Yvonne Cortese

Dr. Yvonne Cortese is an academic researcher affiliated with the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest. She holds a PhD in Medical Device Innovation (2022) and a BSc Honours in Human and Animal Toxicology (2015). Her research focuses on developing biomaterials for medical applications and sustainable packaging solutions.

Education:

• PhD: The design, development, and testing of novel next generation in vitro agar-based urethral models for medical device innovation (2022)
• BSc: Human and Animal Toxicology (2015)

Research Interests:

Her work integrates biomedical engineering and materials science to address challenges in medical device design and sustainable resource use. Key areas include:

• Developing in vitro models for catheter-associated infection studies
• Engineered biomaterials for wound healing (e.g., spider silk-reinforced membranes)
• Plant-based nanocellulose applications in medical and packaging contexts
• Transitioning to circular economy principles in food packaging systems

Collaborations: Active in international collaborations across biomaterials engineering, with notable contributions to spider silk composite development and urinary tract model systems.

Media Engagement: Featured in reports on circular economy packaging innovations (e.g., food packaging sustainability studies).