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Quick Fire Five with Rebecca Buckley
Rebecca Buckley works in research project management as a Programme Manager within UCC Academy's Project Centre. She loves the variety her job brings in supporting researchers to achieve their project goals.
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends, and she has a passport with enviable stamps from across the globe!
Tell us a bit about your background before you joined UCC Academy
“I completed a BSc in Biochemistry at UCC and then an MPhil in Biological Science at the University of Cambridge. I then went on to work in marketing and project management roles with Abcam, a biotechnology company in Cambridge, and academic publisher Springer Nature in London, before returning to Ireland in 2019.
“While living in the UK, I played Gaelic football (socially, I stress, not competitively!). It was a fantastic way to meet people while living away from home and great fun. I don't play anymore but I’m still in touch with friends from that time.”
What’s your role in UCC Academy?
“I joined UCC Academy in 2019 as an EU Project Manager. During the past few years, I've provided project management and impact support on several UCC-led European-funded research and innovation projects. These projects have been led by UCC Principal Investigators across the School of Microbiology, School of Chemistry, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and Tyndall National Institute, spanning a range of grant types including a Marie Curie Innovative Training Network (Horizon 2020), a European Innovation Council Pathfinder project (Horizon 2020) and two Research and Innovation Actions (Horizon 2020 & Horizon Europe). Working with passionate experts on projects that have a positive societal impact is really rewarding.
“Earlier this year, I moved into an interim role of Programme Manager. A key part of this role is leading our team of research managers. We meet regularly to share knowledge and discuss where we can learn from and add value to our portfolio of projects.”
What do you like about working at UCC Academy?
“Primarily, I like the people across the organisation. Our people are not only brilliant at what they do, but genuinely lovely too. We also have a very supportive and flexible work culture that make it a great place to work.”
Do you like to read?
“Yes…when I get the time! I’m currently reading The Bee Sting by Paul Murray. My favourite book of all time is probably The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. It’s been a while since I’ve read it now, but I remember being really drawn in by the story and not being able to put it down.”
We hear you like to travel…
“Yes! In the past, I’ve visited Beijing for work where I had the opportunity to see the Great Wall of China. I've also travelled a lot in the US, including a visit to New Orleans which was a personal highlight. A definite bucket list trip for me is to return there someday for Mardi Gras.
"My husband and I also hiked to Machu Pichu in Peru after we got married which was an amazing experience. I have a young daughter now, so travel isn’t as frequent, but I look forward to sharing and experiencing my love of travel with her as she gets older.”
Thank you, Rebecca!