2007 Press Releases
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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