As a senior bioprocess scientist with Bioplastech, I develop and implement bespoke research strategies to achieve clients’ bioprocessing targets. I work extensively on scale-up of valorisation technologies using bacterial fermentation.

I worked on the identification of key protein antigens from pathogenic Burkholderia species which can be exploited as novel vaccine candidates against severe pulmonary diseases. The research focused on the expression and purification of these proteins for use in immunological in vivo trials.

I worked as an assistant lecturer in the Biological Sciences department of Dublin Institute ofTechnology (DIT). I was involved in the lecturing of basic Diagnostic Microbiology to studentstaking part in Biomolecular Science Degree programme. This involved the design andpreparation of course work including, key human pathogens, bacterial virulence factors,basic human immunity and laboratory diagnosis of common bacterial pathogens. I also wasinvolved in the preparation of… Show more I worked as an assistant lecturer in the Biological Sciences department of Dublin Institute ofTechnology (DIT). I was involved in the lecturing of basic Diagnostic Microbiology to studentstaking part in Biomolecular Science Degree programme. This involved the design andpreparation of course work including, key human pathogens, bacterial virulence factors,basic human immunity and laboratory diagnosis of common bacterial pathogens. I also wasinvolved in the preparation of practical laboratory training of the students. Show less

My research focused on the bacterial strain Pseudomonas putida KT2440 and its ability to accumulate the biopolymers polyphosphate (polyP) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) (a bioplastic). By using various molecular techniques I elucidated the various metabolic links between the two biopolymers. In particular a previously unreported link was made between polyP and PHA when using glycerol as a carbon source. This finding may have a major influence on the bioplastic production form freely available… Show more My research focused on the bacterial strain Pseudomonas putida KT2440 and its ability to accumulate the biopolymers polyphosphate (polyP) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) (a bioplastic). By using various molecular techniques I elucidated the various metabolic links between the two biopolymers. In particular a previously unreported link was made between polyP and PHA when using glycerol as a carbon source. This finding may have a major influence on the bioplastic production form freely available waste glycerol. Show less

My work focused on the conversion of waste materials to value added products such as the bioplastic (PHA). I developed fermentation strategies for the efficient production of plastic from such materials using laboratory scale 5 and 20 litre fed-batch fermentation systems.

I was involved in receipt and primary bacterial culture of patient specimens from Beaumont hospital and local GPs. My roles included data entry, stock maintenance, waste management and basic bacterial culturing,