Conducting scientific research is one thing - explaining it to a lay
audience, quite another. On Wednesday evening (22 March 2006)
topics such as chemistry of smog, delivering pain control, mobile
computing, irritable bowel syndrome and microneedles are among the
subjects to be presented at the Final of the Second Annual Science For
All UCC postgraduate student public presentation competition.
The purpose of this competition is to encourage young scientists to
communicate the results of their research to the general public in an
easily understandable manner. Five finalists will give
presentations.
Caroline Blackshields, from the Lough, Cork first studied chemistry,
before going on to do research for a PhD in pharmacy. In her talk
"Something Fishy about post-operative Pain Control" she will
describe how she is developing novel ways to deliver local anaesthetic
to wounds after surgery. Caroline also enjoys music, reading and
travelling.
Daniel Doolan, from Mallow, County Cork, in his talk "Think BIG, play
small, Think Mobile".will describe the research he is conducting for
his PhD on using mobile phones for computing. Daniel has a BSc in
Computer Applications and an MSc in Multimedia Technology and enjoys
travel, photography, film and music.
Siobhán O'Mahony will discuss "Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a
miscommunication between the brain and the gut?" Siobhán studied
neuroscience in UCC and NUI Galway and then spent one year doing
research on depression at the Academic Hospital in Maastricht in
the Netherlands before returning to the Department of Psychiatry, UCC
and the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre to do research for her
PhD. She also enjoys outdoor activities including
walking, cycling, sailing and swimming.
Robert Healy, from Listowel in Co. Kerry did a BSc in Chemistry before
undertaking his PhD on "The Chemistry of Smog". Robert enjoys the
opportunities afforded to him to travel for his research as well
as socialising and the cinema.
Nicolle Wilke, from Erfurt, Germany will speak about
"Microneedles - forget about pain and anxiety". Nicolle graduated
in Material Science at the Technical University of Ilmenau in Germany,
before coming to the Tyndall National Institute to do her PhD.
Her other passion is photography which she combines successfully with
her research.
The panel of judges for the Final will be chaired by
Councillor Deirdre Clune, Lord Mayor of Cork and will also include Mr
Peter Brabazon, Discover Science and Engineering, Forfas; Ms
Kathriona Devereux, Presenter, Scope Science TV programme; Mr Niall
Murray, Education Correspondent, The Irish Examiner and Ms Jennie
O'Sullivan, RTE Cork.
The competition is jointly organised by the Faculty of Science and the
Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, UCC and is one of a number of
initiatives organised at UCC under the general banner of Science for
All. This year's competition has been sponsored by Discover
Science & Engineering and Snap Printing.
The Final will take place at 7pm on Wednesday 22 March in Lecture
Theatre G02 in Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC, College Road,
Cork. Professor William Reville, Public Awareness of Science Officer,
UCC will act as MC on the night. All are welcome and admission is
free.
199MMcS
« Back to 2006 Press Releases