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I am a 2001 graduate of Trinity College and native of Dublin. Having spent part of my undergraduate course at McGill, Montréal, carrying out research, I chose to carry on with postgraduate research. I am now in the fourth year of my Ph.D., which is being carried out under primary supervision of Dr. Susan Matthews, who is now lecturing at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. Susan’s departure has left me now under the daily supervision of Prof. Thorri Gunnlaugsson. My work involves the synthesis of calix[4]arene derivatives. Incorporation of amide moieties at the lower rim allows for binding of lanthanide ions (e.g. gadolinium), while selective functionalisation at the upper rim provides a handle for further biological conjugation. Ultimately, our aim is to prepare site-specific, polymer-bound MRI contrast agents, though efficient hosts for lanthanides are finding increasing use in nuclear waste remediation, therapeutic radiography and RNA cleavage. Beyond the lab, I like to listen to lots of different types of music, visit the cinema fairly often, and like to apply my synthetic skills to the kitchen. |
