Two CABR PhD Researchers Graduate at MTU Kerry Conferring Ceremony 2025 

Congratulations to Dr Wisdom E. Shadrach and Dr Arnold Marisa, who completed their PhD research studies at CABR and graduated during the 2025 conferring ceremony at Munster Technological University, Kerry Campus.

Dr Arnold Marisa’s PhD research, Characterisation of Willow Bark Bioactives for Skin Care Applications, was conducted as part of the BioWILL project, funded by Interreg Europe North-West Europe (NWE). His work focused on developing a zero-waste biorefinery using willow trees, contributing to sustainable innovation in the bioeconomy.

Dr Wisdom E. Shadrach’s PhD research, Developing a Three-Dimensional In Vitro Vascular Model for Preclinical Testing Applications (Bio-Vascular 3D), explored the creation of a 3D vascular model to improve preclinical testing methods. Dr Wisdom E. Shadrach is now working at CABR as a Postdoctoral Scientist.

Both researchers were supervised by Dr Niall Burke (Senior Business Development Scientist at CABR) and Dr Joanna Tierney (Lecturer at MTU and Principal Investigator at CABR).

We also extend our congratulations to:

• Dr Ian Hodge, whose research, titled Investigating Essential Oils, Natural Compounds, and Marine-Based Rumen Buffers as Feed Additives for Enteric Methane Mitigation and Improved Ruminant Productivity, was funded by Marigot Ltd and supervised by Dr Shane O’Connell, Dr Tim Yeomans, and Dr Patrick Quille.
• Dr Luca Lotte van Dijk, whose research, titled Investigations into the Health and Welfare Aspects of Intra-Community Trade of Irish Dairy Calves, was funded by Teagasc and supervised by Dr Gearóid Sayers and Ms Lea Krump.

Congratulations to all MTU graduates of 2025!