Early Researcher (2001-02)
As an undergraduate, I was one of eight successful candidates to be accepted for placement year at University of Nevada, Reno. Here, I investigated the effect of neurotoxic peptides (conotoxins) on the release of neurotransmitters at neuroeffector junctions in sympathetic neurons, in Professor David Westfall¿s laboratory. I was awarded a Diploma in Industrial Studies as a result of the project write-up and supervisors report from this year. I also gained valuable experience in presenting my laboratory work orally to a wide range of scientists, through seminars hosted by the School of Medicine.
(2002-03)
As partial fulfillment for the completion of my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences, at the University of Ulster, I carried out a research project in Dr. Colum Walsh¿s laboratory. This involved a project investigating ESTs that were potentially novel DNA methyltransferases, followed by a written report in journal format. My work constituted a highly graded research project with part of the research being included for publication in the journal, Genomics, in 2004. It was during this time that my interest in the field of developmental epigenetics was established.
(2004-05)
Between August 2004 and August 2005 I was enrolled in the post graduate program for Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. As a member of Dr. Wei Yan¿s lab. I was involved in a project focusing on germ cell specific genes, and their role in successful gametogenesis. This position allowed me to further develop a range of molecular biology research skills, which I subsequently built on and advanced as a post graduate researcher at the University of Ulster. Output from this study included a publication in Biology of Reproduction, 2005.
Post Graduate Researcher (2005-09)
As a member of the Stem Cells and Epigenetics group (University of Ulster) I was responsible for leading a study investigating the sex specific regulation of one of the major de novo DNA methyltransferases. In addition to the successful completion of my PhD thesis, my work was published in Human Reproduction (2007) and Developmental Biology (2011). Also, in the final year of my PhD I presented my research at the Irish National Developmental Biology meeting (2008), which received an award in the poster session.
Experienced Researcher (2009-)
I¿ve been employed as a post-doctoral researcher in the SFI funded Reproductive Biology Research Cluster (RBRC), at UCD since I completed my PhD. The focus of my research within the RBRC is concerned with the potential contribution of aberrant genomic imprinting in the postpartum oocyte, to poor reproductive performance; which is observed in high yielding dairy cattle. This work has resulted in a publication in Biology of Reproduction, 2011. I have also presented my findings, as oral and poster presentations, at the annual Society for the study of Reproduction meetings in 2010 and 2011. Being a member of a large research group I have also been involved in other projects, results from which have been published in Physiological Genomics (2011) and Biology of Reproduction (2010).