Moira Mccarthy Email & Phone Number

Ireland

Ireland

•Molecular biology assay development: rapid, in-solution, bead-based enrichment assays for specific capture of target nucleic acid sequences. These assays will be applied to AltraTechs DNA/RNA diagnostic platform technology. •Development of robust and rapid DNA and RNA extraction techniques for tissue sample preparation.•Smart plastic prototype development and testing.•Project planning and execution, ensuring deliverables are transparent and achievable within the allocated timeframe… Show more •Molecular biology assay development: rapid, in-solution, bead-based enrichment assays for specific capture of target nucleic acid sequences. These assays will be applied to AltraTechs DNA/RNA diagnostic platform technology. •Development of robust and rapid DNA and RNA extraction techniques for tissue sample preparation.•Smart plastic prototype development and testing.•Project planning and execution, ensuring deliverables are transparent and achievable within the allocated timeframe and meet the predefined success criteria.•Laboratory management, including implementation and updating chemical tracking system within the laboratory and procurement within the laboratory. Show less

Dublin

Teaching Ecotoxicology at MSc level both in the classroom and in the laboratoryDesigning a module and teaching materials for the Online Programme in Environmental SustainabilityCommunicating with students on the programme, organising their training needs assessmentand learning contractPerforming the routine administrative duties associated with the programme at School and University level.Supervising MSc Research Projects

Maintenance of culture media and duckweed strains using aseptic techniques Provision of plants for undergraduate practicals and projectsLaboratory maintenance and organization

Cork City, Ireland

Title: Ecotoxicology of marine biotoxins in bivalve molluscsDuring my PhD I organised and executed experimental research, designed and optimised experimental protocols. Both my written and verbal communication skills have been greatly enhanced through regular dissemination of research at conferences, report writing and my final thesis. Collaboration with other institutes provided multidisciplinary skills which I applied to my PhD research.• Constructed and optimised a… Show more Title: Ecotoxicology of marine biotoxins in bivalve molluscsDuring my PhD I organised and executed experimental research, designed and optimised experimental protocols. Both my written and verbal communication skills have been greatly enhanced through regular dissemination of research at conferences, report writing and my final thesis. Collaboration with other institutes provided multidisciplinary skills which I applied to my PhD research.• Constructed and optimised a large-scale bioharvesting system for the collection of marine biotoxins directly from seawater • Successfully demonstrated that the marine biotoxin Okadaic Acid has negative impacts on shellfish species at the tissue, cellular and subcellular levelsKey Skills/Responsibilities:Analytical chemistry:• Solid phase extractions and liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy to qualitatively and quantitatively analyse biotoxins present in the samples in collaboration with Cork Institute of TechnologyExamined the impact of marine biotoxins on bivalve species using a multi-biomarker approach: • Physiological impacts were determined using histological techniques • Flow cytometry analysis on circulating haemolymph measured any immunological responses • DNA strand breakage was measured using the comet assay • Project expenditure and budget management, including purchasing of any equipment/consumablesStatistics course: Mixed modelling for Biological data using the package ‘R’ (2012) Show less

University College Cork - I lectured Ecotoxicology to 4th year BSc Environmental management, evening classes and set written examinations- I organised and ran undergraduate laboratory practicals for Ecotoxicology (AE3010) for 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students and performed continuous assessment examinationUniversity College Dublin- I taught a Module in Ecotoxicology for the MSc in Applied Science (Environmental science) and examined the module through continuous… Show more University College Cork - I lectured Ecotoxicology to 4th year BSc Environmental management, evening classes and set written examinations- I organised and ran undergraduate laboratory practicals for Ecotoxicology (AE3010) for 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students and performed continuous assessment examinationUniversity College Dublin- I taught a Module in Ecotoxicology for the MSc in Applied Science (Environmental science) and examined the module through continuous assessment and written examination Show less

Anu Research Centre, Cork University Maternity Hospital

I was a member of a research group involved in the international SCOPE/BASELINE study. We examined risk factors in mothers during early pregnancy to identify biomarkers for late pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and early pre-term birth. Responsibilities:- Processing of umbilical cord blood and buccal swabs was performed from infants recruited to the BASELINE study- Storage of pure and EDTA treated serum samples and buffy coat in the biobank- Accurate tracking of… Show more I was a member of a research group involved in the international SCOPE/BASELINE study. We examined risk factors in mothers during early pregnancy to identify biomarkers for late pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and early pre-term birth. Responsibilities:- Processing of umbilical cord blood and buccal swabs was performed from infants recruited to the BASELINE study- Storage of pure and EDTA treated serum samples and buffy coat in the biobank- Accurate tracking of the samples into the SCOPE/BASELINE biobank was carried out- FDA-approved sample processing and storage was executed Show less

Environmental Research Institute, Cork

I was employed on a short-term contract for this Environmental Consultancy firm to assist in sample processing Responsibilities- Sorted marine invertebrate samples, trawls, dredges, cores and grabs- Granulometry on sediment samples- Water chemistry analysis methods used: Silica, pH, conductivity, DO, turbidity, BOD- Loss on ignition to determine total organic carbon present in sediment samples- Field-work using automated water samplers

BIOMASSTOX: Toxicology-based project investigating the impact of sediment toxicity on the Manila Clam and the Blue Mussel using a multi-biomarker approach. Cellular, physiological and behavioural biomarkers were utilised to investigate toxicant-induced immunological and structural alterations in the clams.Skills/Responsibilities:A number of scientific assays were utilised during the investigation:- Neutral red retention assay-assessment of lysosomal integrity -… Show more BIOMASSTOX: Toxicology-based project investigating the impact of sediment toxicity on the Manila Clam and the Blue Mussel using a multi-biomarker approach. Cellular, physiological and behavioural biomarkers were utilised to investigate toxicant-induced immunological and structural alterations in the clams.Skills/Responsibilities:A number of scientific assays were utilised during the investigation:- Neutral red retention assay-assessment of lysosomal integrity - Histopathology utilising a number of different cellular staining techniques- Computer Aided Physiological Monitoring System (CAPMON) for monitoring heart-rate- Induction of lipfuscin granule formation- Examined behavioural biomarkers through burrowing activityResponsibilities included the care of the bivalves and preparatory experimental work: tank cleaning and maintenance; collection of sediment from designated estuarine sites; preparation of chemicals for experimentation e.g. physiological saline, neutral red dye. Show less

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Marine Biology And Ecotoxicology

Master'S Degree (Research), Environmental Science

Title: Optimisation of immunological techniques for the detection of Escherichia coli in suspension and its application in the development.

Bachelor'S Degree, Applied Ecology

Subjects studied: Advanced Ecotoxicology; Data Analysis and Computing for Biologists; Behavioural Ecology; Coastal and Aquatic Ecology.

Leaving Certificate - All Honours