News 2013
Welcome to Dr. Maria McNamara
We give a warm welcome to Dr. Maria McNamara who joins us a new Geology lecturer in the school in the area of Palaeontology.
Maria’s work on fossil preservation lies at the interface of the geological and biological sciences with elements of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and applied optics. Much of her current research focuses on the fossil record of colouration in insects and feathers which has led to publications in Nature and other prestigious scientific journals. ‘By teasing out details of the original colours of animals that lived millions of years ago, we gain insights into how the diverse communication strategies of modern animals have evolved.’
Maria joins us from the University of Bristol having formerly held a Marie Curie Fellowship at Yale University (USA) and is a graduate of NUI, Galway, gaining her doctorate at UCD. As well as research and teaching, Maria has contributed to valuable public outreach working for the Burren-Cliffs of Moher EU Geopark.
We are delighted to have Maria as part of our team and look to sharing the excitement she will bring to the School.