James A. McGrath

Dr. James A. McGrath is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Experimental Physics at Maynooth University's Faculty of Science & Engineering, where he joined in April 2023. He coordinates the Certificate in Science Programme and lectures on undergraduate physics modules within the Department of Experimental Physics.

Dr. McGrath earned his educational qualifications from:

• Bachelor of Science in Physics with Astrophysics from Maynooth University (2004-2008)
• PhD in Physics from the University of Galway (2009-2013), researching 'Development of a Probabilistic Multi-Zone Multi-Source Computational Model for Indoor Air Pollution Exposure Assessment'
• Postgraduate Diploma in Academic Practice from the University of Galway (2015), including a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Dr. McGrath conducts fundamental and applied research in the indoor built environment, with a focus on indoor aerosol dynamics, air quality, and building ventilation. His research activities include assessing climate change adaptation measures and implications for large-scale national retrofit. He is a member of the ICARUS Research Institute, which focuses on climate change adaptation and mitigation. His work spans multiple disciplines including environmental science, physics, building engineering, and public health, with particular attention to the relationship between energy efficiency in buildings and indoor air quality.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on indoor air quality, radon exposure, and the intersection of building energy efficiency with health outcomes. His research increasingly addresses the challenges of balancing energy retrofitting in homes with maintaining healthy indoor environments, particularly regarding radon concentrations and aerosol dynamics. He has made significant contributions to understanding how building modifications affect indoor pollutant transport and human exposure.

Dr. McGrath has received numerous scientific awards and recognitions:

• Chartered Physicist from the Institute of Physics (IoP) (2018)
• Early Career Scientist Travel Award from the Aerosol Society of the UK and Ireland (2015)
• Research Student Conference Fund from the Institute of Physics (IoP) (2010)
• C N Davies Award from the Aerosol Society of the UK and Ireland (2010)
• Ryan Institute Travel Support Scheme (2016)
• Early Career Scientist Travel Award from the Aerosol Society of the UK and Ireland (2014)
• Best Paper Award at Indoor Air 2011 (2011)

Dr. McGrath serves on the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ) Board of Directors and is the lead Irish participant on an IEA EBC Annex86, 'Energy Efficient Indoor Air Quality Management in Residential Buildings'. He is the Irish representative on the Air Infiltration and Ventilation Centre (AIVC) Board and sits on the editorial board for the International Journal of Ventilation. His research funding achievements exceed €2.1M as either PI or co-PI from SEAI, EPA, and SFI, including projects like 'Enabling interdisciplinary analysis for whole life-cycle residential renovation - ENABLE' and 'TRANSFER - Investigating the National Implications For RadOn Concentrations Following Deep Energy-Efficient Retrofits'. He mentors graduate students and encourages prospective MSc and PhD candidates to contact him about research opportunities.

Dr. McGrath is actively involved with the ICARUS Research Institute and has served as an invited expert advisor to the steering committee for the National Radon Control Strategy and NSAI Committees. He regularly engages with media outlets on indoor air quality topics and has appeared on television, radio, and in major Irish newspapers, making significant contributions to public understanding of building science and environmental health.