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News Thorfinnur Gunnlaugsson Group Members Research Papers and Publications

Former members

« Research Group Below are provided profiles of the former members of the TG Research Group who have since completed their work here:

Former Postdoctoral Researchers

Dr Susan Quinn


Dr Susan QuinnFormer Postdoctoral Researcher

CABSIM Course Co-ordinator (Trinity College Dublin)

Ph.D. in Chemistry
University College Dublin


B.Sc. in Chemistry
University College Dublin

e-mail: quinnsu@tcd.ie

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.

Dr Gillian Hussey


Dr Gillian HusseyFormer postdoctoral researcher

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

P.Grad.Dip. in Statistics
Trinity College Dublin

B.A. (Mod) in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

Dr Raman Parkesh


Dr Raman ParkeshFormer postdoctoral researcher

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

M.Sc. in Chemistry


Dr Katell Sénéchal


Dr Katell SénéchalFormer postdoctoral researcher

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Universite de Rennes, Bretagne, France

M.Sc. in Chemistry
Universite de Rennes, Bretagne, France


Dr Romain Viguier


Dr Romain ViguierFormer Postdoctoral Researcher

Ph.D. in Molecular Chemistry
University of Grenoble, France



Dr Joseph Leonard


Dr Joseph LeonardFormer Postdoctoral researcher

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

M.Sc. in Applied Statistics
Institute of Technology Tallaght

B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry
Institute of Technology Tallaght

P.Grad.Dip. in Statistics
Trinity College Dublin

Diploma in Applied Chemistry
Institute of Technology Tallaght

e-mail: joeleonar@gmail.com

Dr Anthony McElligot


Dr Anthony McElligot




Dr Juliann Tierney


Dr Juliann TierneyFormer postdoctoral researcher

Ph.D. in Chemistry
University of Bristol


B.A. in Chemistry

Trinity College Dublin

Dr Sally Plush


Dr Sally PlushPostdoctoral researcher

Ph.D. in Chemistry
University of Adelaide


B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry
University of Adelaide

e-mail: plushs@tcd.ie

Dr Julien Massue


Dr Julien MassueFormer Postdoctoral researcher

Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry
University of Rennes 1, France

M.Sc. in Molecular Chemistry
University of Rennes 1, France


e-mail: massuej@tcd.ie

Dr Frederick Pfeffer


Dr Frederick PfefferFormer Postdoctoral researcher

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Deakin University, Australia


Bachelors Degree
Deakin University, Australia

e-mail:

Dr Andrew Harte


Dr Andrew HarteFormer Postdoctoral researcher

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin


B.A. (Mod) in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

e-mail: andrewjharte@gmail.com

Dr Celine Blais


Dr Celine BlaisFormer Postdoctoral researcher

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin


B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry
University of Kingston, Kingston-Upon-Thames

Deug A
University of Sciences of Poitiers

e-mail: blaisc@tcd.ie

Former Postgraduate Students

Dr Brian McMahon


Dr Brian McMahonPostgraduate student



B.Sc. in Chemistry
Cork University

2007

e-mail: bmcmaho@tcd.ieWebsite:

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.

Dr Robert Elmes


Dr Robert ElmesPostgraduate student



B.A. (Mod) in Medicinal Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

2007

e-mail: elmesr@tcd.ieWebsite:

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.

Dr Christophe Lincheneau


Dr Christophe LincheneauFormer postgraduate student

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College, Dublin

M.Sc. in Molecular and Supramolecular Chemistry
University of Bordeaux, France

B.Sc. in Bioorganic Chemistry
University of Bordeaux, France

e-mail: linchenc@tcd.ie

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!!!

Dr Jennifer Molloy


Dr Jennifer MolloyFormer postgraduate student

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College, Dublin


B.A. (Mod) in Chemistry
Trinity College, Dublin

2006-2010

e-mail: molloyjk@tcd.ie

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!

Dr Doireann Moore


Dr Doireann MooreFormer postgraduate student

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College, Dublin


B.Sc. in Chemistry and Biology
NUI Maynooth

2005-2009

e-mail: moored1@tcd.ie

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!

Dr Daniel Frímannsson


Dr Daniel FrímannssonFormer postgraduate student

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin


B.Sc. in Biochemistry
University of Iceland

2004-2008

e-mail: frimannd@tcd.ie

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.

Dr Eoin Quinlan


Dr Eoin QuinlanFormer postgraduate student

S. E. Matthews Group


P.Grad.Dip. in Statistics
Trinity College Dublin

B.A. (Mod) in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

e-mail: quinlane@tcd.ieWebsite: http://www.uea.ac.uk/~c084/

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.

Dr Emma Veale


Dr Emma VealePostdoctoral Researcher

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College, Dublin


B.Sc. in Chemistry
NUI Maynooth

e-mail: eveale@tcd.ieWebsite:

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.

Dr Cidalia Santos


Dr Cidalia SantosPostdoctoral Researcher

Ph.D. in Chemistry (2007)
Trinity College, Dublin


Licenciatura (Chemistry)
University of Coimbra, Portugal

e-mail: santoscm@tcd.ie

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.

Dr Lisa Jane Gillespie


Dr Lisa Jane GillespieFormer Postgraduate student



B.A. (Mod) in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

Scholar of Trinity College Dublin

e-mail: gilleslj@tcd.ie

Dr Lin Ali (Haslin Dato Paduka Haji Ali)


Dr Lin Ali (Haslin Dato Paduka Haji Ali)Former Postgraduate student



B.A. (Mod) in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

e-mail: datopah@tcd.ie

Claire Butler


Claire ButlerFormer Postgraduate student


M.Sc. in Chemistry
Trinity College, Dublin

B.A. (Mod) in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

e-mail: clbutler@tcd.ie

Dr Andrew Harte


Dr Andrew HarteFormer Postdoctoral researcher

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin


B.A. (Mod) in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

e-mail: andrewjharte@gmail.com

Dr Deborah Moore


Dr Deborah MooreFormer Postgraduate student

S. E. Matthews Group


P.Grad.Dip. in Quality Improvement
Trinity College Dublin

B.A. (Mod) in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

e-mail: demoore@tcd.ieWebsite: http://www.uea.ac.uk/~c084/

Dr Aoife O'Brien


Dr Aoife O'BrienFormer postgraduate student

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

P.Grad.Dip. in Statistics
Trinity College Dublin

B.Sc. in "Chemistry with Extended Studies in Europe"
Queen's University of Belfast

e-mail:

Dr Claire Nolan


Dr Claire NolanFormer postgraduate student

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin


B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry
Institute of Technology Tallaght

e-mail:

Dr Caroline Phelan


Dr Caroline PhelanFormer postgraduate student

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin


B.Sc. in Chemistry
University College Dublin

Dr Mark Glynn


Dr Mark GlynnFormer postgraduate student

Institute of Technology Tallaght

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

P.Grad.Dip. in Statistics
Trinity College Dublin

B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry
Institute of Technology Tallaght

Diploma in Applied Chemistry

Dr Sinead Mulready


Dr Sinead MulreadyFormer postgraduate student

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin


B.A. (Mod) in Chemistry

Trinity College Dublin

Dr Floriana Stomeo


Dr Floriana StomeoFormer Postgraduate student

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College, Dublin


Laurea in Chemistry
University of Pavia, Italy

e-mail: stomeof@tcd.ie

Dr Ann-Marie Fanning


Dr Ann-Marie FanningFormer Postgraduate student

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin


B.A. (Mod) in Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

Dr Gary Ryan


Dr Gary RyanFormer Postgraduate student

Scholar of Trinity College Dublin


B.A. (Mod) in Medicinal Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

e-mail: ryangj@tcd.ie

Former Visiting Students

Anna Kahkoska


Anna KahkoskaFormer visiting summer student


Stefano de Solis


Stefano de SolisVisiting Student

desolis84@gmail.com

Pablo Barrio-F.


Pablo Barrio-F.Former visiting researcher

Siobhan Hughes


Siobhan HughesFormer visiting researcher

Scholar of Trinity College Dublin

B.A. (Mod) in Medicinal Chemistry
Trinity College Dublin

Jonas Neher


Jonas NeherFormer visitng researcher

Juliet Cotter


Juliet CotterFormer visiting researcher

Hannes Liesch


Hannes LieschFormer visiting researcher

Nicolas Nguyen-Van


Nicolas Nguyen-VanFormer visiting researcher

TG Research Group

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.

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