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I graduated from UCD with a B.Sc. Hons (Chemistry) in October 1997. I began my doctoral research in the nanochemistry group at UCD under the supervision of Prof. Donald Fitzmaurice. The aim of my research was to investigate the properties of DNA assembled, electron and energy, donor-acceptor systems in solution, and at the surface of nanoparticles. This interdisciplinary project involved the design of different DNA systems, the synthesis of organic and inorganic complexes, and the preparation of both metal (gold) and semiconductor (TiO2) nanoparticles. Within this work, key factors for consideration were: understanding chemical recognition interactions that facilitate "bottom-up" assembly; the tuning of system properties to allow assembly of components while maintaining their integral stability; and the selection and development of characterisation methods. Upon completion of my Ph.D. I commenced my postdoctoral research under the direction Prof. John Kelly and Prof. Thorfinnur Gunnlaugsson. The focus of this research is the study of anti-cancer agents based on (i) charged chromium metal complexes and (ii) novel aromatic molecules. The project involves organic, inorganic and solid phase synthesis and the spectroscopic characterisation of DNA interactions. Currently, I am also collaborating with Dr Jonathan Coleman (physics) studying DNA-stabilized single-walled carbon nanotubes. |
