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.
Being the only Kerry man within the group, I graduated from UCC in 2007 with a B.Sc. in Chemistry. I carried out my 4th Year project “Detection of Dopamine and Peptides at the Liquid/Liquid Interface using a 4-electrode potentiostat” in the Tyndall National Institute, under the supervision of Dr Damien Arrigan. The results of which are currently being published. In Oct 2007, I made the big move to Dublin to begin my PhD under the supervision of Prof. Gunnlaugsson (TCD) and Prof. Lee (RCSI) The aim of my PhD programme is to design, synthesize: a) ‘Dual contrast agents’ based on the use of iodine based contrast agents and fluorescent tags and b) Gd(III) based MRI contrast agents for targeting damaged bone structures. Besides Chemistry, I like to Socialise, drink, go to the cinema and of course make that lovely 4 and half hour trip home. People in the lab say I’m the loud one. I disagree.
Hi I’m Rob. I graduated from Trinity in 2007 with a B.A. (Mod) in Medicinal Chemistry after having spent 4 months in the lab of Thierry Durand in Montpellier. There I was involved in the synthesis of an anandamide mimic for elucidation of novel cannabinoid receptors. I started in the TG group in October 2007 where I am currently working on the synthesis of Ruthenium (II) Polypyridyl complexes and their biological evaluation as potential photodynamic therapeutic (PDT) agents for cancer treatment. When I’m not in the lab I can usually be found at home in Copper Face Jacks but only during the week and at weekends. I also like to surf and play football, rugby and golf.
I'm Christophe, I'm French and I have one of those terrible accents... I have done all my studies in Bordeaux and... obviously I like wine. After my BSc in biochemistry, I fell in love with light and now, I'm here, working on the photophysical studies of lanthanide complexes! (such a good craic!!!)I have been Converted very young to "water-poloism" (a branch of swimmism!), and I'm actually playing for Trinity College... I enjoy reading, and I'm a telly addict... So not a lot of time to sleep!!!
I graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2006 and spent 3 months enjoying Toronto before starting postgraduate studies in October 2006 under the supervision of Prof. Thorri Gunnlaugsson. My work is based on the development of cyclen based dinuclear lanthanide complexes as ribonuclease mimics. Other things you might like to know about me: I practise martial arts!
I graduated from NUI Maynooth in September 2005 with a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Biology. My love of chemistry combined with my interest in biology led me to the TG group's webpage where I found a supervisor (Thorri!) with whom I could combine those two. My project is focusing on two topics: (i) the synthesis of bis-cyclen systems for the cleavage of RNA, and (ii) development and synthesis of anticancer drugs. Then I get to evaluate all of these biologically. Am I going to save the world or what?? :) When I'm not in the chemistry lab I enjoy music, singing, reading, and I'm currently attempting to teach myself to knit. So far there have been various scarves. One day I will create something that necessitates sleeves!
I graduated from University of Iceland in 2004. There I worked under the supervision of Prof. Jon K. F. Geirsson and Prof. Bjarni Asgeirsson and their great research group, synthesising chymotrypsin inhibitors. My project involves making polyamides built on the pyridine amino acid. Potentially they would adopt a concave structure that would fit the minor groove of DNA. In addition they would have hydrogen-bonding properties. Another side of my project involves testing and elucidating a mechanism for novel anti-cancer therapeutics that is being synthesised in TG lab. This work is done in St James’ Hospital in collaboration with Prof. Mark Lawler and Dr Tony McElligott. My research interests are hypoxic drugs, biological sensors and the field of molecular simulation. I was awarded a grant from the Memorial Fund of Helgu Jónsdóttur and Sigurliða Kristjánssonar in 2005. Outside work I play football, try out different pubs, travel, play the guitar and dream about Iceland.
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.
I graduated with a BSc. (Hons 1.1, Chemistry) from NUI Maynooth and then with a PhD (funded by an IRCSET scholarship) in medicinal chemistry from TCD under the guidance of Prof. Gunnlaugsson. Currently, I am working in the group as a postdoctoral fellow on a commercialisation project.
I was born in Tondela, a small town in the center-north of Portugal. I first joined Thorri’s Supramolecular Chemistry group as a visiting student in November 2000, while still an undergraduate student at the University of Coimbra. It was at this stage that the passion for lanthanide chemistry and anion sensing started to germinate. After finishing my degree back home, I joined once again Dr. Gunnlaugsson’s group in April 2003 as a postgraduate student. My work focused on the design, synthesis and photophysical evaluation of novel luminescent sensing devices. I truly enjoyed my stay in Ireland, and particularly to work with Thorri and all the group members along the way. Being so hard to leave, I’m continuing with the group as a post-doctoral researcher.
The TG Supramolecular and Medicinal Chemistry Research Group was established at the School of Chemisty, Trinity College Dublin in 1998. The Group's research interests are in supramolecular chemistry, recognition and sensing of physiologically active ions and molecules, and drug discovery and design.