
• +7 more

Tom O'Dwyer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Sciences at the University of Limerick, with an academic career spanning over three decades. His research has produced 52 publications from 1992 to 2024, demonstrating sustained scholarly activity in environmental chemical engineering. His research focuses on critical environmental challenges: Waste Minimisation, Recovery and Recycling Optimisation of industrial waste separation processes Application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to environmental issues Adsorbent design for water treatment Nutrient (P, N) waste minimisation approaches in the biotechnology sector Removal and recovery of metals from waste streams Dr. O'Dwyer's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on constructed wetland systems for environmental remediation, with particular attention to vanadium removal and the long-term functioning of wetlands treating alkaline leachate. His work also extends into interdisciplinary areas, including the application of AI techniques to environmental monitoring through wearable sensor data analysis, showing his ability to integrate emerging technologies with traditional environmental engineering approaches. His notable recognitions include: Research Special Achievement (Nominated/short-listed) in 2003 Teaching Excellence (Nomination/short-listed) in 1998 Dr. O'Dwyer has been actively involved in professional organizations, serving on committees including the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Materials and Surface Science Institute, and Occupational Hygiene Society of Ireland. He maintains significant external professional engagement as Deputy Section Head at Bord Na Mona (Environmental) since 1994, Development Technologist at RIMA Pharmaceuticals Ltd. since 1986, and previously as an Analyst at Tipperary Co-op Creamery.

• Genetic Programming
• Evolutionary Algorithms
• Combinatorial Optimisation
• +6 more

Dr. Edgar Galván is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Maynooth University's Faculty of Science & Engineering. He is a leading expert in Genetic Programming (GP) and Evolutionary Algorithms, with a focus on semantic-based approaches, neutrality, and multi-objective optimization. His work spans applications in combinatorial optimization, gaming (e.g., Carcassonne), and software engineering, including neuroevolution for deep learning architectures. Current Affiliation: Maynooth University Previous Roles: Senior Researcher at University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, and INRIA Paris-Saclay Research interests include: Semantic-based Genetic Programming Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithms Monte Carlo Tree Search Circular Economy Applications Privacy-Preserving Optimization Neuroevolution in Autonomous Systems His recent publications analyze semantic diversity in GP, neural architecture search, and privacy-aware swarm optimization. Key awards include being ranked among the top 1% of GP researchers by University College London (2020), a Marie Curie Fellowship (2014), and a Best Paper Award at ECTA 2015. Current Projects: REBUILD (Circular Economy Buildings, 2024-2027), VISION (Circular Business Models, 2023-2026) Previous Grants: Stochastic Bio-inspired Algorithms (2014-2017, €267k), circAI (2022-2023, €142k) Dr. Galván serves on program committees for IEEE, ACM, and Springer conferences, and as Scientific Adviser for institutions in Ireland, France, and Mexico. His work bridges theoretical GP analysis with real-world applications in energy optimization and AI.