John O'Connor

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.