About & Background



Based in the Conway Institute at University College Dublin, I am a Senior Research Scientist in the UCD School of Medicine, working in genomics, and an Adjunct Lecturer in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, where I teach genome analysis.

I am a theoretical physics graduate of Trinity College Dublin, where I also completed a research masters in elementary particle theory and a doctorate in genome evolution.

I am a former council member of the IRCSET funding agency. In 2020 I coordinated and drafted the open letter from 1,700 Irish scientists.

Genomics & Bioinformatics



My research focuses on studying genome evolution and organisation using model organisms and bioinformatics approaches. Species of particular interest have been the Saccharomycetaceae and methylotrophic yeasts, which are important systems for basic science and biotechnology.

I use high throughput analysis of genomic data, the development of visualisation and analysis platforms (e.g. the widely used Yeast Gene Order Browser (YGOB) tool) and both genome sequencing and transcriptomics to examine various aspects of the evolution of chromosome structure, gene order relationships and mating.

My list of publications includes articles in Nature, PNAS and other high impact journals.

Data & Systems



I have worked in a number of technical roles, beginning at the turn of the millennium in one of Ireland's first major e-business consultancies. I now have nearly twenty years' experience as a systems administrator.

In the past I was also director of my own small project management consultancy, which focused on data and systems solutions and internet technologies.

Civil Society & Politics



I've been involved in a number of roles and organisations over the years, including running a pro-EU referendum campaign in 2002 and serving as a director of the European Movement for five years, with one year as its Secretary.

Currently I'm an external member of Dublin's Housing Strategic Policy Committee that develops and monitors housing policy and delivery in the capital. I am also chair of one of the most active residents' groups in Dublin's historic core.

With a collaborator I have published research looking at the roots of Irish political parties.