Registrar and Deans

Professor Paul McCabe - Dean of Graduate Studies

Professor McCabe is the UCD Dean of Graduate Studies and was appointed in May 2022. He joined the School of Biology and Environmental Science in 2000 and served as Head of the Plant Biology degree programme from 2009 to 2019. Having graduated with a BSc, he was then awarded a PhD from Maynooth University, and undertook research in Szeged Biological Research Centre, Michigan State University, University College London, and the University of Oxford.

Both an active researcher and supervisor, his field of research is in plant physiology and development focussing on programmed cell death, and the biotechnology of medicinal products from plants. In 2016 he led a team that designed and created an evolution garden for use as an outdoor classroom. The ‘Evolution Garden’, now a permanent installation on the Belfield campus, received a gold medal for design and ‘best in show’ for concept at the Bord Bia Bloom Festival. For his innovative teaching Professor McCabe received a College of Science Teaching Excellence Award in 2018.

As Dean of Graduate Studies, Professor McCabe works with his team to ensure that UCD's structured PhDs align with the National Framework for Doctoral Education so that robust quality assurance is integral to UCD's doctoral education. He also oversees UCD's ‘Research Supervisor Support and Development Programme’, a programme designed for faculty to enhance the quality of their supervision in line with international best practice.

Professor Jason Last - Dean of Students

‌Professor Jason Last is a medical graduate and began teaching in the UCD School of Medicine in 2000. In 2008, he was appointed Director of Pre-clinical Education, leading the development of the UCD Graduate Entry to Medicine programme before becoming Associate Dean for Programmes & Educational Innovation.  In 2014, he was appointed School Director of Educational Development & Academic Affairs and chaired sequentially the Global Engagement Group and Education Group at a College level.

Having led the University Continuing Professional Development Board of Studies, successfully introducing a framework for Schools to develop credit and non-credit bearing CPD offerings, Professor Last was asked to lead the development of the UCD Student Mental and Wellbeing Policy which was launched in 2015.  Nationally, he has worked closely with agencies and organisations on professional accreditation and quality review processes associated with higher education and training, and was the Minister for Education’s nominee to the Radiographers Registration Board which he subsequently chaired.  He is also active in patient education and advocacy and recently joined the Board of the Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science and Industry (IPPOSI). 

Internationally, Professor Last has led UCD initiatives in China and Malaysia and is a director representing UCD on the Board of Penang Medical College, Malaysia. He co-chairs a Universitas 21 international education research group, based on a membership of staff-student pairings from eight universities in seven countries, focussing on social media in health education.

Appointed Dean of Students in January 2017, Professor Last has responsibility for the student experience in UCD, and is committed to the continued enhancement of UCD’s programmes and educational environment so that every student may be fully supported in reaching their potential. As Dean of Students, Professor Last also acts as the University Child Protection Ofifcer. Please refer to the UCD Child Safeguarding Statement.

Professor Marie Clarke - Dean of Undergraduate Studies

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Professor Marie Clarke is currently Dean of Undergraduate Studies in UCD. She also lectures in the School of Education and is Director of the UCD Centre for the Study of Higher Education.  In her current role as Dean of Undergraduate Studies she has specific responsibility for overseeing undergraduate educational programmes, and is a member of UCD Academic Council Executive Committee.

Professor Clarke is leading at university level on the implementation of the Student Feedback System, Academic Advising, Academic Integrity and Ethical Practice, Online Assessment and Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Standards. She oversees the UCD Teaching and Learning Unit which supports faculty in the promotion and implementation of best practice in teaching and learning, facilitates the organisation of the University Teaching and Learning Awards, supports the University Teaching Fellowships Awards and develops institution wide funding calls to support faculty in developing strategic initiatives in teaching and learning.

Professor Clarke is Chair of the Advisory Board for the UCD Annual Employer Fora. In recognition of her achievements in student learning and teaching she is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA) Advance HE UK. She also served as a member of Universitas 21 Educational Innovation Steering Group and is Deputy Chair of the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning. She is a lead Investigator on a number of funded research projects in the areas of higher education, the promotion of female teachers as leaders in the Global South and in teacher education. She also conducts research in the areas of history of education and education policy and is published in leading peer reviewed education journals and presses. She is Chair of the Global and Higher Education Research Steering Group (GHEAR) in the Worldwide Universities Network. 

She served as an elected member of UCD Governing Authority from 2009-2019 and served on the University Finance, Remuneration and Asset Management Committee from 2014-19. She was elected President of the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) for a two-year term from 2011-13 and served as a member of the Student Grant Appeals Board from 2011 to 2021. She currently serves on the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Disability Committee for the period 2021-2023.