2013 Press Releases
Soak it Up:Getting Trees to do the Dirty Work
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'Zero-discharge wastewater treatment' was the topic of the winning presentation of Fergus McAuliffe, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UCC in the Science for All competition.
Fergus explained his research on developing a zero-discharge wastewater treatment using willow trees. While wastewater contains high levels of contaminants that can be harmful to humans and the environment, these contaminants are the perfect source for willow trees which thrive in Ireland. This research will result in a sustainable means for wastewater treatment, which will be of great interest to the many septic tank owners who may fail inspection.
Communicating scientific research in an easily understandable manner to a lay audience is the aim of Science for All, the UCC postgraduate student public presentation competition.
This year’s competition, also included presentations on “mining” the genes of gut bacteria, understanding leukemia, abdominal pain in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the impact of dietary fat on gut bacteria and obesity.
The panel of judges for the Final was chaired by Ms Anne Marie O’Sullivan, H+A Marketing+PR and also included Mr John Dolan, Features Editor, Evening Echo, Mr Trevor Holmes, Vice President for External Relations, UCC and Dr Julie O’Donovan, Cork Maths Centre and winner Science for All and Science Speak (2009).
The competition, now in its 9th year, is organised jointly by the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science and the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, UCC and forms part of a postgraduate module in Science Communication and Outreach (PG6014).
Additional Information on finalists and their presentations:
- Eamonn Culligan, Dept. Microbiology, UCC & Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre “Mining” the Human Gut Microbiome
Eamonn is from Kilrush in Co. Clare. He has a BSc. In Microbiology and MSc. In Applied Science – Biotechnology from UCC. He loves most sports, but especially soccer, darts and golf, as well as playing poker and socialising with friends and family. Once he has completed his PhD he would like to continue in academic research.
- Maura Hannon, Dept. Biochemistry, UCC What’s the trouble with Tribbles?
From Ballincollig, Co. Cork , Maura has a degree in Biochemistry, loves reading and films and is a member of the newly established UCC Feminist Society and Cork Feminista, a feminist collective here in Cork. Maura intends to continue her research after graduation.
- Fergus McAuliffe, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UCC Getting Trees to do the dirty work
From Farran, Co. Cork, Fergus has a degree in Environmental Science, enjoys running, swimming, Frisbee and photography and hopes to pursue further research in sustainability upon completion of his thesis.
- Rachel Moloney, Dept. Anatomy & Neuroscience, UCC & Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre A Pain in the Gut! Understanding the mechanisms underlying abdominal pain
Rachel is from Ogonnelloe, Scariff, Co Clare and has a BSc. Biochemistry, and M.Sc. in Neuropharmacology. She enjoys camogie/hurling, rugby, reading, swimming, socialising and music. She hopes to continue her research and lecture at home or further afield.
- Elaine Patterson, Dept. Microbiology, UCC & Teagasc Moorepark Food Research Centre You are what you eat! The Impact of Dietary Fat on Gut Bacteria & Obesity
From Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, Elaine has a BSc in Neuroscience from UCC. She enjoys music, exercise, reading and travel. Upon completion of her thesis, she hopes to continue research in the area of obesity and diabetes.