Keith Rochfort

Dr. Keith Rochfort is an Assistant Professor of Biosciences at Dublin City University, currently based in the School of Nursing, Psychotherapy, and Community Health. Previously, he was affiliated with the School of Biotechnology from 2018 to 2021. His research focuses on vascular biology, endothelial cell function, and the mechanisms underlying vascular disease states.

Dr. Rochfort received his BSc. in Analytical Science (2004) and PhD in Vascular Science (2013) from Dublin City University. Following his PhD, which was part of the PRTLI Targeted Therapeutics and Theranostics (T3) Program, he completed a Science Foundation Ireland-funded Postdoctoral position with the Conway Institute at University College Dublin (2013-2016). He then returned to DCU as a Senior Research Scientist (2016-2018) before being hired as Assistant Professor in 2018.

Dr. Rochfort's research interests primarily focus on healthy ageing and sustainability, with particular emphasis on environmental factors that drive pathological mechanisms and associated signaling events in vascular disease states. His work aims to develop diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for these conditions. Key areas of investigation include:

• Endothelial cell signaling and blood vessel remodeling
• Healthy ageing and vascular function
• Environmental factors in vascular disease
• Diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for vascular disorders
• Blood-brain barrier integrity and function
• Concussion research and management in sports

Analysis of Dr. Rochfort's recent publications reveals a strong focus on vascular biology, particularly endothelial cell function in response to various stressors. His work spans multiple vascular beds including pulmonary, retinal, and cerebral circulation. A significant portion of his research examines the molecular mechanisms of vascular calcification, barrier function, and responses to inflammatory stimuli. His laboratory employs advanced cell culture techniques, including models that incorporate physiological shear stress to better mimic in vivo conditions.

Dr. Rochfort has received several prestigious awards for his research contributions:

• Emerging Talent Award from the Faculty of Science and Health (2019)
• O'Donovan Medal from the Irish Endocrine Society (2019)
• Basic Science Research Award from the Irish Endocrine Society (2022)
• Enhancing the Student Experience award from DCU (2022)

Dr. Rochfort actively supervises postgraduate students and has been involved in numerous research projects funded by Science Foundation Ireland and other organizations. His research group, part of the Endothelial Biology Group at DCU, collaborates extensively with researchers across Ireland and internationally. Current projects include investigations into concussion in sports, nanoparticle toxicity, sustainable bioplastics development, and mechanisms of neurological complications in COVID-19.

Dr. Rochfort is also engaged in outreach activities, including serving as a biology mentor, country coordinator for the International Junior Science Olympiad, and Irish representative in the VascAgeNet COST Action focused on healthy ageing in the vasculature.