Siobhan Moane is a researcher actively contributing to Medical Imaging , Pharmacology , and Sports Science , with work aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her recent research focuses on Deep Learning applications in Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) and Computed Tomography (CT) for cardiac and urological diagnostics, as well as Augmented Reality integration in ultrasound-guided procedures. Moane also explores pharmacological properties of natural compounds for antimalarial and antitrypanosomal therapies through in vitro and in silico studies. Key trends in her publications include AI-driven biomedical imaging (2025: 4 articles), machine learning for segmentation tasks , and clinical applications of imaging technologies . In Sports Science (2024), she conducted a systematic review on load monitoring tools in Gaelic sports. Collaborative efforts span institutions like the University of Cape Coast and University of KwaZulu-Natal , reflecting her interdisciplinary and global approach.
Saritha Unnikrishnan is Lecturer in Computing at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo, Ireland, affiliated with the Department of Computer & Electronic Engineering. She serves as Principal Investigator at Health and Biomedical Research Centre (HEAL) and Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE). Her research develops AI and machine learning solutions for biomedical challenges including tumor characterization from MRI, microplastic analysis, and educational chatbot systems. Key methodologies include deep learning architectures, graph neural networks, and hyperspectral image processing applied to medical diagnostics. Recent work includes explainable AI models for glioma grading, nanoparticle characterization in industrial emulsions, and comparative studies of chatbot platforms for student FAQs. Publications appear in high-impact journals including International Journal of Pharmaceutics and Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Dr. Peter O'Brien is Head of the Photonics Packaging Group at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork. He holds a PhD in Physics from UCC and a Master's in Electronic Engineering from Trinity College Dublin. His research focuses on advanced photonic packaging and integration for telecom and medical device applications, leveraging Silicon and InP technologies. Dr. O'Brien has led industry-academia collaborations with institutions like UC Berkeley, IMEC, and companies such as Medtronic and Lake Region. He founded Epi-Light Limited and co-founded Biosensia, both specializing in photonic systems for medical and pharmaceutical sectors. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Arizona's College of Optical Science. His work spans state-of-the-art photonics integration labs, developing fiber coupling and micro-optical systems. Key projects include SFI-funded initiatives like the Irish Photonic Integration Centre (IPIC) and EU-funded programs such as Access CenTer for PHotonics innovation. Grants total over €4 million, supporting projects in photonic biosensors, advanced packaging, and UV light source development. Dr. O'Brien’s expertise encompasses thermal, mechanical, and electrical design challenges in photonics. His team collaborates globally, advancing telecom and medical device technologies. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, with recent work highlighted in IEEE Photonics Technology Letters and Journal of Optics .
Dr. Georg Pesch is an Assistant Professor/Lecturer at the University of College Dublin's School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, with an ORCID identifier 0000-0003-4676-1908. His roles include coordinating modules such as Chemical Thermodynamics and Applied Research Design. He holds a BSc, MSc, and Dr.-Ing. from the University of Bremen, Germany, and completed postdoctoral research at Delft University of Technology. Previously, he was a Group Leader at the University of Bremen's Faculty of Production Engineering (2018–2022). Dr. Pesch's research focuses on dielectrophoretic technologies for particle separation, electrokinetic filtration, and catalytic reactor design. His work integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, and microfluidics to advance high-throughput separation systems and operando reaction analysis. Key projects include developing bio-inspired catalyst supports for heat management and antifouling strategies for underwater optics. He has secured grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Science Foundation Ireland, and industry partnerships. His scientific contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing applications in biomedical engineering (e.g., tumor cell isolation), energy storage (lithium-ion battery recycling), and materials science. Teaching responsibilities include advanced chemical engineering modules and work placement coordination. Current projects include the CFD-MRI Reactions initiative and investigations into foam fractionation for pharmaceutical applications. Grants: Electrokinetic Material Recycling, CFD-MRI Reactions, High-Throughput Separation of Tumor Cells. Lab Focus: Dielectrophoretic Particle Chromatography, NMR-Validated Catalytic Reactors.
Derek Costello serves as an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin's School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, where he also holds the position of Head of Neuroscience since 2022. His academic journey began with a BSc and PhD from University College Dublin, followed by postdoctoral research at University College London and Trinity College Dublin before returning to UCD. BSc, University College Dublin PhD, University College Dublin Prof Dip University Teaching & Learning, University College Dublin Dr. Costello's research focuses on the intersection of neuroscience and immunology, particularly examining how neuroinflammatory processes contribute to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. His work investigates the complex interactions between neuronal circuitry, brain immune cells, and the systemic immune system, with special attention to vulnerable populations including those with metabolic disorders and prior brain injuries. Using a multidisciplinary approach combining electrophysiology, biochemical analyses, imaging, and behavioral studies, his laboratory explores potential therapeutic interventions targeting neuroinflammation. Analysis of Dr. Costello's publication record reveals a consistent focus on neuroinflammation mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly examining microglial activation, urea cycle dysregulation, and metal homeostasis in Alzheimer's pathology. His recent work increasingly incorporates zebrafish models and investigates novel therapeutic approaches including natural compounds and metal chelators. Outstanding Leadership & Dedication to Voluntary Service Award (2022) UCD College of Science Teaching Excellence Award (2020) As an active researcher and educator, Dr. Costello has secured multiple grants including a current project exploring seaweed extracts for Alzheimer's disease-related neurodegeneration. He coordinates several key modules including Neuroimmunology and Molecular Neuroimmunology, and serves as Treasurer of Neuroscience Ireland while maintaining membership in multiple professional societies including the British Neuroscience Association and Society for Neuroscience.
Associate Professor Tadhg Ó'Cróinín is a microbiologist based at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science , University College Dublin (UCD) . Since 2008 he has held academic appointments rising to Associate Professor in June 2023. He served as Head of Microbiology (2016-2022) and Associate Dean for Study Abroad (2011-2016) and currently chairs the UCD Student Finance Committee . Education BA (Moderatorship) in Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin (1995) PhD in Paediatrics, University College Dublin (1999) Professional Diploma in University Teaching & Learning, University College Dublin Research Interests Dr Ó’Cróinín’s group investigates the molecular basis of bacterial virulence, focusing on gastrointestinal pathogens such as Campylobacter jejuni , Salmonella enterica and Helicobacter pylori , as well as biofilm-forming pathogens on medical devices including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . A unifying theme is the role of DNA supercoiling as a global regulator of virulence gene expression, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. The laboratory employs in vitro cell-culture models, 3-D intestinal spheroids, in vivo infection models, high-content imaging and genome-scale analyses to dissect these processes. Publication Themes Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal three major strands of work: (i) elucidating how DNA-relaxation in C. jejuni triggers an invasive phenotype and tight-junction disruption; (ii) developing antifouling and antimicrobial bioresorbable coatings for orthopaedic titanium implants to combat MRSA and P. aeruginosa biofilms; and (iii) genomic and phenotypic characterisation of novel yeast species from Irish soils. Earlier seminal studies established the role of DNA supercoiling and nucleoid-associated proteins (Fis, HU, Lrp) in regulating motility, invasion and intracellular survival across Salmonella , E. coli and Bordetella . Honours & Awards College of Science Teaching Award (2018) College of Science Teaching Award (2024) Chair, Professional Development Committee, Microbiology Society (2018-2021) Council Member, Microbiology Society (2018-2021) Grants & Supervision Since 2008 Dr Ó’Cróinín has been PI or Co-PI on >12 competitively funded grants from Science Foundation Ireland, EMBO, NIH, and industry partners, totalling in excess of €1.5 M. He has successfully supervised 7 PhD and 3 Master’s research students , mentoring them through projects spanning bacterial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance and biofilm biology. Laboratory & Collaborations Research is conducted within the Microbiology Research Laboratory at UCD’s Health Sciences Centre. The group maintains active collaborations with clinical (Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital), materials-science (AMBER, CRANN) and international partners (NIH Bethesda, VU Amsterdam) to translate insights into infection control and biomaterial innovation.
Associate Professor Yan Yan is a leading researcher at University College Dublin's School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, where she currently holds the position of Associate Professor (since July 2024) after serving as Assistant Professor from 2018-2024. Her research program focuses on understanding nanoscale interactions with the immune system to develop novel immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Peking University, China Postdoctoral training at the University of Melbourne Science Foundation Ireland SIRG Fellow Marie Curie Fellow Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow Professor Yan's research interests center on nanoscale shape biology and its applications in immunotherapy development. She has pioneered work on how nanoparticle architecture influences immune responses, particularly through the study of nanostructure shape effects on T cell receptor repertoires and histone modifications. Her interdisciplinary approach combines nanotechnology, immunology, and biointerface science to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Her laboratory investigates protein corona formation, nanoparticle translocation across biological barriers, and the development of shape-dependent immunomodulatory therapies. Analysis of Professor Yan's publication record reveals a strong focus on systematic investigation of nanoscale shape effects on biological systems. Her work has evolved from fundamental studies of protein corona formation to more recent applications in immunotherapy development, with increasing emphasis on translation to clinical applications. Her research demonstrates consistent innovation in methodology, particularly in developing frameworks for systematic nanoscale shape discovery and evaluation. 1st Prize Interstellar Initiate at New York Academy of Sciences (2017) Starting Investigator Research Grant from SFI (2016) Australian Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research (2013) Discovery Early Career Research Award from ARC (2013) Reviewer Excellence Award (top 1% reviewers, 2017) Professor Yan has successfully secured numerous research grants including HEA Covid-19 funding, the NANOSCAPE project, EXOTRAIN, and multiple UCD Equip Scheme awards. She supervises PhD students and coordinates modules including Biochemist's Toolkit, Bioprocessing, and Enzyme Technology & Protein Engineering. Her laboratory is part of the Conway Institute at University College Dublin, where she leads an interdisciplinary team working at the interface between nanostructures and the immune system. Her research group maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines, focusing on translating nanoscale discoveries into therapeutic applications for cancer and infectious diseases.
Professor Brian Rodriguez is a full-time faculty member in the School of Physics at University College Dublin, based at the Conway Institute in Belfield, Dublin 4. His research bridges nanoscale materials physics and biomedical applications, with expertise in scanning probe microscopy techniques. He maintains an active teaching schedule across multiple modules and can be contacted via brian.rodriguez@ucd.ie or phone at 01 716 6744. His academic credentials include: BS from University of North Carolina MS from North Carolina State University, USA PhD in Physics from North Carolina State University, USA (2003) Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning from University College Dublin Rodriguez specializes in piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for characterizing ferroelectric materials, polar nitride semiconductors, and biological systems. His work has expanded into bio-inspired nanomaterials development, including sustainable peptide semiconductors for sensing, amorphous alloys for antibacterial implants, and electrocatalysts for green hydrogen. He actively integrates machine learning with AFM data to advance cancer diagnostics, emphasizing translational applications in biomedicine and energy. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate interdisciplinary momentum toward sustainable nanomaterials for energy conversion and biomedical sensing. Key trends include seawater electrolysis catalysts using MBenes/borides, metal-free SERS platforms with peptide semiconductors, and electric-field-activated pathogen detection. His group pioneers techniques like fluid-phase 3D printing for hydrogel patterning and high-voltage KPFM adaptations, with consistent focus on fundamental electromechanical property characterization. Award highlights include: UCD College of Science Women in Science Mentoring Award (2024) Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (2007) RMIT Foundation International Research Exchange Fellowship (2010) Two UT Battelle Team Awards (2006) Rodriguez coordinates core modules including Bio-inspired Technologies (2016-2025), AFM for Bionano (2016-2025), and Nanomechanics (2017-2025), using active-learning pedagogies. His research is funded through Science Foundation Ireland's GROW Supplement (2017), the OBRSS Research Support Scheme (2016-2023), and the Resolve-NP project grant (2023-2025) targeting lipid nanomedicine characterization at single-particle resolution. He leads the NanoFunction research group (nanofunction.org) within UCD's Conway Institute, focusing on nanoscale functional materials. Current projects involve peptide-based sensors, antimicrobial coatings, and electrocatalyst engineering, supported by collaborations with Zhang, Bao, and Brennan on the Resolve-NP grant. Rodriguez also contributes to SIMUFER (Single- and Multiphase Ferroics with Restricted Geometries) and maintains active professional society memberships.
Dr. Edgar Galván is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Maynooth University's Faculty of Science & Engineering. He is a leading expert in Genetic Programming (GP) and Evolutionary Algorithms, with a focus on semantic-based approaches, neutrality, and multi-objective optimization. His work spans applications in combinatorial optimization, gaming (e.g., Carcassonne), and software engineering, including neuroevolution for deep learning architectures. Current Affiliation: Maynooth University Previous Roles: Senior Researcher at University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, and INRIA Paris-Saclay Research interests include: Semantic-based Genetic Programming Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithms Monte Carlo Tree Search Circular Economy Applications Privacy-Preserving Optimization Neuroevolution in Autonomous Systems His recent publications analyze semantic diversity in GP, neural architecture search, and privacy-aware swarm optimization. Key awards include being ranked among the top 1% of GP researchers by University College London (2020), a Marie Curie Fellowship (2014), and a Best Paper Award at ECTA 2015. Current Projects: REBUILD (Circular Economy Buildings, 2024-2027), VISION (Circular Business Models, 2023-2026) Previous Grants: Stochastic Bio-inspired Algorithms (2014-2017, €267k), circAI (2022-2023, €142k) Dr. Galván serves on program committees for IEEE, ACM, and Springer conferences, and as Scientific Adviser for institutions in Ireland, France, and Mexico. His work bridges theoretical GP analysis with real-world applications in energy optimization and AI.
Dr. Charles Markham is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Maynooth University's Faculty of Science & Engineering. He graduated with a degree in Applied Physics from Dublin City University and earned his PhD in element specific imaging in computerised tomography. His research spans novel imaging systems, biomedical instrumentation, and human-computer interaction with a strong focus on brain-computer interfaces and motion capture technologies. Research Affiliations: Hamilton Institute, ALL Institute Teaching: Robotics, Computer Graphics, Advanced Computer Architecture Professor Markham's research interests center on novel imaging technologies including coded aperture imaging and wide-baseline stereo systems, motion capture and wearable computing with applications in rehabilitation, and mobile machine vision for driving simulation and augmented reality. His work with the Mathematics and Statistics Ecology group demonstrates interdisciplinary interests in ecological modelling . His publication record shows consistent contributions to brain-computer interfaces (2007-2011), driver behavior analysis (2014-2021), motion capture systems (2006-2009), and optical imaging techniques (2001-2008). The research spans multiple disciplines including neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and ecological mathematics. He has supervised several graduate students including D. Kelly (2009 thesis on sign language recognition) and J. Foody (2007 thesis on motion capture biofeedback systems). His collaborations extend across institutions with partnerships at TU Dublin and University College Dublin.
Dr. Tim Persoons is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, where he was appointed Assistant Professor in 2013. He serves as a CONNECT Funded Investigator and is affiliated with multiple Science Foundation Ireland research centers including SFI CONNECT, SFI SSPC, SFI MAREI and SFI ESIPP. Additionally, he maintains a long-standing visiting faculty position at the Cooling Technologies Research Center (CTRC) at Purdue University since 2009 and previously served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at KU Leuven during the 2009/2010 term. Dr. Persoons' primary research focuses on multi-scale convective heat transfer in electronics thermal management using unsteady flows, active flow control for sustainable energy technologies, and developing experimental thermal fluid measurement techniques. His work spans both fundamental fluid dynamics research and practical applications in data center cooling, pharmaceutical dissolution, and electronics thermal management. His research integrates computational modeling, experimental validation, and innovative measurement techniques to address critical thermal challenges. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced cooling technologies for data centers and electronics, with significant work on noise reduction in cooling systems, natural convection heat sinks, and two-phase flow phenomena. His research increasingly bridges thermal engineering with pharmaceutical applications, particularly in particle dissolution and drug delivery systems, demonstrating interdisciplinary collaboration with pharmacy researchers at Trinity College. Irish Research Council (IRC) Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008) IRC/Marie Curie INSPIRE International Mobility Fellowship (2010) Senior Research Fellowship in TCD (2012) 2013 Hartnett-Irvine Award from the International Centre for Heat and Mass Transfer Fellow of Trinity College Dublin (2020) Dr. Persoons has been actively involved in editorial roles as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology since 2018 and Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science since 2020. He serves as an IEEE ITherm Ambassador and participates in EuroTHERM and THERMINIC scientific committees. His research has been supported by multiple SFI-funded projects including CONNECT, SSPC, MAREI and ESIPP, which focus on telecommunications, pharmaceutical science, energy, and power systems. He has co-organized numerous technical workshops including THERMINIC-2009, PowerMEMS-2010, and CTRC Workshops on Thermal Management in Telecom Systems and Data Centers. His research activities are centered within the Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, where he leads investigations into thermal fluid dynamics and heat transfer phenomena. His work involves extensive collaboration with both engineering and pharmacy researchers, creating a unique interdisciplinary research environment that bridges thermal management challenges across multiple sectors.
Dr. Saritha Unnikrishnan serves as a Lecturer in Computing and Principal Investigator in AI-driven Computer Vision at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo, Ireland. She maintains multiple research affiliations across the institution, including the Health and Biomedical Research Centre (HEAL) , the Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE) , and the Precision Engineering Materials and Manufacturing Research Centre (PEM Research Centre) . Dr. Unnikrishnan's research spans computer vision , medical imaging , and artificial intelligence applications with significant focus on healthcare and industrial quality assessment. Her work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between computer science, biomedical engineering, and pharmaceutical sciences, particularly in the areas of micrograph analysis , brain tumor characterization , and AI-driven diagnostic solutions . Analysis of her recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward applying AI techniques to solve complex problems in medical imaging and industrial applications. Her work increasingly focuses on deep learning approaches for image analysis, with notable contributions in glioma characterization , emulsion stability assessment , and educational technology solutions . Ireland's National AI Challenge 2024 award recipient Dr. Unnikrishnan has demonstrated exceptional grant acquisition capabilities, securing over €2 million in research funding to lead multiple national and EU projects. She has led major enterprise-funded AI research initiatives, including an AI-enabled computer vision solution licensed to GSK . Her collaborative work extends to European COST Actions and cross-border AI initiatives, highlighting her significant impact in the European research landscape. As Principal Investigator across multiple research centers at ATU Sligo, Dr. Unnikrishnan directs work in the Health and Biomedical Research Centre, the Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment initiative, and the Precision Engineering Materials and Manufacturing Research Centre, where she bridges computer science with practical healthcare and industrial applications.
JIA Xibin serves as a full Professor and doctoral/master's thesis supervisor at Beijing University of Technology's Faculty of Information Technology and Dublin International College. She holds editorial responsibilities for the TIIS journal and maintains active memberships in the China Computer Federation (CCF) and China Society of Image and Graphics (CSIG), including specialized committees for Machine Vision and Big Video Data. Her educational foundation spans a B.S. in Wireless Technology from Chongqing University (1991), M.S. in Measuring and Testing Technology from North University of China (1996), and Ph.D. in Computer Application Technology from Beijing University of Technology (2007). International experience includes visiting scholar positions at University of California Riverside (2015) and Flinders University (2009). Research focuses on intelligent medical imaging for liver disease diagnosis, affective computing in educational contexts, and cognitive behavior modeling through multimodal fusion techniques. Her methodology integrates representation learning with transfer and few-shot learning paradigms to address data scarcity in medical applications. Current publications demonstrate consistent focus on domain adaptation and medical image analysis , with significant contributions to multimodal MRI interpretation for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Her work bridges theoretical machine learning with clinical applications through deep neural network architectures. Active research leadership includes principal investigator roles for: National Natural Science Foundation grant on non-invasive liver disease assessment (2019-2022) Beijing Natural Science Foundation project on campus safety risk prediction (2020-2022) These projects emphasize big data analytics for healthcare and educational safety systems, reflecting her dual expertise in technical innovation and practical implementation.
Dr. Hannah Wilson is a StAR Research Lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland's School of Nursing and Midwifery, where she leads the Skin Wounds and Trauma Research Team. She joined RCSI in October 2023 following her PhD completion at the same institution. Her clinical background in cardiology nursing informs her research on tissue viability and patient-centered care. Education: PhD, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (2020-2023) MSc Nursing, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (2017-2018) Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing, RCSI (2016-2017) BSc Adult Nursing, Queen's University Belfast (2012-2015) Her research focuses on three interconnected domains : 1) Advanced technologies for early pressure ulcer detection (including AI and subepidermal moisture scanning), 2) Physiological differences in skin injury response across diverse populations, and 3) Patient involvement frameworks for equitable wound prevention. This work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through its focus on reducing healthcare disparities. Dr. Wilson's recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on systematic reviews and clinical validation studies. Her 2024-2025 articles predominantly explore technological innovations in wound assessment, while her 2025 works focus on implementation science and diversity in healthcare research. Recurring themes include guideline implementation, skin physiology, and patient engagement methodologies. Active Grants: Evaluation of Standards for Advanced Nursing Education (NMBI, 2025-2026) Voices that Matter: Patient Partnerships in Nursing Research (RCSI PPI Ignite Network, 2024-2025) The Skin Wounds and Trauma Research Team develops evidence-based protocols for wound prevention and partners with clinical institutions to translate research into practice. Current projects examine subepidermal moisture correlations with ultrasound biomarkers and machine learning applications for diabetic foot ulcer prediction.
