My UCD education gave me a solid foundation in physics and related sciences that has served me very well in my career. UCD also taught me the critical thinking and analysis skills that are even more important than pure academic knowledge. One of the best things about studying Physics at UCD was the close interaction between students and lecturers. Help was always available, and lively discussions were encouraged.

I chose to stay at UCD after graduation to do a PhD degree in physics. Following my time at UCD, I spent three years at the University of Birmingham in England as a postdoctoral researcher. From there, I moved to the United States to work at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, where I have remained since 1997.

I now carry out research in solar astrophysics and ‘space weather’ (the practical impacts of the Sun on human activities in space), using experiments on spacecraft and numerical models that I have helped to develop. I never imagined that I would end up doing this when I first entered UCD, but it’s been a great ride so far!

s.