Gerry Donovan, Director of BOC Gases (left) and winner of award Kevin Roche (right) pictured with his supervisor, Dr Ken Stanton (centre).
Postgraduate student Kevin Roche received the BOC postgraduate bursary recently from Gerry Donovan, director of BOC gasses. The award is given annually for the best presentation given by a postgraduate student on their work.
Kevin’s research is concerned with synthetic nanoparticles that mimic the natural materials found in bones and teeth. These materials could be useful in a range of biomedical implants, but the main focus of the project is on creating tougher cements for dental restoration. These could greatly reduce the cost and complexity of many tooth repairs, making these procedures more accessible to those who need them most. This work is being undertaken in collaboration with clinical dentists and engineers at Queen’s University Belfast.
The runner-up in the competition was Andrew Murphy. In October 2010, Andrew began a three year PhD scholarship in Advanced Materials at The UCD School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering titled ‘In situ X-ray monitoring of advanced metallurgical processes under microgravity and terrestrial conditions’ under the supervision of Dr. David J Browne. His specific area of research is in the area of aluminium alloy casting and the analysis, characterization and modeling of solidification processes.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony at University College Dublin, Gerry Donovan, Director, said: “We wish Kevin and Andrew success with his future career. BOC Gases is well aware of the importance of research for the continuing development of the successful high technology companies, which are established in Ireland. We are delighted to play our part in support of this vital activity”.