Core CABR Technology Gateway Staff
Centre Researchers
Postgraduate Students
Academic and Associated Principal Investigators
Dr. Beletskaya received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Chemistry (specialising in Microbiology) from the Belarus State University and completed her PhD in Virology and Molecular Biology at Belarus Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology (RIEM). Tanya has previously held Research Scientist roles with Serosep, Ireland (Biotechnology Diagnostics) and with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research as part of an EU FP7 research project (BAMMBO) which was co-ordinated by LIT. Tanya worked as Postdoctoral Researcher with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research. She is involved in a variety of industrial related research projects dedicated to the development of new processes and novel products to the Biotechnology, Food and Life Science industries whereby she is involved in the development, management and timely delivery of projects. She is principal investigator of Innovation Partnership project with Gadera (horticulture company) and co-principal investigator of Innovation Partnership project with Cara Partners (pharmaceutical company). She was involved in a wide range of Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher projects and was principal investigator of one of them co-principal investigator of three of them. Her particular specialization is in Super Critical CO2 extraction (SC-CO2) of bioactive compounds from natural sources. Tanya has developed SC-CO2 methods for the extraction of carotenoids from algal cells for Algal Health (Ireland) and Algal Fuel (Portugal). Tanya has also a wide range of skills in molecular biology, microbiology, virology, immunology, analytical chemistry and biochemistry. Tanya current holds the position of Lecturer in the Applied Science Department, TUS.
Tanya’s research interests and experience aligns with UN SDGs 3 and 15 (Good Health and Well-Being; and Life on Land).
Dr Boateng had his basic training in Pharmacy and Registered as a Pharmacist in 2011. He worked mainly in the pharmaceutical industry in various roles in quality control and regulatory affairs. He obtained an MSc. Pharmaceutical Analysis from the University of Strathclyde in 2016 during which he researched into the use of retention modelling for computer-based analytical method development. In 2022, he was awarded a PhD by the University of Galway (NUI Galway) based on the thesis: Bioprocess Monitoring using Polarised Multidimensional Fluorescence Spectroscopy. His current research is based on the application of biophotonics-based process analytical technologies (PAT) for continuous manufacturing of therapeutic proteins and functional food ingredients. He also studies the use of green chemistry alternatives for extraction and analysis of bioactive compounds using supercritical fluid chromatography. Bernard joined MTU in 2021 and lectures in the Department of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the International Medical Commencement Programme (IMCP). Bernard is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK and the International Federation of Pharmacists (FIP).
Bernard’s research interests and experience aligns with UN SDGs 3 and 15 (Good Health and Well-Being; and Life on Land).
Dr. Bridget Breen received her Bachelor Degree (BSc) in Neuroscience from the Department of Anatomy, University College Cork (UCC). Bridget is currently a Principal Investigator at the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research research centre and Lecturer in the Department of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences in MTU. Bridget completed her PhD in Neuroscience at the Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Bridget’s PhD research was focused in the fields of Apoptosis, Acidosis, Inflammation, in vitro and in vivo models of motor neuron degeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Motor Neuron Disease (ALS/MND) and Behavioural Neuroscience. Bridget continued her research in Neuroscience as a post-doctoral researcher at the Department of Anatomy and Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials (NFB), National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway). Bridget’s post-doctoral project was completed in collaboration with an industry partner, Covidien, New Haven, CT, USA, and was co-funded by the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), this research project was focused on neuronal regeneration following Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). During her post-doctorate fellowship she was involved in applying for an FP7-Health-2012-Innovation-2 project entitled NeuroGraft, which was subsequently funded and coordinated by NFB, NUI Galway. Bridget later took up the position of NeuroGraft Project Manager and Industry Liaison Officer at NFB, NUI Galway.
Bridget’s research interests and experience align with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Dr. Orlaith Brennan is a Lecturer in Medical Physics in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Experimental Physics before continuing to do an MSc in Biomedical Engineering after which she worked in marketing for a number of years. She returned to academia to carry out a PhD in RCSI. On completion she took up a number of postdoctoral positions in the UK and Australia before returning to Ireland. On her return, Orlaith carried out research with industrial collaborators for a number of years before subsequently working as a Clinical Project Manager with Crescent Diagnostics. Orlaith is based in MTU as part of the RCSI International Medical Commencement Program and collaborates with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research on industry projects and postgraduate student supervision.
Orlaith’s research interests and experience align with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Dr. Peter Downey, a Limerick City resident, began his undergraduate degree in Forensic and Pharmaceutical Analysis in 2003 at Limerick Institute of Technology. During this four-year period, Peter studied and trained in a wide range of chemical and instrumentation theories and practices. Within this time he also spent six months working with GxP Systems, a contractor for Boston Scientific, Galway, as a computer systems validation engineers and technical writer. This oppertunity gave him invaluable experience with good documentation practices and validation techniques.
After graduating in 2007, Peter returned to GxP Systems as a validation engineer for four months before being selected for a six month government sponsored internship with Dynamac Corporation; at that time a contractor for NASA based at the Space Life Science Laboratory (SLSL) in NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida. During these six months Peter worked on two projects concerned with Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems. The first investigated the action of Fava bean stomata when exposed to super-elevated levels of carbon dioxide and the role of hormonal action during this exposure. The second involved the investigation of a new IR technique (Encoded Photometric Infrared) for volatile organic compound (VOC) determination in air – for specific use onboard the International Space Station.
On his return from the internship, Peter was awarded an IRCSET grant under the Enterprise Partnership Scheme; in partnership with Dynamac Corporation, which allowed him to begin is postgraduate studies in LIT in 2008. Six months after beginning his PhD at LIT, Peter was awarded another opportunity to travel to the SLSL in Florida for a year in order to intensify and improve his controlled environment systems (CES) training and research skills. While there Peter worked under the guidance of Dr. Lanfang Levine and was responsible for projects, as part of his PhD, which investigated the effects of gravity on bioactive compounds in soybean and brassicas.
Having up-skilled in areas prevalent to his research, Peter returned to LIT and became one of a group of postgraduates that formed a new, dedicated research group with LIT’s Department of Applied Sciences, the CELLS Research Group. Peter is now finishing his PhD within the CELLS research group at the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research within LIT.
Peter’s research interests and experience align with UN SDGs 3, 12 and 15 (Good Health and Well-Being; Responsible Consumption and Production; and Life on Land).
Dr. Oscar Goñi is Scientific Supervisor with Brandon Biosciences, a seaweed biotechnology company. Dr Goñi collaborates closely with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research and supervises postgraduate students with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research staff. He received his Degree in Chemistry from the University of Navarra (Spain), an MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) and completed his PhD in Plant Protein Biochemistry at ICTAN-CSIC (Spain) and Complutense University of Madrid (Spain). Dr Goñi has previously worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Max Planck Institute of Plant Breeding Research (Cologne) and as Postdoctoral Researcher in the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research / IT Tralee. He is a protein biochemist with experience in development of chromatographic techniques, purification and characterization of functional proteins, enzymology, or evaluation of protein and gene biomarkers. Dr. Goñi’s current role specialises in the production of plant biostimulants for crop quality, nutrient use efficiency and stress protection. He is also named inventor on a number of patents and has also published and presented widely in the field of phytochemistry, plant physiology and agriculture.
Oscar’s research interests and experience align with UN SDGs 2, 13 and 15 (Zero Hunger; Climate Action; and Life on Land).
Dr Michael Hall received his honours degree in Biochemistry from the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), an M.Sc. in Advanced Scientific Techniques from Cork Institute of Technology and completed his Ph.D on natural peptides in reproductive endocrinology from NUI Galway. In 2007, Michael originally proposed the development of a natural products themed strategic research area in the Institute of Technology Tralee and was later a co-founder of the the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research with colleagues from the Institutes of Technology in Tralee (now MTU) and Limerick (now TUS).
Michael has been a Lecturer in Analytical Biochemistry, Head of the Departments of Chemical and Life Sciences, Health and Leisure Studies and International Medical Commencement Programs. He was also seconded for four years to the position of Registrar of the Institute. He is Head of School of Health and Social Sciences in MTU and continues as a Principal Investigator with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research and with the University’s UNESCO Chair. Dr. Hall has expertise in the areas of oestrogens, oxysterols and lipids in health; applications of bioactives in nutrition and pharma and in exercise in health and disease.
Michael’s research interests and experience align with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Dr. Tracey Larkin is a B.Sc., Ph.D. Biochemistry graduate from the National University of Galway. Tracey leads the food support services at the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research, specifically with regards to final product testing, shelf life testing and nutritional analysis. This service supports new product development, product improvement, bench-marking and quality-testing for SME’s. Following her undergraduate study, Tracey completed a post doctorate with the Life Science Dept. of the University of Limerick in the area of food biochemistry and modified atmosphere packaging. Tracey then worked with Olympus Diagnostica in clinical research and development as a project/program manager for a number of years. Currently Tracey is lecturing a range of subjects including Analytical Techniques and Quality Management. Tracey’s current research focuses on analysis of antioxidants/bio-actives in foods and has an IRC funded project to investigate organic fruits and vegetables.
Tracey’s research interests and experience align with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Dr. Brendan McCarra received his Degree in Biochemistry from the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) and completed his MSc in Biotechnology, also at NUIG. He obtained his PhD for the investigation of the effect of biochemical inductors on autolysis of spent yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus and the production of flavoured compounds. Brendan previously worked with the Quest International Group (Unilever) as Project Manager with responsibility for optimization, automation and control of microbial fermentations for the production of natural flavours and industrial enzymes. He is currently a Lecturer at MTU where he lectures in Biotechnology and Bioprocessing, GMP and Food Science and Technology. He is also involved in supervision and delivery of Government funded training programs including the Springboard funded Biopharma processing program in cooperation with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT) facility and the Biopharma Training Facility, Cork. Other industrial programs include the Certificate in Validation and Certificate in Brewing and Distilling Operations in cooperation with CIT. Brendan’s appointment as Strategic Research Area (SRA) Leader at IT Tralee in the area of Natural Products & Environmental Management enabled him to play a vital role in the establishment of the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research and he is currently a Principal Investigator with expertise in the areas of yeast fermentation, enzyme applications & bioreactor technology. He has successfully received funding for the completion of Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnerships and a number of MSc and PhD projects and is currently cooperating with industry on Enterprise Ireland funded projects which include optimisation of brewing yeast fermentation processes and bioprocessing of natural bioingredients using enzyme technology. Brendan remains an advisor to industry in relation to fermentation, bioprocessing of natural feedstocks and biotechnology processes.
Brendan’s research interests and experience align with UN SDGs 3 and 12 (Good Health and Well-Being; and Responsible Consumption and Production).
Dr. Helena McMahon received her Degree in Biomedical Science from University College Dublin and completed an MSc in Molecular Medicine at the Trinity College Dublin. Following this Helena also completed her PhD in Gene and Cellular Therapeutics from Trinity College Dublin. Helena currently holds the position of Postdoctoral Researcher with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research and specialises in the pre-commercial evaluation of algal derived pre-biotic poly and oligosaccharides using phenotypic microarray analysis screening. She is also experienced in the development of gene therapeutics utilising RNAi technology and human stem cell culture, development of gene delivery technology and transcriptomics.
Helena’s research interests and experience align with UN SDGs 11, 12 and 13 (Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; and Climate Action).
Dr. Claire Meaney is a Principle Investigator at the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research, TUS. Claire holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering and Ph.D. in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine from the University of Limerick, Ireland. As part of Claire’s post-doctoral work, she was been funded by the Irish Health Research Board to complete a Masters of Public Health at University College Dublin (Ireland) as part of the US National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Prevention Postdoctoral Fellowship Program and spent 4 years at the United States National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, conducting research at the Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis and Division of Cancer Prevention. Claire returned to the Irish health research setting to support the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research in planning, managing, and delivering research projects for companies in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic sectors. Claire has an on-going funding award from The Health Research Board to conduct research in biomarkers of lung cancer.
Claire’s research interests and experience align with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Dr. Siobhan Moane received her Degree in Analytical Science from the Dublin City University (DCU) and completed her PhD in Analytical Chemistry, also from DCU. Siobhan has since completed a Certificate in Supervisory Management from the Irish Management Institute and a Diploma in Popular Forensic Psychology from Limerick Business School. Siobhan currently holds the position of Head of Research and Technology Transfer at Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT), having previously been held a postdoctoral fellowship in the Toxicology Department in the State Laboratory, as well as the position of Biochemist at the Medical Bureau of Road Safety. Siobhan is responsible for the implementation of the strategic research areas of LIT and support and development of the link between teaching and research, as well as the identification of technology transfer opportunities. Siobhan is also a PI for research in the design, production and application of molecularly imprinted polymers to the analysis of drugs of abuse in biological specimens for forensic analysis and also in the development of novel analytical methods (HPLC, GC/MS) for the detection of drugs of abuse in addition to the detection of date-rape drug GHB in alcoholic beverages. Siobhan’s provision of academic leadership for research activities in LIT was vital in her involvement in the establishment of the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research.
Siobhan’s research interests and experience align with UN SDGs 3 and 15 (Good Health and Well-Being; and Life on Land).
Dr. Patrick Murray is a molecular biotechnology researcher and has a strong track record of collaboration with industry. His research areas involve identification of innovative ingredients and biological products from natural resources particularly marine and fungal microorganism libraries using novel state of the art processes to obtain lead molecules for drug development and value added food, flavour and medicinal products. His research includes fungal and marine biotechnology, protein and glycoconjugate biochemistry, gene cloning, and molecular enzymology. He is also strongly involved in the production, purification, characterization and genetic aspects of fungal polymer-degrading enzymes (i.e. carbohydrases, proteinases/peptidases) and oxidoreductases etc. His research also involves development novel green biotechnological pathways for nanoparticle and bio-nanoparticle conjugate molecule production for health applications. He also directs projects involved in bioconversion of target biomass and plastic pollutant streams to feedstocks for biodegradable packaging/bioethanol/biodiesel production. His work explores sustainable circular bioeconomy pathways from these natural resources employing a cradle to grave life cycle assessment approach. His research employs the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research state of the art analytical and biotechnological instrumentation to develop in line bio-analytical and biotechnology techniques in particular with the use of analytical instrumentation such as SCFE, HPLC, LCMS, GC, AAS, CE, UV-Vis spectroscopy etc. as applied to the analysis of biological samples. To further that end we have also developed state of the art capabilities in analytical based molecule identification, extraction, purification and enrichment. Patrick has over fifty research publications and supervises research students at masters and PhD levels.
Patrick’s research interests and experience align with UN SDGs 3, 12 and 14 (Good Health and Well-Being; Responsible Consumption and Production; and Life Below Water).
Dr. Shane O’Connell is the R&D Manager with Marigot Ltd, a seaweed biotechnology company. Shane collaborates closely with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research and supervises postgraduate students with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research staff. Shane previously held the position of Strand Leader with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research where he was responsible for the day to day running of the facilities in Tralee, providing scientific leadership and developing industrially relevant projects as well as technology transfer. Shane received his Degree in Industrial Biochemistry from the University of Limerick (UL) and subsequently completed his PhD in Enzymology and Protein Biochemistry, also at UL. Shane completed a Diploma in Biomedical Science from the University of Ulster, Coleraine and specialises in enzyme biotechnology, recombinant protein production, screening organic waste for value added bioactives, and developing phenotype microarray technology for bioprocessing.
Shane’s research interests and experience align with UN SDGs 2, 13 and 15 (Zero Hunger; Climate Action; and Life on Land).
Mr. Patrick Quille received his Degree in Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds from University College Cork in 2007. He has since completed an MSc in Biotechnology in the the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research laboratories at IT Tralee on a project entitled: The preparation of an alginate with a hydrophobic moiety that retains its biocompatibility and immunosuppressive properties while remaining suitable for cellular encapsulation. He has previously worked in Astellas as a Process Technician and in the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research as a Biochemical Technician. He currently holds the role of Research Assistant with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research and is developing a commercial focus to the use of bioassays in the assessment of different components of seaweed and the impact of seasonality.
Patrick’s research interests and experience align with UN SDGs 2, 13 and 15 (Zero Hunger; Climate Action; and Life on Land).
Dr. Gaurav Rajauria is a Lecturer at the Munster Technological University – Kerry Campus, where he lecturers in Bioeconomy and Biopharmaceuticals. He has multidisciplinary teaching, supervision and research experience in the area of bioeconomy & biotechnology, pre-treatment and valorisation, microbiology, bioprocessing, bioactive, nutritional chemistry and analytical science.
Gaurav has been a Principal Investigator (PI) and Collaborator of a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) grant, European Regional Fund, Enterprise Ireland (EI) Innovation Grant and EI Feasibility Grant. He has extensively published in his area of research, have edited books and journals and delivered keynote and invited talks. He holds 2 patents one of which was selected as Irish Research Council (IRC)’s best commercializable research idea in Ireland and also chosen by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as Top 50 Global Ideas for Entrepreneurship Programme. He is an elected member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) UK, member of the Phytochemical Society of Europe and Management Committee member of a European COST Action programme.
Gaurav completed his PhD in Food and Analytical Science from Technological University Dublin (Formerly DIT) for Screening, Purification and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Irish Seaweed for Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Applications. Following his PhD, he joined University College Dublin as Research Technologist working on a range of industry and academic led research projects focusing on food quality, food security and environmental sustainability. He holds a Degree in Biosciences and MSc in Biotechnology from Agra University, India and has worked as a Research Fellow in the Industrial Research and Development Unit at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), India where he explored cell culture and bioprocessing (upstream and down-stream processing) for the production of biopharmaceutical compounds using lab to pilot scale bioreactors.
Gaurav’s research interests and expertise are aligned with UN SDGs 3, 12 and 14 (Good Health and Well-Being; Responsible Consumption and Production; and Life Below Water).
Dr. Joanna Tierney received her Ph.D. in Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, from University College Dublin and has worked on national and international biotech projects in both industry and research organisations encompassing the fields of cell biology, immunology, infection and disease with applications in biopharmaceutical, medicine and veterinary sciences. Previously, Joanna worked for Olympus Life Research GmbH in clinical assay research and development; as a Postdoctoral Fellow with the University of Wellington, New Zealand in autoimmunity; Bioresearch Ireland on vaccine development; Scottish Agricultural College Veterinary Services, in parasitic helminths; and Capital Diagnostics, Scotland in disease diagnostics.
Joanna has coordinated a trans-national biopharmaceutical bioprocessing project in the EU FP7 Capacities scheme; directed a Science Foundation Ireland TIDA project looking at novel bioactives for parasite control which has evolved through Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund supports to progress to the marketplace. Joanna is actively involved as Principal Investigator on several small to large scale industry funded biotech projects and her current biotech programme revolves around infection and inflammation and the sourcing of new agents that can modulate both biological processes. She has developed specific expertise in animal pathogen research in the context of bacterial and parasite infections and skin research in close collaboration with industry. She has active projects ongoing in skin healthcare including three-dimensional skin tissue modelling on novel extracellular matrices for cosmetic testing, biomimetic cell barrier models and in-vitro models for veterinary transdermal delivery.
Joanna’s research interests and expertise align with UN SDGs 3, 14 and 15 (Good Health and Well-Being; Life Below Water; Life on Land).
Dr Josephine Treacy, is a lecturer with the Department of Applied Science, and a member of the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research and Development Studies Association of Ireland, DSAI-TUS branch. Previous employment, post doctorate researcher investigating water and soil remediation using supercritical fluid technology at University College Cork, Quality Control Technician Tipperary Co-Op., Quality Control and Research Technician with Biocel LTD., Co. Cork, Executive Technician with the Environmental Section of Cork County Council working in environmental management and analytical chemical and microbiological testing of water ecosystems. Research interests include analytical monitoring and management of environmental ecosystems, education, and academic writing. Recently published reviews under the topics; environmental hydrology and climate change, water stewardship, water challenges in developing countries and flood water sampling and analysis.
Josephine’s research interests and experience align with SDGs 6, 11, 13, 14 and 15 (Clean Water and Sanitation; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Climate Action; Life below Water and Life on Land.
Danny’s research interests and experience align with SDGs 3 and 14 (Good Health and Well-Being; and Life Below Water).