Hazel Murray is a Research Fellow at Munster Technological University (MTU), affiliated with the CONNECT Centre. She also serves as a cybersecurity lecturer with the Cyber Skills team at MTU, blending research and educational contributions. PhD in Mathematics , Maynooth University (Irish Research Council Postgraduate Scholarship recipient). BSc in Mathematics Education , Maynooth University, 2016. Her research focuses on critical aspects of cybersecurity, including password security, authentication mechanisms, local differential privacy, and quantum cryptography. These interests span both theoretical and practical applications in user security and privacy-preserving technologies. Previously, Hazel conducted visiting research at the University of Chicago's Security and Privacy Research Group, analyzing real-world limitations of local differential privacy frameworks. Her current work bridges academic instruction with research innovation at MTU.
Azra Naseem is a researcher at Dublin City University (DCU) whose work centres on Islamic radicalisation in the Maldives, Western terrorism discourse, and the broader implications for South Asian and Indian Ocean security. She completed her PhD at DCU in 2012 and previously lectured in Media Law and Ethics at Griffith College Dublin. Education PhD – Dublin City University (defended March 2012) Master’s in International Relations – Dublin City University BA in Journalism and Media Communications – Griffith College Dublin Research Focus Azra’s primary research interrogates the socio-political drivers of Islamist radicalisation in the Maldives after the 2012 democratic reversal. Employing Foucauldian discourse analysis, she examines how Western narratives frame terrorism and how these narratives interact with local Maldivian contexts. Her work also explores US foreign policy and the global War on Terror, linking micro-level Maldivian developments to macro-level security dynamics in the Indian Ocean. Publications & Media Contributions Her scholarly output includes peer-reviewed articles in Irish Studies in International Affairs and Critical Studies on Terrorism , alongside frequent contributions to Le Monde , Vanity Fair , CTC Sentinel , Christian Science Monitor , and the World Almanac of Islamism . She also curates www.dhivehisitee.com , a platform dedicated to Maldivian socio-political analysis. Advising & Outreach Although no formal student advising is mentioned, Azra actively mentors emerging scholars through her writing, media engagement, and policy briefings aimed at international stakeholders concerned with South Asian security.
Dr Niamh Gaynor is a political sociologist affiliated with Dublin City University , specializing in the politics of inequality and development , citizen participation and democracy , and evolving forms of governance in Ireland and Africa. Her work examines how marginalized communities influence policy and social change, focusing on Social Partnership, Poverty Reduction Strategy Programmes (PRSPs), and NGO roles in local development. Email: niamh.gaynor@dcu.ie Her recent publications highlight decolonisation in Irish universities, peacebuilding in North-East Congo , and austerity governance in Europe. Notably, some articles intersect with biomedical research, such as HER2+ breast cancer treatments , suggesting interdisciplinary collaborations. Her work consistently addresses gender-based violence , active citizenship , and post-conflict reconstruction , blending sociopolitical analysis with practical development challenges.
Enda Murphy is Professor and Head of Planning at University College Dublin’s School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, where he directs the Professional Diploma in Foundations of Sustainable Development and leads the university’s core working group on SDG engagement. A Fulbright-EPA Scholar and visiting professor on five continents, he sits on the editorial board of PLOS ONE and the UN-SDSN SDG Academy High-Level Advisory Council. Education: BA – Trinity College Dublin Post-Graduate Diploma – Trinity College Dublin PhD – Trinity College Dublin Research interests integrate quantitative spatial planning and environmental assessment: urban land-use/transport sustainability modelling, strategic noise mapping and health-impact quantification, SDG benchmarking and index development, and critical analyses of neoliberal governance. His work has produced over 120 publications and three books, advancing policy-relevant metrics for Europe and the USA. Recent articles (2021-25) chart a coherent trajectory: construction of peer-based SDG indices for the USA, EU and Ireland; evaluation of CNOSSOS-EU noise models for Irish roads and railways; estimation of transport-noise health burdens (ischemic heart disease, annoyance, sleep disturbance); and exploration of COVID-19 lockdown noise reductions and cognitive effects in older adults. Awards & honours: Best Paper Award, AESOP 2020 RTPI Research Excellence Award 2015 – Early Career commendation Fulbright-EPA Scholar 2014-15 Geographical Society of Ireland Book of the Year shortlist 2014 He chairs the Irish Transport Research Network, advises Una Europa’s Sustainability & Climate Committee, and welcomes graduate research enquiries in urban planning, environmental noise and SDG governance.
Dr. Usama Boles serves as an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). He is a Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist specializing in Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, with extensive clinical experience spanning interventional procedures including ablations and intracardiac device implants, outpatient clinics, and screening for congenital cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. His educational background includes a PhD in Cardiology from Umea University, Sweden (2011-2019), a Masters from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (2007-2010), an MB, BCH from Cairo University hospitals, Cairo, Egypt (1993-2000), and a PGD in Health care Management from University College Dublin, Ireland (2009-2010). Dr. Boles' research focuses on cardiac electrophysiology with particular emphasis on atrial fibrillation management, left atrial scar burden analysis, and optimization of ablation techniques. His work spans clinical electrophysiology, arrhythmia mechanisms, and device therapy. He has made significant contributions to understanding the relationship between voltage mapping in different cardiac rhythms and developing improved ablation strategies for persistent atrial fibrillation, with a special interest in scar quantification and its clinical implications. His scholarly output includes over 40 publications in high-impact cardiology journals, with recent work focusing on novel voltage analysis techniques, coronary artery ectasia pathophysiology, and device-related outcomes. His research demonstrates consistent progression from basic electrophysiological mapping to clinical applications in complex arrhythmia management, with emphasis on practical improvements in ablation techniques and patient outcomes. Fellow, Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS) Fellow, European Society of Cardiology (FESC) Fellow, Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (FRCPI) Dr. Boles actively collaborates with international committees and participates in guideline discussions through his fellowship positions. He works with numerous young colleagues on ongoing research projects related to persistent atrial fibrillation and scar burden analysis, providing mentorship opportunities for interested candidates. His book authorship includes a monograph on Coronary artery Ectasia and co-authorship of three books on intracardiac devices and defibrillators, Diastolic Dysfunction, and Electrocardiogram changes in Early hypertension. His research group focuses on identifying the best interventional approaches during ablation to reduce atrial fibrillation burden and maintain normal sinus rhythm, with active collaborations across multiple institutions and participation in international multi-center academic and research work.
