I can trace my interest in science to my father’s influence and encouragement from particular teachers. UCD was a very positive exciting experience for me and although I flirted with Botany for a while, Chemistry was my main interest.

I was fascinated by my first exposure to organometallic Chemistry at the Youth Science fortnight in London. I later carried out research in this area with Professor A.R. Manning and left UCD with a PhD in 1977 and a very keen interest in mountaineering!

After two years as Chief Chemist in Clondalkin Paper Mills, I joined the fledgling Forensic Science Laboratory where I have been privileged to progress to the Director post I now hold. Initially the wide range of analytical techniques in the laboratory attracted me but I now realise that the mix of science to real life applications with tangible outcomes suits my skills. I also enjoy the professional company of like-minded people. My career has paralleled significant developments in forensic science which has resulted in a continuous learning experience for me. This has satisfied the interest in knowledge that first attached me to a career in science.