Find Academic Supervisors

Christian Waeber is a Professor of Pharmacology at University College Cork (UCC), with a joint appointment between the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. He currently serves as Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. His research focuses on sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor signaling in cerebrovascular disorders, stroke neuroprotection, and neuroinflammation. Waeber's work bridges basic science and clinical applications, including the development of therapies targeting S1P receptors for stroke and migraine. He has contributed to understanding the role of fingolimod in stroke recovery and immune modulation. His studies also explore the mechanisms of preconditioning and the neuroprotective effects of S1P signaling pathways. Research Interests: S1P receptor biology, ischemic stroke, neurovascular interactions, immune modulation in brain injury, and migraine pathophysiology. Waeber leads projects investigating the therapeutic potential of S1P modulators and the role of regulatory T cells in stroke outcomes. He collaborates on clinical studies analyzing immune profiles post-stroke to improve patient recovery strategies. Professional Contributions: Over 200 peer-reviewed publications, including high-impact articles on S1P signaling and neuroprotection. Active in translational research, Waeber bridges pharmacology and clinical practice, with a focus on drug development for stroke and neurodegenerative conditions. He has contributed to textbooks on headache mechanisms and cerebral blood flow methods.

• Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling
• Cerebrovascular disorders
• Stroke neuroprotection
• +4 more

Dr. Shona Pfeiffer is a Lecturer and Principal Investigator in the Department of Physiology & Medical Physics at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). She holds a B.Sc (Hons) in Biochemistry from University College Dublin (2007) and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from RCSI (2011). Education: B.Sc (Hons) in Biochemistry (2007), University College Dublin Ph.D. in Neuroscience (2011), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education (2016) Her research focuses on AMPK signaling and gene regulation during energetic stress , investigating their roles as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in neuronal injury, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. She specializes in translational neuroscience , developing diagnostic , prognostic , and neuroprotective agents for clinical intervention in ischaemic stroke and diabetes treatment. Her work bridges neuroscience , physiology , and molecular biology . Dr. Pfeiffer is affiliated with the Centre for Systems Medicine at RCSI. Her contact details include: Email: shonapfeiffer@rcsi.ie Phone: +353 1 4025125 Twitter: @pfeiffershona

• Neuroscience
• Translational Neuroscience
• Diabetes Mellitus
• +7 more

Professor John O'Connor is a leading academic in the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science at University College Dublin , with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. His research focuses on synaptic transmission and plasticity in the central nervous system, neuroimmunology , and smooth muscle physiology , particularly in human uterine tissue. Academic Leadership : Served as Head of Teaching & Learning (2019-2023) and Associate Dean for Widening Participation (2012-2019). Teaching Philosophy : Advocates for blended and interactive teaching with humor and engagement, coordinating modules like Higher Cortical Function and Synaptic Plasticity since 2020. Research Highlights : Neuroprotection : Investigates prolyl hydroxylase domain inhibitors (PHDIs) and their role in stroke therapy , Parkinson's disease , and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis . Demonstrated PHDI-mediated synaptic transmission recovery post-hypoxia and HIF-independent mechanisms in neuroprotection. Neuroimmunology : Pioneered studies on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) modulation of long-term potentiation (LTP) during hypoxia and its implications for memory formation and neuroinflammatory disorders . Fast Cyclic Voltammetry : Advanced real-time monitoring of dopamine release in striatum and nucleus accumbens , exploring interactions with MDMA , nicotine , and dopamine D1 receptor ligands . Human Myometrium Studies : Collaborates with Coombe Women's Hospital on ergometrine mechanisms , prostaglandin effects , and antioxidant protection against toxicant-induced contractility inhibition. Scientific Recognition : Recipient of the Conway Silver Medal (2010), Teaching Excellence Award (2016), and Conway Fellow (2007). Active reviewer for journals like Neuropharmacology and Scientific Reports .

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Transmission
• Synaptic Plasticity
• +4 more