Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
I study the brain the way most people don’t: from the outside in, the inside out, and now, slice by slice. At heart I’m a research neuroscientist. My work has spanned cognitive, behavioural, social, and molecular neuroscience, from fMRI studies of biological motion and social reward to electrophysiology and the cellular mechanisms of disease. I’m still just as curious as when I started. In practice, I’m a Clinical Scientist in Neuropathology at Beaumont Hospital, currently completing CORU registration as a Medical Scientist. My daily work includes the processing and analysis of brain, muscle and nerve tissue, and cerebrospinal fluid. I’m also a Science & Health Writer specialised in neuroscience, psychology, and mental health for general audiences and for brands that need to get the science part right. Through #NeuroMinute I break down complex neuroscience into clear, structured insights. My monthly newsletter, 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺, 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴, goes further, covering brain science, career paths, and whatever is worth thinking about beyond the bench. My current project is a long-form reported feature on artificial intelligence and prion disease diagnosis, with original interviews from US researchers and experts from Ireland’s CJD surveillance programme. The ⟡ is for curiosity. It’s the reason I became a scientist, the reason I started writing, and the reason I’m still here asking why. If you’re a brand, organisation, or publication that needs neuroscience, psychology, or mental health content that is both scientifically accurate and readable — let’s make it happen. Available for article writing, content development, and science communication consulting. Reach me via DM or my website.
𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 Currently completing 1,000 hours of structured clinical laboratory placements required for registration as a Medical Scientist with CORU, across five accredited pathology disciplines within diagnostic laboratory medicine. Training includes practical laboratory competencies, diagnostic workflows, quality systems, specimen processing, data interpretation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in hospital pathology services. 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 • Tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and slide preparation • Histological interpretation principles and cellular pathology workflows • Quality assurance and laboratory safety procedures within diagnostic pathology 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 • Blood grouping, compatibility testing, and transfusion safety protocols • Immunohaematology principles and transfusion-related quality systems • Traceability, risk reduction, and patient safety procedures 𝗛𝗮𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 • Full blood count analysis, blood film examination, and coagulation testing • Investigation of haematological disorders and laboratory interpretation • Instrumentation, quality control, and diagnostic workflow management 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 • Microbial culture, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing • Infection diagnostics, contamination prevention, and biosafety procedures • Clinical interpretation of bacteriology and infectious disease workflows 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 • Biochemical analysis of blood and body fluids using automated instrumentation • Interpretation of metabolic, endocrine, renal, hepatic, and cardiac biomarkers • Analytical quality control, calibration, and laboratory data evaluation
𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 I’m currently a Clinical Scientist in the Neuropathology Laboratory at Beaumont Hospital, contributing directly to the diagnostic processing and analysis of brain, nerve, muscle, CSF, and CUSA specimens. I work closely with Consultant Pathologists and senior Medical Scientists within a specialist neurohistopathology service, applying advanced histological and immunohistochemical techniques to support the diagnosis of complex neurological disease. This role represents a key step toward CORU registration as a Medical Scientist. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 & 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 • Perform specialist histology and neurohistopathology workflows for diagnostic specimens. • Independently carry out tissue preparation including embedding, microtomy, slide preparation, and staining quality assessment. • Operate and oversee automated systems including Dako CoverStainer (H&E & coverslipping), Leica BOND-III (IHC), and Cytospin 4 (cytology). • Monitor staining quality and troubleshoot technical issues to maintain diagnostic standards. • Maintain full case documentation and traceability using WinPath LIMS, Q-Pulse, ORBIS, and iPM. • Apply ISO 15189:2022 laboratory practices, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and quality standards. • Participate in CNS pathology workflows, muscle biopsies, and post-mortem examinations. • Contribute to service efficiency, workflow optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives. • Work within a multidisciplinary diagnostic team focused on accuracy, patient safety, and clinical excellence.
𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 Supported nationwide diagnostics by accessioning and processing high volumes of clinical specimens in a fast-paced, ISO-compliant laboratory. Collaborated with medical scientists to ensure accurate, efficient testing across medical microbiology, haematology, clinical and molecular chemistry. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 & 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 • Handled and prepared hundreds of daily diagnostic samples from 10+ clinics and hospitals, including Sims IVF, Tallaght University Hospital, and Mayo University Hospital. • Handled and prepared hundreds of daily samples from SH:24 (HSE) kits. • Accessioned, labelled, and prepared biological specimens including blood, urine, swabs and other samples in accordance with SOPs, ensuring sample integrity for downstream diagnostic testing. • Assisted in the execution of diagnostic assays, operating centrifuges and automated lab systems with precision under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards. • Supported traceable data entry and test documentation in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and Q-Pulse, facilitating quality control and audit readiness. • Enforced strict compliance with ISO 15189:2022 safety regulations for medical waste handling and infection control. • Contributed to lab efficiency and sample turnaround time by maintaining workflow organization and equipment functionality.
𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Following a period of relocation and reassessment, I strategically engaged in high-responsibility roles within aviation and veterinary healthcare while working toward re-entry into the laboratory sciences. These positions allowed me to maintain technical precision, regulatory compliance, and teamwork in structured environments—all crucial for transitioning back into a scientific career. 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 🐾 𝘝𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 (𝘎𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘝𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘺, 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘥, 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯) • Earned formal certification as a Veterinary Technician. • Assisted with surgeries, anesthesia monitoring, diagnostic imaging, and patient recovery. • Built a foundation in clinical protocol adherence, medical documentation, and client education. 🛄 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵 (𝘐𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘈𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘥, 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯) • Managed check-ins, security screenings, and boarding for high-traffic flights. • Gained expertise in travel regulation compliance, conflict resolution, and team coordination. ✈️ 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘈𝘪𝘳 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 (𝘈𝘪𝘳𝘕𝘢𝘷 𝘐𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘯, 𝘐𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥) • Completed intensive simulation and theory training in aerodrome and area control. • Developed rapid decision-making, aviation communication protocols, and safety-first mindset. These experiences not only supported a seamless reintegration into laboratory roles, but also expanded my capabilities in managing complexity, compliance, and technical execution across diverse sectors.
𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 Conducted cutting-edge research on genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) in a collaborative environment, utilizing a range of experimental techniques to advance our understanding of membrane potential dynamics and voltage-sensing domains. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 & 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 💡 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩-𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘙𝘌𝘛 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘎𝘌𝘝𝘐𝘴 • Tested a novel Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) pair paradigm with different GEVI variants in HEK 293T cells. • Identified a DNA-like elliptical structure in the linkers, discovering that variations in linker length significantly impacted GEVI function. • Determined that linkers derived from seven amino acids yielded the best fluorescence results, improving the accuracy and sensitivity of voltage-sensing indicators. 💡 𝘝𝘰𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦-𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘋𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 (𝘝𝘚𝘋) 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘎𝘌𝘝𝘐𝘴 • Replaced the voltage-sensing domain of Ciona intestinalis with those from various species to explore functional differences. • Successfully developed a GEVI using Eurytemora affinis’ VSD that exhibited a V1/2 of +35 mV and a fluorescence change of 18% ΔF/F, marking it as one of the most responsive GEVIs to depolarization. • Enhanced the sensitivity and functionality of voltage-sensing tools, contributing to advancements in electrophysiology and membrane potential studies.
𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 Assisted in a behavioral research project examining nonverbal social behavior and its role in forming first impressions. Utilized advanced tracking techniques to analyze facial expressions and movement patterns during social interactions, contributing valuable insights into nonverbal communication in interpersonal relationships. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 & 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 👥 𝘕𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 • Assisted in conducting a behavioral experiment analyzing partner likability during four-minute interactions by tracking facial expressions and movement. • Identified key nonverbal cues (e.g., posture, facial expressions) that correlate with higher likability, contributing to the growing body of research on how first impressions are formed in social contexts. • Findings provided a deeper understanding of the social cues that impact interpersonal dynamics and helped inform strategies for enhancing social interactions.