Developing our Athena Swan Charter to enhance gender equality

In September 2022 the School of Biotechnology was awarded the Athena Swan Bronze Award in recognition of its commitment to advancing gender equality for women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and creating cultural change within the University. 

The School's Award Submission can be viewed online.

 

The School of Biotechnology Athena Swan Charter committee is working to develop gender equality.

 

Dr. Naomi Walsh

Dr. Naomi Walsh

Dr. Naomi Walsh is an Assistant Prof and PI of the Translational Cancer Genomics and 3D Organoid research group. Her research group is focused on developing 3D cancer organoid models to functionally validate genomic variants in cancer. 
She is a full-time working mother of three children and enjoys running and playing Gaelic football.

Prof. Paul A. Cahill

Prof. Paul A. Cahill

Prof. Paul A. Cahill is Head of the School of Biotechnology and Chair of Vascular Biology & Therapeutics. His research group is focused on cardiovascular disease with a particular emphasis on vascular stem cell biology, extracellular vesicular trafficking and signalling, epigenetic profiling and single cell photonics with supervised machine learning to drive vascular therapeutics and diagnostic development.
Outside of his academic work, Paul enjoys politics, international travel, cinema and radio.

Dr. Denis Collins

Dr. Denis Collins

Dr. Denis Collins is a Caroline Foundation Senior Research Fellow at the NICB. He is an SFI-funded PI working in Cancer Biotherapeutics, investigating novel targeted therapy combinations and the anti-cancer immune response.

Outside of the lab, Denis enjoys running and playing the guitar, but not at the same time.

Dr. Neil Conlon

Dr. Neil Conlon

Dr. Neil Conlon is an Irish Research Council Enterprise Partnership Scheme postdoctoral fellow. His research focuses on HER2-driven cancers and his current work is centered on re-purposing already approved therapies for the treatment of hard-to-treat cancers. 
Outside of the lab, Neil enjoys running, reading, and travelling.
 

Dr. Alex Eustace

Dr. Alex Eustace

Dr. Alex Eustace’s research is in genomics and translational oncology.  He is the current research lead for Clinical Cancer Research Trust, a charity run by Prof John Crown. Alex is also a recipient of a Health Research Board Emerging investigator award, and has been awarded the RAMI/St Luke's Young investigator award for his impact in cancer research. 

Outside of science Alex is the father to 3 very active boys, but still remains an avid long distance runner.  On weekends he can be found watching his sons play GAA, whilst trying to get his miles in for the week!

Aisling Fennell

Aisling Fennell

Aisling is a second year Biotechnology student. She was a class representative in first year and continues to be involved in a number of societies in DCU. Aisling enjoys all aspects of her course and is excited about her future in the pharmaceutical field. Outside of college, Aisling enjoys swimming, running and reading.

Dr. Emma Finlay

Dr. Emma Finlay

Dr. Emma Finlay’s research has included population genetics of domestication, tuberculosis susceptibility and genetic diversity of innate immune genes. She provides bioinformatics research support and teaches bioinformatics and statistics at the undergraduate and graduate level. 
She alternates between paper crafts, knitting, sewing, and baking with her children.
 

Ciara Hegarty

Ciara Hegarty

Ciara Hegarty was class rep for her first year. She has a big interest in disease research, treatment and development and hopes to continue pursuing this passion after she completes her degree. Outside of college work she enjoys baking, art and travelling.

Dr. Janosch Heller

Dr. Janosch Heller

Dr. Janosch Heller’s research is aimed at deciphering astrocyte changes in diseases such as epilepsy and how we can target these cells as novel treatment options. Janosch is originally from Germany and has been trained in Germany, France, the UK and Ireland.  Janosch joined the SAT in September 2021.

In his free time, Janosch likes to explore the Irish countryside, cooking/baking, graphic novels and bad reality TV shows.

Prof. Christine Loscher

Prof. Christine Loscher

Prof. Christine Loscher leads the Immunomodulation Research Group, which has a focus on the discovery of novel anti-inflammatory compounds and ingredients for the Food and Pharma sectors. She is also currently the Associate Dean for Research for the Faculty of Science & Health.

Outside of work she is a busy Mum to four children and a dog! She spends her time between football sidelines, gymnastics halls and Irish dancing Feiseanna!!

Dr. Amira Madhi

Dr. Amira Madhi

Dr. Amira Madhi is a post-doctoral researcher in the Cancer Biotherapeutics group in the NICB, cofunded by SFI and Puma Biotechnology. Amira has previously studied in NUI Galway and the University of Limerick. Her current research focuses on finding novel therapeutic combinations for the treatment of HER2+ positive breast cancer. Amira joined the SAT in September 2021.

Outside of work Amira enjoys baking, listening to podcasts and hiking.

Previous members of the SoBt SAT include Niamh Bookey (F) (post-graduate), Nicola Gaynor (F) (post-doctoral researcher), Konstantinos Grintzalis (M) (Assistant Prof).