Clíodhna graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science (Physiology) from the National University of Ireland, Galway, in 2022. Shortly after graduating, she began working as a research assistant in Cancer Research @UCC, where she works under the guidance of Prof. Mary Cahill on the BCNI Biobanking project. The BCNI (Blood Cancer Network Ireland) Biobank at UCC is dedicated to the collection, processing, and storage of samples from patients with haematological malignancies, following informed consent.

Following a year in this role, Clíodhna has begun an MSc by Research in the area. This project will span over two years (part-time), allowing her to continue collecting and processing samples for the BCNI biobank at UCC.

Project

Clíodhna's MSc is centred on 'The use of cell-free DNA in high-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in conjunction with FDG PET CT scan parameters.' This project obtained ethical approval from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee (CREC) and commenced in October 2023. This project is overseen by a team of supervisors, including, Dr. Derville O’Shea, Dr. Kellie Dean, Dr. Eoghan Molloy, and Professor Mary Cahill.

The primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility of analysing cfDNA in lymphoma patients at CUH throughout their treatment. The ultimate aim of her research is to support the use of liquid biopsies for the monitoring and prognosis of high-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients, with the overarching goal of reducing the necessity for tumour biopsies within this patient population and improving patient outcomes with better monitoring tools.