2007 Press Releases

27 Mar 2007

Science For All Competition, 4 April



Conducting scientific research is one thing - explaining it to a lay audience, quite another.  On Wednesday evening (4 April 2007) topics such as volcanic eruptions and climate change, detection of drug trafficking by analysing impurities in 'super ecstasy', migration of cancer cells, treatment of food poisoning, ultra cold gases and microlasers, are among the subjects to be presented at the Final of the Third 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.  Six finalists will give presentations.

Nollaig Healy
Department of Biochemistry, UCC
Nollaig is from Bishopstown, Cork.  Her research work in Biochemistry examines the function of a novel protein identified as a protein involved in the cell migrations of cancer cells. She enjoys swimming, triathlons and is a First Aid volunteer with the Irish Red Cross

John Goold
Department of Physics, UCC
John is from Macroom, Co. Cork. His PhD research is investigating the theory behind low dimensional ultra cold gases as a possible candidate for building a quantum computer. John plays Gaelic football for UCC and Macroom, is an enthusiastic backpacker and interested in the philosophy of Science

Mairi Gardner
Department of Geology, UCC

Mairi is from West Lothian in Scotland and was an undergraduate at Edinburgh University. Mairi's research work at UCC is focused on the processes that precede massive volcanic eruptions and how these eruptions will affect global climate change.
Mairi enjoys cooking, hiking and travelling

Dawn Griffin
Department of Chemistry, UCC

Dawn is from Chetwynd, Co. Cork.  Her PhD research in the Department of Chemistry, UCC, is focused on determining the impurities which arise in the manufacture of 'super-ecstasy', an illegal drug, and then using this information as a  chemical fingerprint to monitor and identify drug trafficking supply chains in Ireland.
Her hobbies include riding, show jumping and running.

Sinead Corr
Department of Microbiology and the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, UCC

Sinead studied Microbiology in UCC before beginning her PhD research investigating the interactions between the potentially fatal food poisoning bug Listeria with human intestinal cells. Sinead's work is also looking at how probiotics can be used to treat or prevent a Listeria infection. Sinead is a keen snowboarder who also enjoys workouts in the gym and cinema.

Danny O'Shea
Department of Physics and Tyndall National Institute, UCC

Danny is from Kenmare in Kerry. His PhD involves studying the performance of microlasers for telecommunication applications. This work complements other research activity in the department where researchers are using cold atoms for possible use in quantum computation. Danny enjoys hill walking in Ireland, but especially in Kerry and is also a keen indoor climber.

The panel of judges for the Final will be chaired by Ms Kathriona Devereux, Scope TV programme presenter; Councillor Deirdre Clune; Mr Lorcan Ó Raghallaigh, Discover Science and Engineering, Forfas and Mr Niall Murray, Education Correspondent, Irish Examiner.

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, Snap Printing and The Tyndall National Institute.

The Final will take place at 7pm on Wednesday 4 April in Lecture Theatre Boole 4, UCC.  Professor William Reville, Public Awareness of Science Officer, UCC will act as MC on the night.  All are welcome and admission is free.  During the judging period, there will be a wine reception in the lobby.

417MMcS


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