Caoimhe Lynch (Anatomy and Neuroscience)

From a young age, I have been fascinated by the human body and how its complex and diverse mechanisms work in concert to maintain homeostasis. Moreover, how these various mechanisms are influenced by an individual’s environment and how they differ in specific diseases and disorders. My passion for research fuels my desire to excel; I graduated top of a competitive undergraduate Biochemistry class at UCC and was awarded two Summer research bursaries in microbiota-gut-brain axis research.

Advancing my career, I am honoured to have the opportunity to complete a PhD in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience under the supervision of Prof. John Cryan and Dr Gerard Clarke. My PhD investigates the role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in shaping myelination patterns during critical windows of early life. Indeed, the willingness, enthusiasm and support from staff and colleagues have not only enabled me to achieve my goals to date, but also allowed me to be involved in a variety of activities outside of the laboratory such as the CoMH student postgraduate committee. The skills I have developed during my studies have provided me with indispensable opportunities that help me understand, and hopefully, one day solve, the complex problems that face humanity. - Caoimhe Lynch