Department of Land Sciences and Department of Science Careers Day 2023 Graduate Handbook

Contents

Schedule

iii

List of Companies Attending

iv

Una McDermott Contribution to Science Award

v

Department of Land Sciences BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

4

BSc in Agriculture

22

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Agriculture)

32

BSc in Forestry

40

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Forestry)

46

BSc in Horticulture

48

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Horticulture)

54

BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Innovation

56

Department of Science BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

62

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

80

BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology

90

Research Students Research Postgraduates (MSc and PhD)

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94

Page i

Schedule

9.00am

Opening remarks

9.05am

Keynote address: Prof. Veronica Campbell, SETU Waterford

9.30am

Announcement of Una McDermott Contribution to Science Award

9.40am

Breakout sessions (concurrent) for each discipline:

–

Agriculture/Agricultural Science (Main Hall) Speakers: Chair:

–

Food Science (Gallery) Speakers:

–

Chair:

Chair:

Chair:

1.00pm

Daniel Walsh (Jabil Healthcare) Richard Cosgrave (St Augustine’s College, Dungarvan) Jenny Morrissey (SETU Research Integration Lead) Jennifer Hall

Physics for Modern Technology (Studio 2) Speakers:

10.40am

Gemma McCarthy (Sanofi) Sarah Foley (SETU postgrad) Kevin Foskin (MSD) Valeriia Lopanitsyna

Pharmaceutical Science (Training Room 3) Speakers:

–

Kinta Oakes (GLDA) Colm O’Driscoll (Lismore Castle Gardens) Tricia Kerins (Flower Farmers of Ireland) Dylan Hoyne

Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science (Training Room 2) Speakers:

–

Lauren Kinsella (Irish Wood Producers) Patrick Power (Woodrow APEM Group) Conor Dowling (Forest Service, DAFM)

Horticulture (Training Room 1) Speakers:

–

Fiona O’ Shea (Dawn Meats) Laura Nugent (Food Innovation Consultant)

Forestry (Studio 3) Speakers:

–

Niall Laffan (Germinal) Heather Peppard (Brett Bros) David Corbett (Grassland Agro) Molly Kiernan

Marco Kuntzsch (UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre) Órlaith Hamm (Bausch + Lomb) Brian Ennett (Nikon)

Networking session with tea/coffee Event concludes

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Page iii

List of Companies Attending BP Ireland + ICM

Irish Farmers Journal

Agri Lloyd

Irish Forestry Unit Trust

Agricultural Science Association

Irish Wood Producers

Agritech

JFK Arboretum

Alltech

Jacksonstone Recruitment

BD (Becton Dickinson)

Kersia (Medentech)

Bausch & Lomb

Kinetic Labs

Brett Brothers

MSD

CLS (Complete Lab Solutions)

Marine Dynamics

Coillte CGA

Mason Alexander

Connolly Red Mills

Matrix Recruitment

Danone

Munster Bovine

Dawn Meats

Nikon

Devenish

Onsemi

Dunhill Multi Education Centre

PMBRC

EPA

Pinewood Laboratories

EirGen

Quinns of Baltinglass

Engage Education

SAP Landscapes

Eurofins BioPharmaProduct Testing

SETU Waterford Careers Centre

Euroforest Ireland

Sanofi

FRS Network

Sap Nurseries

FRS Recruitment

Scanlan Dairytech

Fastnet - The Talent Group

Servier Pharma

Flower Farmers of Ireland

Sheep Ireland

Forest Measurements Ireland Ltd

Shorla Oncology (pharma)

Forest Owners Cooperative Society Ltd

Slaney Meats

Forest Service, DAFM

Society of Irish Foresters

Forestry Services Ltd

South East Regional Skills Forum

GLDA

Summerhill Landscapes

Grassland Agro

Teagasc

Green Acres Marketing

The Forestry Company

Greenbelt Ltd

The K Club

Haleon (GSK Dungarvan)

Tirlan

Herdwatch

Uniplumo

ICBF

UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre

IFAC

Veon Ltd

Intel

Waters

Integer

West Pharmaceuticals

Page iv

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Una McDermott Contribution to Science Award We first presented the Una McDermott award in 2019. The award aims to recognise people or organisations who have made a significant contribution to science in the region. Una McDermott was the course leader for the BSc in Horticulture course in WIT. She trained as a horticulturist originally in the National Botanic Gardens (1980-82) and subsequently worked in many horticultural posts/roles, culminating as OPW Head Gardener of the War Memorial Park at Islandbridge. Una then returned to college and was awarded a BSc in Ag Science (Land, Horticulture) in 1996 from UCD, and then went on to attain an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (1997). Following this, Una was tasked with the establishment and development of the BSc in Horticulture here in SETU (then WIT). During her time here, Una was incredibly supportive of all students, young and old. Una passed away shortly after the careers day event of 2018. Throughout all of her time here, she was absolutely committed to her students and their education. Una is sadly missed by all who knew her. The SETU Science Careers Day has become an annual event and has grown from strength to strength in the past number of years. The event brings together final year students from across the Department of Land Sciences and the Department of Science in SETU with the relevant companies from the region in an effort to forge links which may lead to employment for the students upon graduation. The event organisers recognise the fantastic wealth of knowledge and expertise in the region when it comes to science and technology across the various sectors, but we are also proud of the scientific achievements and abilities of our own students and we know that they are poised to make valuable contributions to science in the region. About this year’s worthy recipient Tony Pettit started his Teagasc career in the Mullinavat office. He subsequently moved to Teagasc, Kildalton College where he was a sheep and beef specialist, then director of Kildalton College, and then head of Curricular Development before he took up the role of Teagasc Head of Education for ten years. In total, Tony was based in Kildalton Agricultural College for 38 years. During this time, Tony spearheaded the updating of Agriculture Educational provision in the country. In 2017 Tony lead the Teagasc “Education Vision - Meeting Future Needs” nitiative which has subsequently formed the foundation of all young farmer training in Ireland. During his time working in these roles, Tony also had considerable interaction with WIT (now SETU), and through his knowledge and expertise would have contributed to the development and updating of undergraduate Agricultural Education at 3rd level in Waterford.

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Page v

Department of Land Sciences

Pippa Hackett, Minister of State at DAFM, pictured at the launch of the Department of Land Sciences at SETU Waterford along with staff from the new department and partners from Teagasc and SETU Carlow.

Staff from the Department of Land Science at the National Ploughing Championships 2022 along with Paul Nolan (Dawn Meats) and Prof. Veronica Campbell (President, SETU).

Page 2

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Departmental Awards — Agricultural Science

Lucy Culleton receiving the Dairymaster Student Award 2022 from Pat Ryan, Dairymaster.

Stephen Friend receiving the Dairymaster Student Award 2022 from Pat Ryan, Dairymaster.

Finalists in the Seedtech, Glanbia, ASA sponsored travel bursaries pictured with John O’ Connor (Teagasc), Denise Stuart (Seedtech) and John Dalton (Tírlán).

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Leah Armitage (Agricultural Science, year 3), winner of the Seedtech/ASA/IFJ travel bursary 2022, pictured with Denise Stuart (Seedtech) and John Dalton (Tírlán). Not included is Seán Raftry (Agriculture, year 2) who won the Tírlán/ASA/IFJ travel bursary 2022. Page 3

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

The BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science programme gives an in-depth technical knowledge of science and other disciplines to the production of quality food. It encompasses a wide range of services provided to farmers and other food producers to ensure quality standards and profitable production systems, as well as building business and communication skills. For more information about this course, please contact Dr Michael Breen at [email protected]. Projects Adam Farrelly Colostrum Quality on a 60 Cow Dairy Herd in Ireland Compared to a 600 Cow Dairy Herd in Scotland and the Subsequent Effects on the Calves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Áine McManus Ovine Anthelmintic Resistance (AR): The Use of Dominant Species to Alter a Dosing Plan to Prevent Anthelmintic Resistance or Prevent the Loss of Sensitivity to Another Drug Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alison Gibbons Associations Between Bovine CSN2 Gene Variation and on an Irish Dairy Herd in Comparison to EBI Amy ODonoghue A Study into Lameness on Irish Dairy Herds and its Subsequent Effects on Milk Production, Fertility, Health and Profitability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anna Fitzpatrick The Effects of Somatic Cell Count on the Quality and Composition of Cow’s Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anne Biggins Helminthic Infections in Sheep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ava Dempsey The Effect of Sowing Date on the Growth, Performance and Sustainability of Cover Crops . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Barlow A Comparison of the Performance of Holstein-Friesian and Jersey X Holstein-Friesian Crossbred Dairy Cows Within a Pasture Based System on Milk Production Performance in Early Lactation . . . . . . . . . . Brian Corcoran An Investigation into the Performance and Profitability of the Irish Dairy Cow with Particular Regard to Her EBI Indices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlotte Desmond A Comparative Study of Mould Inhibitors Used in the Cheese Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chloe Egan The Effect of Anthelminthic Regime on Faecal Egg Counts of Beef Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cian McDonald The Affect of Multispecies Swards on Soil Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cian Ryan Utilisation of Multi-Species at Different Soil Indexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Lynch Assesing the Difference in Yield of Spring and Winter Faba Beans (Vicia Faba) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emma Codd Evaluation of the Prevalence and Severity of Negative Energy Balance in the Kildalton Dairy Herd at Calving and its Influence on Body Condition Score, Colostrum and Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emma Doyle Comparing Ewes Colostrum to Cows Colostrum and Power Colostrum and their Effects on Lambs . . . Eoin England A Comparison Between a White Clover Grassland Sward and a Perennial Ryegrass Sward on the Performance of Spring-calving Dairy Cows During Early Lactation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Kingston Investigating the Effects of the Dry Period Length on the Subsequent Lactation in Dairy Cows . . . . . . John Banville A Trial of Selective Dry Cow Therapy as an Alternative to Blanket Dry Cow Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph O Driscoll A Comparison of an Automatic Milk Feeding System vs a Conventional Milk Feeding System and their Effect on Dairy Calf Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 11 12 12

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2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

Kate Treacy An Investigation into the Causative Factors in Equine Laminitis Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12

Kevin Mulhall Comparing Lambing Down Replacement Ewes as 1-Year Old Ewe Lambs vs 2-Year Old Hoggets . . . . .

13

Killian Lane The Benefits of Technological Investment in Dairy Farming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

Lorna Southern Using Clover in Grass Swards to Reduce Nitrogen Fertiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

Lucy Leonard Agriculture and Water Quality: Exploring the Effects of Agricultural Policies and Novel Treatment Methods to Meet Stringent Water Quality Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Marie O’Connell An Assessment of the Performance of Zero N Systems in Irish Dairy Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Kirby Variation of Rumen Microbial Material Based on Difference in Diets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Sheehan Investigating the Impact of Seeding Rate on Winter Rye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 14 15

Mary Ellen O’Brien An Investigation into the Impact of Grass Measurement and High Nitrogen Swards on Milk Urea Content on Irish Dairy Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Molly Behan Cahill Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Candidate Genes and their Association with Beef Production Traits

15

Molly Kiernan The Comparison of Various Liquid Feeds, with the Addition of Sustainable Byproducts, on the Percentage of Leanness on Pig Meat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Muireann Kelly Examining the Effect of Selective Dry Cow Therapy on Spring Calving Dairy Cows in Ireland . . . . . . .

16

Orla Murphy The Impact of Stress Factors on Dairy Cows Leading to an Increase in Somatic Cell Count . . . . . . . . . .

16

Patrick Shanahan Management Factors Influencing the Prevalence of Infections in the Digestive Tract of Neonatal Calves

17

Rachel Cosgrave An Examination of Internal Equine Parasites Using Faecal Worm Egg Counts to Determine If Anthelmintic Resistance is Present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Rebecca Justin Evaluating the Effects of Probiotics on Stress, Disease and Castration in Beef Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Robert Jordan O Byrne How Do Different Nutritional Strategies Effect the Performance of Store Lambs? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

Sarah Daly Evaluation of Sexed Semen in Irish Dairy Herds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

Séamus Crowley A Comparison of an Alternative Method of Mastitis Treatment to Conventional Antibiotic Mastitis Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Shauna Harnan Anthelmintic Properties of Multi-Species Swards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Stephen Martin To Investigate the Effect Varying Protein Levels in an Animal Ration Has on LWG and FCE . . . . . . . .

19

Thomas Connor The Effect of Conventional Tillage Farming Versus Organic Tillage Farming on Soil Health . . . . . . . . . .

19

Thomas Walsh A Comparison of Different Milk Additives and their Effects on the Health, Live Weight Gain and Development of Calves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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Page 5

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

Adam Farrelly

(Cavan)

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

086 395 9384 � [email protected] �

keen interest in sports while playing gaelic football with my local club.

work in Glanbia during the weekends. From January to May 2002, for Work Experience my college placement, I During the summers of worked on a young stock Personal Profile 2015-2017 I worked in the rearing farm in Scotland My name is Adam Farlocal farm shop at week- which had 1800 dairy relly. I am a 22 year old ends before doing two and beef calves. final year agricultural sci- summers as a GAA coach ence from County Cavan. for Cúl camps in 2018 Final Year Project I’ve grown up on a dairy and 2019. Since then I I hope to compare the farm in which I have a have worked in Glanbia quality of colostrum bekeen interest along with during the summers of tween a 60 cow dairy my flock of sheep. Out2020-2022 as a lab techherd on my home farm side of farming I have a nician and I continue to in Cavan to the quality of

(Galway/WestMeath)

I don’t come from a farm- egg counts and multiplex ing background. PCR. Hightown Farm Limited - Relief Milking; Work Experience milked 110 dairy cows The Animal and Grassalone and as well as with Personal Profile land Research Cen1-2 others. Recorded inI am an ambitious soon tre, Mellowes Campus, formation in the sexed to be university graduAthenry— Professional semen AI breeding sysate in agricultural sciwork placement and cur- tem. ence from Westmeath. rent job; duties included I hope to pursue a cacollection of biological Final Year Project reer in agriculture or an samples from internal and Identify and calculate AR agriculture-related field. external farms. Assistby a faecal egg count reMy 9 months work expe- ing in an already existduction test (FECRT) rience gave me real-world ing liver fluke vaccination and using the Shiny Eggs skills to apply to what I trial. Performed McMas- calculator. By performhave learned in SETU as ter, FECPAK, liver fluke ing an early season and

Alison Gibbons where I’m out and about everyday. Work Experience

I have worked on a dairy farm since 2017. I have Personal Profile learned many skills since My name is Alison; I am working here and cur21 years old and in my rently manage the breedfinal year studying agriing programme for this cultural science. I live farm. I completed my in South Wexford. I am 3rd year work placement not from a farming back- in Eurogene AI Ltd. On ground but I have worked this placement I became on a dairy farm for the very familiar with workpast 5 years. I love farm- ing with AI straws everying and all types of work day and understanding Page 6

Future Ambitions

I hope to further my knowledge of the agrifood sector and try new experiences like travelling abroad.

083 192 5592 � [email protected] �

Áine McManus

(Wexford)

colostrum on a 600 cow dairy herd in Scotland where I worked in 2022. I also hope to document the subsequent effects that colostrum quality has on the calves from each farm.

a late season multiplex PCR I hope to show how seasonality can alter dominant species and then be used to slow future AR by targeting only the worms present. Future Ambitions

I plan to complete a Profession Masters of Education initially with the hope to teach agricultural science and chemistry. However I would love to return to research in some capacity in the future.

087 341 9696 � [email protected] � the running of the company. I also completed my DIY AI course while working with Eurogene. I have been a member of the Reserve Defence Forces since 2019 and I am currently a 3 star private. Final Year Project

For my final year project I will be extracting DNA from 20 cows all from the same herd. These cows will be the top 10 EBI cows and the bottom

10 EBI. I will be looking at the CSN2 gene to see what cows have the gene for A2 milk. I will then see if there is a correlation between A2 cows and high EBI. Future Ambitions

I am interested in managing a dairy farm someday. My other interests for the future include AI and breeding advisory. I am interested in all types of advisory from dairy to land management. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

Amy ODonoghue

086 452 0460 � [email protected] �

(Offaly)

in the agricultural indus- opportunity to experience try. I work well in a team working on many differor on my own initiative. ent types of dairy farms with varying herd sizes Work Experience carrying out tasks such as For my college work expe- milking, milk recording, Personal Profile rience I spent 16 weeks on grass allocation and stock I am a 22 year old final a dairy farm in Wexford. management. year student from Offaly. I gained great experience I am a hard working, out working through calving Final Year Project going and ambitious per- season on a busy farm. The aim of my project son with a keen interest I was also a member of is to study the impact in agriculture. I am moti- Farm Relief Services as a that lameness can have vated to put into practice relief milker working for on Irish dairy herds. This knowledge from my demany farmers in my lowill be done through body gree and work experience cality. This gave me the condition scoring, study-

Anna Fitzpatrick

(Meath)

testing. I worked both 8 and 12 hour shifts including weekdays, weekends Work Experience Most recently I completed and holidays. My contract was originally for 15 my work placement in weeks but was extended Personal Profile Danone’s Infant Formula to 28 weeks. I am extremely driven Producing Plant in Macwith a strong work ethic. room Co. Cork. Here I Final Year Project I pride myself in being a worked in both the miI will be taking milk hard worker with high en- crobiology and chemistry samples from cows with ergy and enthusiasm. I labs. I was given respon- known tendencies to have have an outgoing, bubsibilities such as testing high somatic cell count bly personality and I infant formula, preparand low somatic cell am a good communicaing formula for testing count. These samples will tor. Interests of mine in- and preparing media for then be tested for protein,

Anne Biggins

I carried out my third year work experience in I am a hard working, en- J. Grennan and Sons thusiastic, motivated 22 where I worked in the year old student and have transport office taking excellent communication orders, taking and sendand interpersonal skills. ing away soil samples and I am from a sheep and rearing calves on the comsuckler family farm in pany farm. Since finishing Co. Mayo. I work on work experience I’ve been the family farm and my working in a farm supgrandad’s farm when I plies shop in Tuam, Co. Personal Profile

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I hope to travel abroad to gain experience farming in other countries. I’d like to have a career that allows me to further my knowledge in animal health and nutrition.

fat, ash and lactose. The samples will be compared in quality and composition and evaluated for trends. Future Ambitions

After gaining work experience within the agri food sector, it has made me what to pursue a career within this sector. I would like to look at both lab and office based work within the sector.

087 744 3307 � [email protected] �

(Mayo)

Work Experience

Future Ambitions

083 826 4200 � [email protected] �

clude, sports, walking and spending time outdoors.

am not in collage especially during the busy times of the year.

ing milk recordings and looking at the cow’s EBI. A survey will also be carried out to determine the lameness protocols Irish farmers have on their farms.

Galway. I work on the counter serving and assisting customers while also carrying out administration work for the office. I have worked as a sheep drover and office assistant in two marts also. Final Year Project

I will be DNA barcoding the faeces of our replacement ewe lambs pre and post dosing with an anthelminthic. The lambs will be separated into

three groups, mixing the breeds evenly through each group. Each group will be given a different colour dose i.e. white, clear and yellow. Future Ambitions

I hope to futher my knowledge within the agricultural industry. My main areas of interest in the agricultural industry are sheep, beef, genetics, nutrition, soil and agribusiness. Page 7

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

Ava Dempsey

(Wexford)

and broaden my knowledge in all areas of agriculture. Work Experience

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

087 334 0848 � [email protected] � ing a busy harvest. This placement gave me an insight into the role as an agricultural advisor, improving my knowledge and skills working with farmers.

My work experience is I would consider myself both farm and industry an honest, dependable, based. I completed my and hard working indicollege work placement Final Year Project vidual. Growing up on a with Cooney Furlong My final year project will family run sheep farm in Grain Company, where I give an overview of the Co. Wexford, I developed am currently still working. impact sowing date can an interest in agriculture During this placement I have on cover crop perforfrom a young age. I am gained various skills while mance. The main focus eager to learn new skills working with a team dur- of my research is to deterPersonal Profile

Brian Barlow

(Tipperary)

areas of responsibility in the plant and worked on projects on how to improve the efficiency of the Work Experience processes. I also worked As part of my work exwith an AI company in Personal Profile perience I worked in the the laboratory and gained Hi, I’m Brian Barlow production side of the an insight into an agriculand I am 22 year old BSc dairy processing industry. tural services company. Agricultural Science from I was involved in the day Co.Tipperary. I have to day running of plant Final Year Project grown up on a family and people management The project is examining farm and have a great and gained lots of expethe performance differinterest in farming and rience especially in the ence between two cow the overall agriculture sec- drying and butter makgenotypes within the one tor. Sports are my main ing processes. I was given dairy herd with regard

Brian Corcoran a very keen interest in farming as I come from a dairy farm at home.

Personal Profile

My name is Brian Corcoran. I was born on the 20th of September 2000 making me twenty two years of age. I am from just outside Nenagh in North Tipperary. I am currently in final year of studying Ag Science in SETU Waterford. I have Page 8

Future Ambitions

I look forward to gaining new experiences in a career that is both challenging and rewarding. I aim to join a company in which I will have a positive impact on the future of agriculture.

087 225 9889 � [email protected] �

hobby and I have being part of many successful local hurling and rugby teams.

(Tipperary)

mine what effect a 4 week sowing delay will have on the nitrogen recovery, dry matter yield, and soil structure.

to milk fat, protein, SCC, yield and colostrum quality. The project plan is to establish the most efficient and productive cow genotype suitable for the farm going forward. Future Ambitions

On completion of my studies at SETU I plan to travel for a short while before getting a job within the Irish agriculture sector which is of interest, challenging and enjoyable.

087 350 0564 � [email protected] �

bills, January - November 2018. Chris Lind: Local dairy farmer who I have been milking cows for Work Experience Arrabawn Co-op Nenagh: since the summer of 2017present. Ormonde Vetcleaning, standardising and forklift work, summer erinary Kilkenny: Work of 2020-22. Farming Part- experience in Spring 2017. ners Scotland: Worked 15 Final Year Project weeks on a 600 cow dairy Divide a group of cows farm during the Spring into 3 groups of 8, high, calving period, Jan- May medium and low EBIs. 2022. Costello & Sons Oil Compare their EBI figNenagh: Worked on the ures for milk to what pumps, took oil orders, there actually producing received payments for oil through milk recordings

to see if there is any correlation between there EBI and performance in the parlour. To examine if EBI is vital in looking at the 3 groups Future Ambitions

To experience dairy farming in other countries such as New Zealand and Australia. To advise farmers here about dairy farming and also to go into partnership with my father on the home farm. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Charlotte Desmond

(Cork)

ever expanding agri-food industry. Work Experience

I completed my agricultural science industrial Prior to undertaking this placement in the quality degree I had little farmassurance lab of TINE, ing experience having Ireland. Here I gained not come from a farmvaluable knowledge, a ing background. This de- vast array of transferable gree provided me with the skills, as well as an excelknowledge and skills relent work ethic. In addiquired to succeed in the tion to this I gained valuPersonal Profile

Chloe Egan

(Laois)

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

086 860 1549 � [email protected] � able farm experience relief milking and carrying out general farm work.

like those found in the maturation stages of cheese making.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

Mould development on cheese creates a quality and food safety issue as well as a source of major financial loss. In my project I compared the mould inhibiting qualities of a number of inhibitors under various conditions

087 065 3039 � [email protected] �

my knowledge, learn new etc. I also have experiskills and develop existing ence in sales and marketskills. ing for animalfarmacy.ie and Agvance Nutrition. In these posts my duties Work Experience included sales managePersonal Profile My experience includes ment, stock management, I am a highly motivated, a 16 week work placesocial media, advertising conscientious and hard ment in Teagasc Portand customer service. working individual who laoise where I gained vast has good communicaknowledge on schemes tion and interpersonal and grants ( derogation, Final Year Project skills. Growing up on a BPS, TAMS grant). I The objective of my study farm I have gained a lot learnt to be self sufficient is to analyse the active of knowledge in the agri- as I often worked indepen- ingredients varying doses cultural industry howdently soil sampling, man- and dosing applications ever I am keen to expand aging appointments, BPS and their efficacy when

Cian McDonald

(Laois)

Personal Profile

My name is Cian. I am 22 years old. I have 4 sisters and come from a suckler farm in Ballyroan, Co.Laois. I have large interests in both agriculture and sports with running being my main sport. Between my studies I work on the family farm alongwww.wit.ie/science

I am hoping to spend a year gaining additional farming experience in New Zealand before returning home and undertaking a master’s in food science as well as completing my BHS teaching qualifications.

used at different time periods after housing. Additionally I aim to determine any anthelmintic resistance within an Irish beef herd and increase awareness on the topic. Future Ambitions

I aspire to have a positive impact on the agri food sector as a woman in agriculture. I hope to secure a challenging position in a reputable organisation to expand my knowledge and skills.

085 750 7501 � [email protected] �

side my father and uncle tillage farm. I also comthe soil beneath them as well as on a local farm. pleted a harvest in Kent, in terms of soil strucEngland with FGS Agri. ture/texture and earthI view farm placement as worm activity. Good soil Work Experience essential in understandproperties lead to good I gained work experience ing the management and crop growth. on a range of different hands-on approach of the farms including: dairy, Future Ambitions agricultural sector. beef, sheep and tillage. I In the future I hope to do work regularly on a dairy, Final Year Project some travelling around beef and sheep farm. I Multispecies swards are the world with New completed my school work a way of making farms Zealand or Australia at experience in Portrane more sustainable and less the top of my list. After Veterinary. My college reliant on chemical ferthis I plan to get a job work placement was car- tilisers. My project looks which I can run alongried out on a 300 cow at the affect that multiside part-time farming at dairy farm and 700 acre species swards have on home. Page 9

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

Cian Ryan

(Tipperary)

Personal Profile

I am a 22 year old final year agricultural science student. I come from a dairy farm consisting of 130 pedigree Holstein Friesian cows. I am hard working, competitive and ambitious with a strong

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

087 608 9974 � [email protected] �

desire to succeed in all ar- diet to put their cows eas. on to reach peak performance. I also carry out Work Experience As I have a strong inter- relief milking throughout the year for local farmers est in nutrition, I comas well as assisting on the pleted my college placefarm at home. ment in Dan O Connor Feeds in Limerick. Final Year Project I gained experience in I chose this project as I all aspects of the busibelieve that multi-species ness through intake of the has a key role to play in raw ingredients through farming in the future. dealing with queries from The project consists of farmers on the correct growing multi-species

Daniel Lynch

(Cork)

I have a great passion for the agricultural industry and eager to learn new skills.

Emma Codd me. Along with an opportunity for blended indoor and outdoor work environment. Work Experience

Personal Profile

I decided to do ag science in SETU Waterford after completing the Irish Angus school’s competition and the BT Young Scientist in secondary school. The prospect of a job in conjunction with animals really appealed to Page 10

My first job was in the horticultural department as part of the seasonal staff in Moyglare Stud Farm, which I did for 5 summers. Retail experience includes: Arnott’s department store, Shoda cafe and the Avenue Restaurant Maynooth.

Future Ambitions

I hope to work in the agrisector in the future either in nutrition or animal breeding. My long term goal is to go home farming full-time at some stage in the future.

087 391 9303 � [email protected] �

My main roles working with SGS was soil sampling, grain sampling and working as shipping surveyor monitoring the qualWork Experience Personal Profile I have worked on the fam- ity and sampling of feed I am a 22 year old final ily farm since I was young. imported into the country. year student in my final I have worked for Goldyear studying agriculcrop for the last three Final Year Project tural science in SETU harvests. Mainly working In my final year project I Waterford. I come from on the grain intake and am investigating the difa tillage and beef farm in seed assembly. I worked ference in yield of winter North Cork. I am a hard- for SGS Ireland for my and spring faba beans. working ambitious and work placement where I The will involve looking self-motivated individual. gained great experience. at different bean varieties

(Meath/Kildare)

over different soil indexes and seeing how their deep roots can absorb nutrients from different soil indexes at great depths.

and comparing yield and disease levels. Protein analysis will be carried out to examine the levels of protein of the different varieties. Future Ambitions

I look forward to beginning a career in the agricultural industry and explore new opportunities where I can expand my knowledge and implement and improve my skills.

087 292 2953 � [email protected] � Last year I completed a The state of energy bal9-month placement in ance will be determined Red Mills, Goresbridge, and then compared with Kilkenny as a wet chem- the animal’s body condiistry analyst. I have altion score pre and post ways done some weekends calving, colostrum quality on dairy farms, particuand any health issues aflarly during springtime ter calving. :Clongowes Wood College,Tír na Rí farm & Future Ambitions O’Loughlins (currently). Take part in writing and Final Year Project publishing a research paThis project is a study per. Longer term climb on the energy balance of the ladder in a company a dairy herd at calving. of interest. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Emma Doyle

(Wicklow)

glanbia in Ashford. I am a very competitive and hard working person. Work Experience Personal Profile

I am a very sporty person I play camogie, soccer and GAA football. I have played county camogie for a number of years and have won medals with them. Enjoy working on the farm at home and working weekends with

I live on a farm at home owned by my father which has a small suckler cattle herd and 200 sheep I have worked and helped out there all my life. I worked in a coiltie nursery for 3 years planting trees. For work placement in year 3 I was in

Eoin England

(Tipperary)

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

086 124 1413 � [email protected] � eurogene for part of my placement and in the local glanbia Co op. I have scince continued to work in the glanbia and have been working there for almost a year now.

three groups of lambs so one for each colostrum type and weigh them along with doing a body condition score for them to see if there is any difference.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

In my project I will test each colostrum sample and compare them on the results found on the quality and potential for the lambs. I will also have

086 666 0548 � [email protected] �

adapt to various environ- on placement was to help ments without any hesita- out on a trial which was tion. looking at how different fatty acid concentrations Work Experience in dairy nuts affect milk I’ve been involved in composition. Last spring, Personal Profile our dairy and beef enI started my own enterI am hard-working and terprise at home from prise grass measuring for diligent in the workplace. a very young age, I also many farmers. Having worked on our carry out relief milking dairy and beef enterprise for several farmers, milk- Final Year Project at home since I was very ing herds ranging from Researching this topic is young, I have several 60 to 250 cows. I carried something I’m looking years of experience in the out my work placement in forward to doing because agricultural industry. I’m Moorepark Food and Re- sustainability is crucial highly passionate about search Centre in Fermoy given how rapidly the my work, and I can easily Co. Cork. My role while dairy sector has expanded

Jack Kingston

(Tipperary)

heavily involved with my local GAA club.

in recent years. White clover has the potential to reduce fertiliser costs and improve sustainability alongside milk composition. Future Ambitions

My goal is to form a partnership on our dairy and beef enterprise at home. Additionally, I’d like to develop my skills by working in agricultural research, retail, and alongside other farmers.

087 092 9778 � [email protected] �

college work placement in Eurogene, an AI station in Tipperary where Work Experience I got a wide view of the Since 2019 I have been a AI industry. Through my member of the FRS netplacement I gained expePersonal Profile work carrying out various rience with lab work and I am a hardworking and tasks including relief milkundertook AI training. ambitious agricultural ing, tractor driving, calf science student with a rearing and general farm Final Year Project particular interest in the duties. I recently began I am looking into how the dairy sector. I also have a working in Teagasc Solo- length of the dry period keen interest in all things head research farm on a effects cow performance sports particularly hurling part-time basis through in the subsequent lactaand football where I am the FRS. I completed my tion. I will be looking www.wit.ie/science

I hope to become very successful and knowledgeable in my feild of work. I hope to be able to create a good work life balance also.

at how this affects milk composition and breeding rates. I will be reviewing the data of the Teagasc Kildalton dairy farm for this project. Future Ambitions

Upon completion of my degree I would be interested in working within the dairy sector and would be open to considering a wide variety of potential jobs. Page 11

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

John Banville

087 180 7530 � [email protected] �

(Wexford)

in the NDC quality milk awards. For the last two years I’ve held the role of secretary of our local IFA branch. Personal Profile

Growing up on a dairy farm in Co. Wexford infused my ambition to work in the agricultural sector. I have a keen interest in milk quality; in 2021 along with my parents we came runners up

Work Experience

I completed my 15 weeks work experience on a progressive dairy farm in Piltown, Co. Kilkenny. During my work experience the main tasks I carried out included milking, calf rearing, grassland

Joseph O Driscoll

(Cork)

management and machinery work. I gained a lot of new skills during my placement and it was a great opportunity to work away from my home farm.

drying off one batch with sealer only and one batch with antibiotics. After the cows calve down cell count will be tested.

Final Year Project

After I graduate I would like to get a job in the dairy industry which would allow me flexibility to also work part-time at home before I eventually return home to farm full-time.

For my final project I’m comparing two different dry off approaches, with the aim of reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics. I’m using cows from my home herd and

087 119 9919 � [email protected] �

hard working, motivated and diligent person.

the raw materials used, the machines involved in cubing the feed as well Work Experience as the technology used I spent 16 weeks in a feed to control the mill. It imPersonal Profile mill making animal feed proved my knowledge of I am 22 years old, curwith Bandon Co-Op. I nutrition as well as many rently in my final year also I spent time in the other useful skills of studying ag science at office organising transport SETU. Growing up on for feed, in the lab testing Final Year Project a dairy and tillage farm, feed samples for nutrient My final year project is as well as being involved content and in the mill based around calf feeding. in relief milking for farm- itself making the animal I will be looking at how ers has given me essential feed. I gained valuable calves compare on an auskills and knowledge of knowledge with regards tomatic system against a the agri sector. I am a making animal feed from conventional one i.e., teat

Kate Treacy

(Tipperary)

working and part-time farming in the future.

Personal Profile

I am a hard working individual who always strives to do my best. I learn quickly once I understand the process entirely. I have a keen interest in animals and farming after growing up on a suckler farm in Tipperary. I hope to be able to combine Page 12

Future Ambitions

feeding. Calves will be on milk replacer and whole milk. The calves will be weighed weekly and all feed will be analysed for nutrient content. Future Ambitions

in the future, I plan to complete a master’s degree in the area of animal nutrition as I hope to be involved in that area of the agri sector further down the line either as an advisor or nutritionist.

086 059 2496 � [email protected] �

Eurogene AI services in Cahir. I was heavily involved in the contract Work Experience mating programme and I have been working part- also took orders and ortime in an equestrian ganised straws for delivstore since I was 16 years ery as well as general ofof age. Over the years I fice administrative work. have developed a large skill set including good Final Year Project customer service skills I have struggled to manand have been given inage laminitis outbreaks creased responsibility be- with my own pony. Working employed there for ing in an equestrian store over 6 years. On work listening to others with placement I worked in laminitic equines I have

formulated a survey to investigate common themes. I hope to link causative factors and to formulate an effective management plan. Future Ambitions

My ambitions for the future are to get a job that is diverse and involves problem solving so as to offer variety. I would also hope to incorporate parttime farming at home as well. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

Kevin Mulhall

087 439 0156 � [email protected] �

(Wicklow)

have a particular interest in livestock farming. Work Experience

I spent 4 summers working in a Coillte nursery, My name is Kevin Mulbetween the years 2016hall. I come from a sheep 2019, planting trees. I’ve and suckler farming back- worked on numerous difground in Tinahely Co. ferent local dairy farms Wicklow. My main inter- relief milking along with ests include farming and carrying out day to day playing football for my jobs on the farm. I have local club Tinahely. I en- been shearing sheep over joy working outdoors and the past 3 summers in my Personal Profile

Killian Lane

(Limerick)

Personal Profile

My name is Killian Lane. I am 22 years of age from Co. Limerick. I attended Rockwell College for my secondary school education and am now currently studying in SETU. I would describe myself as hard working and dedi-

spare time for local farmers. During 3rd year of ag science I spent 15 weeks working on a large scale sheep farm near Clonmel where I carried out various different roles during the lambing season Final Year Project

I am conducting a study on my home farm where I compare ewe lambs to 2 year old hoggets. My main comparison studies include weighing lambs

along with BCS scoring ewes post and pre lambing to try evaluate which system suits best in terms of productivity and profitability. Future Ambitions

My future ambition is to travel and learn about farming in different areas of the world. I aim to enter a partnership with my father at home part-time along with working fulltime in the ag sector.

087 606 7350 � [email protected] �

cated to my job, and also AI services. This helped really enjoy working in to develop my communigood environments. cation skills due to the nature of my job interacting Work Experience with farmers day in day I have worked on farms out. This also helped my since a young age, and time management skills have had exposure to and work efficiency skills a wide variety of areas, as well. which include silage contracting, dairy farming, Final Year Project pig farming, hospitality This research sets out to and also labouring on report the many advanbuilding sites. For my tages that technology powork placement, I spent tentially has to add to my time with Eurogene the agricultural sector as

reported by the manufacturers. It also sets out to assert the claims of the manufacturers by engaging with end users to see if these advantages are being realised on the farm. Future Ambitions

In terms of my future ambitions, I hope to incorporate travel into my plans as I feel it is a vital for personal growth and development in life.

Lorna Southern

(Wicklow)

ing new skills to further my education.

Personal Profile

I come from a sheep and beef background with a passion for agriculture. I consider myself to be a hard working student that keeps myself motivated. I’m always interested and open to learnwww.wit.ie/science

great insight into working life. Everyday my knowledge in the lab expanded Work Experience and I grew more confiI did 5 months work exdent in my own work. I perience in the Red Mills also took part in quality quality control lab in Pur- control rounds and duties cellsinch, Co. Kilkenny. which I enjoyed. This lab tested all raw materials and finished Final Year Project products as well as pre My final year project is mix for animals feeds. I based around nitrogen ferenjoyed my time at Red tiliser and the backlash Mills and it gave me a agriculture is facing about

climate change. This project was put in place to find out if clover or legumes could be the new way forward for grassland in Ireland. Future Ambitions

I have a great interest in animal welfare and my future ambitions would be to work in a job where I feel I am benefitting animals in some way. Page 13

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

Lucy Leonard

(Meath) Personal Profile

I am a highly organised, smart and hard worker. I enjoy working by myself or as part of a team. I have good communication skills and learn fast in new environments. I have gained lots of experience in the working world and I am looking forward to securing a job once I finish my degree.

experience, following a I began working as a dairy advisor and helpkitchen porter at 17 in ing him on daily duties. I a pub and worked my currently work in AJ Marway up and became a tin Racing. I ride out on waitress a year later. I the weekends or any other stayed there for 2 years. I days I am off. worked in another pub as Final Year Project a bar tender and I stayed Agriculture is a major there for 2 years. I helped cause of water pollution my Dad in his hardware in Ireland. I have taken shop when he needed me samples from a river and on Saturdays. I worked in added slurry to mimic Teagasc Grange for work pollution. I have added

(Tipperary)

I grew up on dairy, beef and sheep farm located in North Tipperary. From milking cows and judging cattle ringside we could do it all. Along with milking cows on our own farm I work as an unofficial re-

(Mayo)

My name is Mark Kirby. I’m 21 years old and I’m from Westport, Co.Mayo. I am currently studying in my final year of a level 8 degree in a BSc in Agricultural Science. I’m a big fan of sports as I play both gaelic and soccer. I Page 14

treatment options and will test to see if they reduce pollution. These could be used in rivers as there is no treatment options for pollution in Ireland. Future Ambitions

I would like to travel to Australia a few years after my degree. In the long term I would like to have a job which I enjoy.

087 964 1653 � [email protected] �

lief milker and I also work summer days during harpart-time in Liffey Mills. vest season gave me the well needed exposure Work Experience to an industry I had no I have worked as a unpractical knowledge of. official relief milker for I carried out my college several local dairy farmers since I was 18. Along placement in Liffey Mills also where I shadowed the with this I work partagronomists. time in Liffey Mills on weekends and holidays. I Final Year Project applied for this job as I This project will evaluate felt the tillage industry the performance of zero was one area I knew abN systems in Irish dairy solutely nothing about farms and compare them previously. Working long to conventional systems.

Mark Kirby

Personal Profile

086 226 7430 � [email protected] �

Work Experience

Marie O’Connell

Personal Profile

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

With the volatility of the worldwide fertiliser market over the past year, farmers have been forced to look at more financially and economically sustainable options. Future Ambitions

As of yet I am unaware of what my future holds. What I know for certain is I want a role that is people/consumer orientated.

087 609 9376 � [email protected] �

also have a strong interest ing the main vet with in farming and travelling. the farm animals they had under their care.DurWork Experience In secondary school I had ing third year I had a 15week block of work experiwork experience in a local butcher shop, where I ence with Munster Bovine now work on a part-time which involved filling AI orders with AI straw and basis. My jobs there insupplies. volve serving customers, while also making up the Final Year Project different products for the I have taken 4 rumen mashop display. I’ve also terial samples from 3 difdone a two week block ferent farms where each with a local vet in West- heifer would have been port, this involved helpgetting a different diet.

This is thought to cause a variation in the microbial population and VFA concentrations between each sample. Future Ambitions

After college I hope to get some lab work experience in a local factory for a couple of years. I also have ambitions of travelling and would like to see parts of Australia and America. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Mark Sheehan

(Tipperary)

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

087 164 9173 � [email protected] �

leading a team to get the work done.

organising and delegating work as well as driving. Work Experience I carried out my work I have grown up with placement with Country a large scale contractCrest in North County Personal Profile ing business as well as a Dublin who have a very I am a 21 year old final tillage enterprise at home large scale arable farm year agricultural science where I began helping who farm 3000 acres. student from Clonmel, out from a young age and Co. Tipperary. I come have continued to work Final Year Project from a background in on weekends and during For my thesis I carried agricultural contracting the summer holidays. As out work on Seedtech’s and tillage. I am hard I have gotten older and trial site in Co. Waterworking and have the abil- matured my responsibili- ford. This research will ity to work as a team and ties have increased includ- be used to make better have the experience of ing working in the office, informed decisions around

Mary Ellen O’Brien

(Waterford)

(Kildare)

up to the senior ladies team. I also enjoy the outdoors. Work Experience

For my college work placement I undertook an inHi, my name is Molly and dustrial role with WeathI’m from Kildare. I work erby’s Scientific where I at home on our small fam- worked as a laboratory ily suckler farm. I am administrator. Within involved with my local this role sample receipt GAA club and assist with and sample preparation coaching from underage for DNA extraction were Personal Profile

www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

In the future I would like to work in the agricultural sector and to get the opportunity to travel and experience the differences in farming across the world.

087 392 0813 � [email protected] �

driven, well organised and for our nitrates derogatake pride in a job well tion and I also take care done. of all the paperwork such as AI records and calving Work Experience I worked in Eurofins Food records so everything runs Personal Profile Testing in Dungarvan for smoothly. I also help out I grew up on a dairy farm 2 years while in college. I on the farm feeding calves and milking cows. near Cappoquin, Co. Wa- carried out my 3rd year terford with my mam, college placement in Tea- Final Year Project dad and 2 siblings. I gasc Dungarvan and com- I am carrying out this have had a huge interest pleted nitrates derogation project to investigate if in working on the farm applications and office farmers who are grass with the animals since I work. I work on the farm measuring are using a was young, helping out at home as much as possi- lower amount of nitrogen as much as possible with ble. I currently carry out fertiliser and subsequently any jobs to be done. I am all the grass measuring if the farmers using less

Molly Behan Cahill

the husbandry of rye. I investigated whether crops with poor establishment were hampered by pests/disease and whether they are worth persevering with.

N have a lower milk urea content. This is of major importance during the breeding season to avoid infertility and abortions.

Future Ambitions

I hope to secure a career where I can strengthen my skills and further improve my knowledge of agriculture. I hope to develop new skills and experiences where I can develop professionally.

087 985 4530 � [email protected] � my main responsibilities. In addition to this I have catering and retail experience with the local mobile catering unit. Final Year Project

extracted from hair samples from a suckler beef herd. Comparison of the results achieved will be analysed with respect to ICBF Eurostar.

Genotyping of Wagyu Future Ambitions cattle from hair samples In the future I hope to to analyse the polymordevelop my skill set and phic genes of DGAT1 and gain industrial experiCAST. The results of the ence to develop my career Wagyu genotypes will be within the agricultural incompared to genotypes dustry. Page 15

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

Molly Kiernan

(Longford)

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

086 124 9499 � [email protected] �

have good communication deal with all customer skills. sales. Placement-Teagasc Moorepark, Pig DevelWork Experience opment Department. I I have worked for DDS assisted in the exclusion Brady pig unit the past of MRSA trial. After this Personal Profile four years. I gained contract, I worked in the From a young age, I envaluable experience farrowing rooms within joyed working with anin the farrowing and their research unit. imals. This has motiweaner stages. Rogan vated me to learn new Smokehouse-Having Final Year Project skills, while increasing my worked for this company I carried out a composiknowledge. I am capable the past seven years. This tional analysis on three of working both indepen- job involves the selling of feeds. Two of the three dently and as a team in smoked meat, at agricul- feeds contained byprodbusy environments. I also tural events. I primarily ucts whilst the third was

Muireann Kelly

(Leinster/Kilkenny)

(Waterford)

Work Experience

I have had previous experience waitressing, working in a fast paced environment and building Personal Profile my skills in customer serMy name is Orla Murphy, vice. As part of my third I am a 22 year old agriculyear industrial placement tural science student in in SETU, I worked in SETU from Dunhill, Co. Quinn’s of Baltinglass, Waterford. I am an enthuworking in the mill and siastic, hardworking indilaboratory department. I vidual with a passionate am currently employed on interest in animal nutrimy home farm in Watertion and animal health. Page 16

Future Ambitions

I would like to expand my knowledge on the nutritional needs of animals. I would hope to continue studies with a master’s in this field. I would also love to travel.

086 344 2799 � [email protected] �

along well with others milk quality/ supply isand when required, to act sues the farmers had. For as a leader. that summer I got a job Work Experience in Tirlán Belview where I I have worked for years received the opportunity Personal Profile on my family’s dairy farm to work in the milk powGrowing up on a dairy and for other local dairy der lab and also as part farm, fuelledmy passion farmers. I completed my of the quality team. for the agricultural sector. work placement in Tirlán Final Year Project I am an active member as part of the mid-region My thesis is based on two of my local GAA club milk supply team. As Irish spring calving dairy and have participated part of this team I spent herds in Ireland. Within in my school and colmy time visiting farmeach herd, the effects of lege camogie teams in ers alongside and withselective dry cow therapy the past. These pursuits out the milk supply man- in comparison to blanhave allowed me to get agers, dealing with any ket dry cow therapy will

Orla Murphy

cereal and water based only. With the data obtained from the laboratory, I identified any deviations with regards the percentage of leanness on pig meat.

be examined. Milk samples will be collected from each cow involved in this project before the dry period and after calving. Future Ambitions

In the future I hope to distinguish myself in the agricultural sector. I would like to find a company where my qualifications will be of benefit to them, whilst I can progress personally in my career.

087 399 2031 � [email protected] � ford, milking a herd of 70 dairy cows, managing the calf unit and carrying out daily tasks on the farm.

matic cells. With the ever changing climate, this project work is extremely topical.

Final Year Project

This project focuses on the impact of weather conditions and housing methods on dairy herd across Ireland through questionnaires, which may be a causative factor of stress on the animal, giving rise to a spike in so-

Future Ambitions

I am seeking to further my knowledge and experience working within the animal health industry and embark on a career relating to agricultural science and animal nutrition. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Patrick Shanahan

(Limerick)

the SETU Great Agri Food Debate team for 2023. Work Experience

I completed my work experience with Munster I would consider myself a Bovine. I learned how to diligent, honest and ambi- work well in a team, be tious person. I live on a organised and most imbeef farm at home where portantly be accurate my love for agriculture whilst working in the and animal breeding belab. During the breeding gan. I play all types of season we got extremely sport and will get stuck busy and were under presinto anything. This year sure to keep up with seI am delighted to captain men demands although Personal Profile

Rachel Cosgrave

(Offaly)

Personal Profile

I come = from an equestrian background, as well as beef and sheep where I play an active role on the home farm. My diverse work experiences have provided me with a strong work ethic and adaptability. I have a

this invaluable experience only made me more intrigued by the sector. I work at home with building contractors since 2019 where I have also gained vast experience and furthered my love for the outdoors.

Final Year Project

how to work using my own initiative. Work Experience

I completed my work placement on a dairy I am 22 years old and farm in Tipperary. Whist come from a suckler farm there I learned many new in Laois. I am a hard skills and completed tasks working and keen to learn such as working with aninew skills. I enjoy work- mals and around machining as part of a team and ery. I have also worked also understand and know as counter staff for the

Future Ambitions

087 063 7817 � [email protected] �

Work Experience

I currently work in an equestrian centre taking out treks, teaching lessons, breaking and producing horses. For placement I worked on a sheep and bull beef farm that was diversifying into dairy. I was lucky enough to

With the data collected I hope to be able to find the most influential management decisions that can be implemented to reduce scour.

I see myself working in a progressive and ambitious Final Year Project environment where I can I will be comparing man- learn further and help the agement factors such as team. I would also like vaccination, feed type, dis- to complete a master’s infectant use and hygiene degree within the agriculacross a range of farms. tural or business sector.

gain first hand experience in the setting up of a dairy herd and robotic milking parlour.

(Laois)

www.wit.ie/science

087 795 2414 � [email protected] �

competitive spirit which I gained from competing in showjumping and eventing.

Rebecca Justin

Personal Profile

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

Egg counts were performed on selected horses to determine their worm burden. Those over the threshold were treated with their usual dose of Ivermectin. Faecal egg counts were redone to determine if the dose had

worked; if not a different active ingredient was used and horse’s sample was reassessed. Future Ambitions

I aim to complete my BHS qualifications to become a fully qualified horse riding instructor. I also plan take over the beef and sheep enterprise on my home farm in the coming years.

085 137 2301 � [email protected] � last 2 years in my local co-op where I dealt with customers, deliveries and worked with fellow staff members also.

imals weekly and monitoring to see if they are affected by disease, increased LWG and reduced stress levels.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

I hope to evaluate if probiotics have an effect on major periods in an animals life cycle such as castration and weaning. I will be weighing the an-

In the future I hope to bring my skills, knowledge and experience to the agricultural industry and to expand and learn new skills as I go. Page 17

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Robert Jordan O Byrne

(Carlow)

Work Experience

We have a tillage enterprise which I have always been involved and helped with. We operate a store Personal Profile lamb fattening enterprise I am a hard-working, that I also have involvediligent, driven individment in. I have 3 years ual. I have always shown experience labouring for good initiative in previa builder/landscaper. I ous places of employment completed my 16 week and deal with pressure in work-experience in Hena cool-headed fashion. I nessy Feeds, where I was enjoy the responsibility head mill person and genof working alone, but also eral yard operative, asstrive in a team environwell as gaining experiment.

085 817 8036 � [email protected] �

ence in the administration side of the business. I currently work in Quinns of Baltinglass as a feed mill operative and general operative.

while group 2 is fed fodder rape only. LWG, BCS and carcass weight then compared

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

Lambs are split in two groups of 20. One group is put on a grass diet for 6 weeks, while the other is on grass and a 14% nut. After 6 weeks, the first group are put on to a diet of fodder rape and a 14% nut for 6 weeks,

I hope to complete my level 8 with an honours degree. I would like to complete a graduate program in order to broaden my experience in the agricultural Industry and provide more future opportunities.

industrial and farm expe- advisors and milk recordrience. ing. During this time I worked with NCBC to Work Experience manage the fresh semen I carried out my indusprogramme which was a try placement working rewarding challenge to unPersonal Profile in Progressive Genetics. dertake. Currently I am I am from a dairy and I worked with them for working part-time on a sheep farm in Co. Meath. 9 months and I had an dairy farm. I have a great interest in excellent insight working breeding management and with their many different Final Year Project I carry out the breeding departments. I particuSexed semen is a topiprogramme for the home larly enjoyed the practical cal conversation in dairy dairy herd. I am a hard elements of the job such breeding management. I worker and I have lots of as working with breeding am carrying out a survey

to find out how the use of sexed semen is affecting breeding KPIs and also how farmers are using it to manage surplus dairy calves.

Sarah Daly

Séamus Crowley

(Cork)

my own and as part of a team, and I always enjoy a challenge. Work Experience

Carried out my work placement on a very proHighly motivated, amgressive mixed farming bitious and hard worksystem near Mallow Co ing individual. From a Cork. It was mainly a dairy farming background dairy farm with smaller and I am passionate beef and tillage producabout farming of all types. tion operations also. DeSport, mainly GAA, is my veloped knowledge in a main interest during my wide variety of fields, such spare time. I am capable as grassland management, of working confidently on dairy cow breeding, calf Personal Profile

Page 18

Future Ambitions

I want to work in a career where I am involved in the practical elements of the job and can learn from on hand experiences in the industry and on farms.

087 394 9178 � [email protected] � rearing, pest and weed management and much more. Have spent five summers working with a building contractor, on all types of agricultural projects. I also work as a relief milking operator for FRS during weekends. Final Year Project

The aim of my project is to evaluate the efficacy of the Maycillin Dairy Cow Udder Health bolus as an alternative method to conventional antibiotic

treatment of both clinical and sub clinical mastitis. A sample of cows with high SCC will be treated with the bolus, and effects will be monitored. Future Ambitions

I aim to further expand my knowledge and experience in all aspects of the agricultural sector, both in Ireland and abroad, before returning home to farm in a sustainable and efficient manner. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Shauna Harnan

(Meath)

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

085 232 2324 � [email protected] �

local GAA club and with the college football team.

college during calving season and carried out calf rearing duties. I am currently working part-time Work Experience on a dairy farm in Meath, I carried out my profesrelief milking, calf rearPersonal Profile sional work experience I am a positive, hard with DLF seeds. I spent ing and any other general working a reliable person. most of my time there op- farm work. I have a great interest in erating a haldrup to cut, Final Year Project dairy and I am heavily in- weigh, and analyse grass I am researching the efvolved in the home dairy trial plots. I attended var- fects that plants found farm. I am a member of ious open days and farm in multi-species swards the ladies dairy discussion walks and communicated can have on preventing group in Meath/Louth with farmers. I worked helminth infections in ruarea. I am also currently on a dairy farm in Water- minants. I will be getplaying football for my ford in the evenings after ting extracts from var-

Stephen Martin

Work Experience

As part of my agricultural science degree, I had 22 years young hailing the chance to carry out a from a beef and tillage en- 15 week work placement terprise farm in Co. Wex- on a large scale tillage, ford. I am determined beef and potato farm in and hardworking and Co.Meath. During this have a great passion for period I spent time workthe agricultural industry. ing with their stabiliser I also have great interherd, planting potatoes ests in GAA, hurling for and various other on site Personal Profile

Thomas Connor

(Offaly)

ests are in farming and hurling in general.

I‘m currently considering further education in the area of nutrition. My main goal is to expand my knowledge and work in the industry while still having a big involvement in the home dairy farm.

jobs. I also have years experience working on my home farm which covers many different areas such as beef, tillage, contracting and grain processing.

farms, by reducing the protein content of feed rations, farming can be more environmentally and financially sustainable.

Final Year Project

After graduating I hope to continue to broaden my knowledge in all agricultural areas and build and grow my home farm by applying everything I learned during my time at SETU.

This project looks to examine the effect varying protein levels in a growing beef animals diet has on their LWG and FCE. As animal feed is a primary cost on Irish beef

Future Ambitions

087 271 9808 � [email protected] �

Last year I was on placement on a large scale Work Experience sheep farm. Last sumI have worked on my mer I worked in Banagher home farm from an early Precast and on a 400 cow age and continue to do dairy farm. Every other Personal Profile so currently. During sum- chance is spent working My name is Thomas Con- mers, I’ve worked in two on the home farm. nor. I’m from Clareen, main different settings; Co. Offaly. I am a curagriculture and construc- Final Year Project rent student studying ag tion. Summer 2020 was This project’s aim is to science in SETU Waterspent working at silage. compare different pracford. I come from a beef Summer 2021 I worked in tices being carried out on and sheep farming back- Banagher Precast Ltd., an organic tillage farm, ground. I play hurling one of the largest preand non organic tillage with Clareen. My intercast factories in Europe. farm. The soils structure, www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

087 777 8456 � [email protected] �

(Wexford)

my home club Rathnure St.Annes.

ious plant samples and comparing it to active ingredients found in chemical wormers using high performance liquid chromatography.

biological activity, organic matter, and fertility are all being investigated to find positive and negative impacts on the soil Future Ambitions

Long term, myself and my brother would like to continue and progress the family farm. I would also like to continue hurling for my club. Also, I have goals to travel and gain experience working abroad Page 19

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Thomas Walsh

087 781 1698 � [email protected] �

(Ireland)

sport. This has made me competitive as well as a team player. Work Experience

I have been working on our home farm for many I am from Clonea, Co. years now at this point. Waterford and I have a As part of my student background in dairy and placement I went on insheep having grown up dustrial placement. I was on a farm. I have a keen working in the Teagasc interest in developing and regional advisory office in new tecnologies that can Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny advance agriculture. I for 4 months in early also am very interested in 2022. I also work part Personal Profile

Page 20

time in a Tirlan branch health, weight gain and in Carrickbeg, Co. Wadevelopment. To do this terford as a branch asI fed plain whole milk, sisstant. I have worked whole milk with added there since Nov 2019 to probiotic, homemade yopresent. These experighurt and whole milk ences have given me an with added acidifer to insight into many aspects calves. of agriculture. Future Ambitions

Final Year Project

The purpose of this project was to determine whether feeding different milk additives to calves had an influence on their

While I have not decided what career path I want to follow at present, I hope to enter a role where I can make a difference to agriculture in the future.

www.wit.ie/science

Departmental Awards — Agriculture

Prof. Peter McLoughlin, Head of the School of Science and Computing, opening the industry sponsored student awards day 2022.

Kelly Duffin being presented with the 3rd �year BSc in Agriculture project poster award by Anne Harty of Comeragh Vets.

Kelley Lyons, from AIB, presenting 1st prize in the AIB Land Management (Ag) Final Year Project Award to Craig Buttimer.

Kelley Lyons, from AIB, presenting the runner up prize in the AIB Land Management (Ag) Final Year Project Award to George Tyrell.

www.wit.ie/science

Page 21

BSc in Agriculture The BSc in Agriculture programme is designed to allow the student to finish with a level 7 qualification with the ability to go on further to an education in the Land Management course. It gives the student a diverse education from a “hands on” approach out at Kildalton College and an in class and labs spread between Kildalton and WIT main campus. Students who avail of the course get to go out on placement giving the student an opportunity to use the skills that they developed on the course. The course also provides a good understanding on setting up a business and also how to run the business and to show the student the influences of the volatility of the foreign and domestic markets. For more information about this course, please contact Dr Tony Woodcock at [email protected]. Projects Aisling Keegan Analysis of Beef Breeds and Production Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anna Walsh Examination of Euro Star Ratings in Rams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bobby Cope An Economic Assessment of Straw Incorporation Versus Traditional Straw Sale from Cereal Crops . . . Ciara Leonard Comparing 1 Star Rams to 5 Star Rams and the Impacts These Traits May Have on Future Generations of Sheep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conor Hickey Mastitis in Cows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eimear Spain Organic Dairy Farming Verus Conventional Farming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eoin Stafford Indoor vs Outdoor Dairy Farming in Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eva Mooney Comparing 1 Star and 5 Star Rams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hannah Murphy Comparing Pedigree and Non Pedigree Calves Using the Bagpipes Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Larkin The Comparison Between a High Input Robot Dairy System and a Grass Based Dairy System . . . . . . . Marlise Flynn Comparing SCC in Different Dairy Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maud O Callaghan Compare Different Beef Production Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Morrissey Mastitis Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebecca Gleeson The Different Types of Mastitis Found Within the Herd and How the Affect the Herd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebecca Louise Hatton Treacy The Cost Benefit of Straw Incorporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roisin Daly Comparison of a High Input Robot Dairy System Compared to a Medium to Low Grass Based Input System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Owens Comparing High and Low Star Rams and There Progeny’s Performance from Sheep Ireland Data . . . . Sean McAuliffe Different Type of Mastitis Found in Herds, and How They Effect the Herd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shane Curry An Overview of Straw Incorporation Versus Traditional Straw Sale from Cereal Crops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sinead Healy Comparison of Feeding Whole Milk vs. Milk Powder to Calves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen Carroll Comparing Profitabilityof Beef Farming Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louis Thomas Power Comparison of High Input Robot Dairy System V’s Grass-based System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 22

23 23 23 24 24 24 25 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 27 28 28 28 29 29 29 30

www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc in Agriculture

Aisling Keegan

085 242 4967 � [email protected] �

(Kildare/Leinster)

Personal Profile

I am 21 years old and I am from a farming background. The main enterprises on the farm are tillage, beef and sheep. I have done my green cert

in Kildalton college. I am there for the lambing now finishing the BSc in period helping out with Agriculture in SETU. lambing ewes, feeding lambs and keeping an eye Work Experience that all the sheep were Due to being in college healthy. full time I don’t have much work experience. Final Year Project But during my course I The project mainly examcompleted work placeines different beef systems ment. This work placethat are used by differment was 16 weeks on a ent farmers and looks at large sheep farm. I was the different input costs

Anna Walsh

I am 21 years old, living in Kilcash, Co Tipperary. I have grown up on our family farm here in Tipperary where we have sheep, cattle and horses. My father, older sister and I all work on the farm and I am hoping to go into partnership with the two of them next year and farm part time.

Work Experience

I carried out work experience in Dualla House Farm in Cashel, where we lambed 700 ewes with 2 other workers. During this placement I carried out many tasks such as feeding, injecting, assisting ewes that needed help lambing, stomach tubing, dosing and general yard work. I also do the lambing season at home on our

family farm. I also have a huge interest in horses. We breed thoroughbred horses, foal mares and prepare foals for sales. I also work in an equine/ country store part time.

I have a wide range of knowledge that I have developed from my years in college and from the work placement element of this course. The placement allows students to www.wit.ie/science

Work Experience

My work experience took place on Thomas O’Connor’s home farm down the road from mine. This work experience really helped me to understand

Future Ambitions

087 444 9782 � [email protected] �

(Carlow)

Personal Profile

the genetics and different traits in the off spring. We chose this as we all have most knowledge and interest in sheep.

After I achieve my Level Final Year Project 8 in Land Management, I For our final year project hope to work for the Dewe will be observing and partment of Agriculture researching the difference or Teagasc either advising, between euro star ratings or even lecturing in the in rams and how the dif- future, while still farming ferent ratings improve part time.

Bobby Cope get hands on experience in the working environment which has helped me to develop new skills such as organization, communication.

Future Ambitions

After college I would hope to get a job working with Bord Bia as an inspector, or I would like to work for Teagasc as an advisor.

083 828 5306 � [email protected] �

(Tipperary) Personal Profile

that are involved in each stage like meal, fertilizer dosing cost etc. Overall profitability will be assessed.

and develop new skills relating to this mixed farm enterprise which had beef, tillage, sheep and pigs. It has helped me to grow my knowledge in these industries and allowed me to gain new skills. Final Year Project

This project will assess the cost benefits of incorporating straw versus bailing straw in relation

to N, P , K and S while also looking at the soil economics, pests, diseases and straw types to see which is more cost effective and beneficial. Future Ambitions

My future ambitions are to return home and take over the home farm while also finding time to travel the world and work on farms world wide. Page 23

BSc in Agriculture

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Ciara Leonard

(Offaly)

089 238 5327 � [email protected] �

young age growing up on a farm.

a farm in the evenings of college doing farm relief milking in Passage East Work Experience Waterford of 250 cows. I am currently working on From growing up on a Personal Profile a pedigree beef sheep and dairy beef and sheep farm Ciara Leonard 24 from tillage farm in Killeigh i have a wide experience Offaly from a dairy sheep Co. Offaly on the weekin all areas of agriculture. and beef farm. I have ends and time off college Final Year Project completed a BSc in Apfor the past 4 years. I car- To compare indexes and plied Biology level 7 and ried out my college work the traits which rams may currently completing a placement on a sheep carry and impacts these level 7 degree in Agricul- farm in Gortnahoe Tiptraits may have on finture as my love for Agri- perary comprising of 700 ishing lambs and the imculture has always been ewes and 25 suckler cows. pact it may have on fua massive passion from a I am currently working on ture generations of sheep

Conor Hickey

Work Experience Personal Profile

I come from a dairy farming background in west Waterford. Here we have an 80 cow spring calving herd and keep all calves until they are yearlings.

I have experience in different agricultural sectors such as working for contractors and as a relief milker, which I did for the past few years. For my college placement I

worked on a dairy farm milking 280 cows which was a great experience and where I learned a lot which will no doubt help me in the future. Final Year Project

For our project we will be looking at mastitis in cows and how it effects the somatic cell count. We will be comparing

Eimear Spain

I’m 22 years old & I’m from county Offaly. I have a dairy background. We are milking 80 organic cows on a grass-based diet. I have a massive interest in agriculture. I have a herd of pedigree heifers. I am loyal, hardworking excellent timekeeping skills, driven, hon-

Page 24

est, good organisational skills Work Experience

Pat O’Donnell Volvo Glanmire Cork office workshop assistant Eamonn Spain Dairy farm assistant 2013 to present Joe and Karen Smyth Dunkerrin Tipperary Dairy Farm Assistant

I would like to complete a level in Land management in SETU next year to obtain a level 8 degree. I would also like the opportunity to travel in the future to experience different cultures.

milk recording results from four different farms looking at the somatic cell count throughout the milking year. Future Ambitions

After I leave college I plan on finding a job in the agricultural sector before I return home to work on the home farm.

087 416 3583 � [email protected] �

(Offaly) Personal Profile

Future Ambitions

087 330 5500 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

I am hard working and motivated in everything I do and also work well as part of a team.

for farmers to breed from in the future and how to improve the overall genetics in Ireland as a whole using the Sheep Ireland database

Damien Corcoran Veterinary Clinic Roscrea assisting with veterinary work Centenary Co-op Roscrea branch May 2022 to present sales assistant

milk price, feed, housing, dry off period, spring and winter calving, clover grassland management getting grass to grow with the use of fertiliser

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

The project will examine somatic cell count differences between herds, cow’s health without antibiotics, antibiotic usage,

Increase knowledge and training. Promote women more in agriculture. Finish and pass my degree in Agriculture www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc in Agriculture

Eoin Stafford

085 194 5637 � [email protected] �

(Wexford)

I like to enjoy what I do and take great pride in my work. Work Experience

5+ years working on dairy farms including my I am an enthusiastic, self college placement on a motivated hard worker. Scottish dairy farm in I’m not afraid of hard spring 2022. Currently work and am a dynamic working at a feed mill student of agriculture. I where I’m responsible for enjoy all things farming formulating and mixing and love a new challenge. rations for animal feed. I Personal Profile

am from a farming background and enjoyed growing up in the busy environment and tend to thrive when I’m working hard. Final Year Project

Looking at environmental impact and costs of the two different systems, indoor and outdoor. We will examine two different farms relevant to each

Eva Mooney

Work Experience

I test the corn for fusarium, protein, moisture etc. I also went to Scotland for 3 months and was working with 2000 calves, which included feeding the calves twice a day, tagging the calves, dosing the calves etc.

I worked on my family farm all my life, I started Personal Profile from such a young age. I am very energetic perAt home we have sheep, son I love a challenge and cattle and also have I am a real people’s per- tillage, so I have a broad son. I’m really driven and knowledge on these three Final Year Project supportive towards my sectors I have worked in a Compare 5 star rams with friends When I am given grain intake store for the 1 star rams. There are a job or challenge I will last 5 years. I worked on many traits involved with get it done. I believe hard the weighbridge and also each. We are going to be

Hannah Murphy

tion of all our cows and ing. I also completed 12 aim to produce as much weeks work placement as possible from our herd. on a dairy farm in south Kilkenny in January 2022. Work Experience I am currently employed I enjoyed this placement very much as the host by Daltons Chancellor farmer had the same inMills Kilkenny where terest in breeding and geI work as a sales assisnetics as me. He thought tant in their shop based me a lot about judging. in Kilkenny. During the

I come from a dairy and beef farm which I have been very interested in from a young age. I am very interested in breed- harvest months I work ing and genetics and have in their branch in Athy all pedigree animals at where I have gained a lot home. I have a good of knowledge and underknowledge of the produc- standing of Tillage farmwww.wit.ie/science

talking about health of the animal, lambing etc. What’s the difference between 5 star and 1 star rams and how it effects their offspring’s. Future Ambitions

I would like to go to New Zealand or Australia for a year or more Work with Teagasc as an advisor or supervisor. Work at home part time.

083 088 6861 � [email protected] �

(Kilkenny)

Personal Profile

Future Ambitions

To have an enjoyable career in the agricultural industry whilst seeing different parts of the country and potentially travelling abroad.

087 381 2978 � [email protected] �

(Ireland)

work gets you places and it pays off.

sector and compare data from the two. Ireland is predominantly an outdoor grass based system so we will see where the indoor system can be useful.

Final Year Project

Our project is based on the recordings and figures of pedigree and non pedigree calves. We aim to

compare many different factors influencing the growth and development of calves to see if there is there much of a difference between pedigree and non pedigree calves.

Future Ambitions

I hope to have a job that I am happy in, and still be involved on the farm at home with my brothers and father. Page 25

BSc in Agriculture

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Jack Larkin

087 415 7346 � [email protected] �

(Offaly)

level 6 dairy herd management course in Gurteen collage. I also play hurling for my local club Work Experience Personal Profile

I am 22 years old and I am from Coolderry, Co. Offaly, I live on a sheep farm that is run by my father, I relief milk on weekends and work part time on a pig farm as well. After school I completed the

I have been milking at weekends for the past 3 years on a 150 cow dairy farm and I also work part time on a 700 sow pig farm at weekends and during holidays, and I also worked here for a year full time as I took

Marlise Flynn

(Ireland)

a year out for collage. I completed the 2022 harvest season in Lincoln in England where I was grain carting and muck spreading

ine how each system can influence the breeding and genetics of the herd, EBI, cow health and the nutrition of each system Future Ambitions

I hope to travel after finThe project will look into ishing collage, I hope the comparison between a to travel to the United higher input system that States to do a harvest is indoors versus the tra- season over there and I ditional Irish system of would also like to go to a grass based system. In New Zealand and milk the project we will exam- cows Final Year Project

085 875 6742 � [email protected] �

This was a big change but in Nenagh, Co. Tipperganic milking, summer was definitely worth it. ary for 12 weeks at the milking and the differstart of 2022. I am curent dry cow methods and Work Experience rently working for Joseph what impact they have I worked for the farm reO’Brien horse trainer on on the SCC level in dairy lief, I was feeding calves Owning Hill, I have been cows. Personal Profile and milking cows for 3 there since April 2022. My name is Marlise springs in Kildalton colFuture Ambitions Flynn, I’m from Piltown, lege. I wanted to get Final Year Project Once I’m finished my Co.Kilkenny and I am 20 some retail work expeWe are exploring and course I would like to go years of age. At home we rience, so I worked in comparing the different travel to Australia or New have a dairy farm. We Harry Corry for 5 months SCC (somatic cell count) Zealand and work on a used to farm sucklers and and then went on to do levels in different dairy farm to learn about the sheep but 4 years ago we my college placement systems. We are compar- different farming methods made the change to dairy. on a 240 cow dairy farm ing winter milking, orthey have.

Maud O Callaghan

(Waterford)

get my Level 7 qualification. Work Experience

Personal Profile

I’m 22 years old. I come from a dairy and beef background. We have a herd of pure bred Dexter cattle. I completed my green certificate in Kildalton Agricultural College and from there transferred into SETU to Page 26

As part of my transition year I completed two weeks work experience. One week I worked in a restaurant and the other week I worked on a farm. As part of my green certificate course in first year I completed 4 weeks of work placement on a dairy farm and in 2nd year in Kildalton I

087 364 6285 � [email protected] � completed a 16 week work placement on a different farm. I continued to work on this farm for a year after my placement. I have a part time job milk recording with Progressive Genetics and I work at home also.

mart, bought as weanlings sold to mart as stores and bought as weanlings sold to factory. We will compare the price of meal and housing. Future Ambitions

My future ambitions would be to work more Final Year Project regularly with Progressive In our project we are go- Genetics. I also want to ing to look at the differget my lorry licence and ent beef systems. The sys- drive for a year or two. I tems we will look at are want to farm the home born on the farm to the farm part time. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc in Agriculture

Michael Morrissey

085 183 6125 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

Personal Profile

I would regard myself to be a hard worker and I greatly enjoy working in the area of agriculture and farming in general. I also treat others as I like to be treated which is with respect. I

would class farming as my from past experience hobby as well as my job. gained on my home farm. I also gained a lot of exWork Experience tra experience on my colI worked on a farm at lege placement on a dairy home all my life since farm where I learned a lot I was a child so I have grown up with the expe- of new important skills. rience of everyday tasks Final Year Project on a farm. On our farm In my final year project at home there is a mixI will look into the efture of beef and dairy fects of mastitis on dairy and sheep on the farm. cows, and investigate meaI would have a wealth sures that can be taken of knowledge in all secto eliminate and control tors dairy, beef and sheep and reduce the amount

Rebecca Gleeson

Work Experience

In 2016, as part of 4th I’m 22, coming from a year I completed a weeks dairy beef contracting work experience in the lobackground, I attended cal vets and another week Kildalton college and com- on a local farm. Durpleted my certificate in ing my time in Kildalton agriculture and dairy herd 2019/2020 I completed 20 management which gave weeks farm placement on Personal Profile

Future Ambitions

My future ambitions would be to run and own my own farm. I would like to take over the home farm and expand the dairy enterprise on the farm as it is my favourite sector on the home farm

087 453 8542 � [email protected] �

(Kilkenny)

me my green Cert and from there I transferred to Waterford to complete the level 7 in agriculture

of mastitis infections on dairy herds. The project explains in detail the benefits of milk recording and milk testing in cows

a dairy farm. From 2016 to date I have been employed on the home farm. I also do relief milking for farmers in the surrounding area

ment is not present in the cows milk by carrying out an antibiotic test at farm level Future Ambitions

As my parents are still Final Year Project farming I will probably Talking about three differ- try to get a part time job ent types of mastitis that in the agricultural sector are found in cows and until my parents are in then talking about the a position to take a bit new dry cow treatment of a break and still be inand testing that the treat- volved

Rebecca Louise Hatton Treacy

087 181 3368 � [email protected] �

(Carlow/Kildare/Wicklow/Wexford) of the year both years consecutively for tillage.

Personal Profile

I’m 21, coming from a bull beef fattening system, tillage and contracting farm. I attended Kildalton college to study my level 5 certificate in agriculture where I then went on to complete my level 6 advanced crops and machinery. Winning student www.wit.ie/science

storage including drier operation. From June 2021 to current I have been emWork Experience ployed by LSL Auctions TY work experience in running the online side of 2017 was done in IAS things for land and maLabs. From October 2017 chinery auctions. I also to current I have been emam heavily involved with ployed by Carnew Mart the home farm. working in the office. For Kildalton placement I Final Year Project worked for BallyhamilThe project is a comparton Agri and Farms for 20 ison of straw types and weeks involved with trac- the nutritional value of tor operation and grain each being incorporated

into the soil. The cost benefit of incorporating straw into the soil in terms of fertiliser savings and comparing it to selling the straw off the field. Future Ambitions

In terms of the future, I plan on being employed in the agricultural sector. Currently my father is farming fulltime, so this is not a possible option at this time for myself. Page 27

BSc in Agriculture

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Roisin Daly

087 775 2623 � [email protected] �

(Offaly)

pushing myself to be the best that I can be. If I am given a task I will try my best to complete it Work Experience

I have worked on 3 difMy name is Roisin Daly, ferent dairy farms for my I live in Co Offaly. I am work experience, I have from a dairy farm. I love also work in the hardworking with animals and ware store and in my lobeing outdoors. I love cal veterinary clinic. I learning new ideas and have gained a lot of exPersonal Profile

Ruth Owens

(Galway)

as possible as it is a busy farm, we are also a benchmark farm, associated with Mountbellew Ag College. Personal Profile

I am Ruth Owens aged 21 from Co Galway. I play camogie and football for my club. I come from a farming background with sheep and suckler’s with my father full-time farming, I help out as much

perience working on the farms. I have gained customer experience by working in the hardware store. I have gained animal and paper work experience by working in the veterinary clinic Final Year Project

Comparing facts and figures of a high to low input dairy system, figures

Future Ambitions

I am determined to work hard and achieve the best that I can in whatever job I end up doing in my future

086 453 3393 � [email protected] � and part-time/relief General farm work AI/ Embryo Paperwork Dipping Clipping Show preparations

than the 1 star. Also if within different breeds if there is much of a difference on rams of the same star ratings.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

Work Experience

Teagasc Athenry: 12 week College Placement and summer Febuary to July 2022 Lambing Data recording Trial work on research farm Windfield Suffolks: Lambing season (2020-2023)

Throughout the project we aim to compare 1 star rams and 5 star rams under many different categories and see if the good 5 star ram is better under more of the categories

Sean McAuliffe ture for the last 5 years from school to college Work Experience

I worked with Mark Young in Co. Carlow for our placement in KildalPersonal Profile ton. I also worked with I’m a hard working perTom Keogh from Danesson who loves working fort Kilkenny for 16 weeks with animals, I’ve a huge for placement and still interest in science and vet- continue to help him erinary and plan on doing when needed. But for something in those fields. the majority of my work I’m from Kilkenny city I’ve worked in my fathers and have studied agricul- carwash in Kilkenny city

In the near future I hope to earn myself a job in the agriculture industry which has a good mix of hands-on, outdoor work along with the admin side.

083 838 5627 � [email protected] �

(Kilkenny)

Page 28

such as fertility, heath of the cow, EBI, genetics and nutrition are all being compared and we are gathering the results from ICBF of both farms

since I was in 3rd year in secondary school for every break and every summer I’ve had off, so I’ve had great experience working with animals and with people Final Year Project

We will be looking into the different types of mastitis a herd can get such as clinical, sub-clinical and chronic mastitis and how cows can pick them up and how it effects the

herd and effects the cows performance. As part of the project we will also be researching different treatments for mastitis Future Ambitions

My biggest ambition would be to open my own agricultural business helping farmers with a range of farming services I love animal biology and business so maybe something in that sector either. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Shane Curry

(Waterford)

BSc in Agriculture

087 242 1308 � [email protected] �

the long hours that comes about doing crop walks with it all. while also helping out with spreading fertiliser Work Experience on the crops as well as I completed my college preparing the land for work experience with planting of the carrots, Personal Profile O’Shea Farms in Pilpotatoes and spring corn. I’m from Rathgormack town. I really enjoyed Co. Waterford and we are my placement as I was on Final Year Project agricultural contractors the tillage and machinery To see the cost benefits of at home. I have a big in- side. I learned a lot about incorporating straw verterest in machinery and the agronomy of growsus baling straw on N, P, tillage. I am hardworking, ing potatoes, corn and K, S while also looking at trustworthy and used to carrots. I was out and the soil, economics, pests,

Sinead Healy

(Galway)

have a full drivers license also. Work Experience

I have a lot of experience working with dairy cows My name is Sinéad Healy and beef cattle as I come and I am from Moylough from a dairy and beef in Co. Galway. I am liv- farm. Work experience ing on our family farm on the farm includes milkwhich is a dairy and ing, feeding, looking afbeef farm at home. I am ter animals in general, studying a BSc degree in and I have a lot of knowlAgriculture in SETU. I edge in these enterprises. Personal Profile

Stephen Carroll

(Carlow)

Work Experience

I have lots of experience working for different employers. I have been working on the home farm for Personal Profile as long as I can rememI am a third year agriber. In the past few years culture student. I am 21 I have been given lots of years old. I come from responsibility and have a mixed beef, sheep and stared to farm myself. tillage farm. I am from I got my first job when County Carlow. I have a I was 13 working for a big interest in agriculture. neighboring farmer who I am a very hardworking grew vegetables. When I person. www.wit.ie/science

diseases and straw type to see which is more cost effective, chopping or baling straw. Future Ambitions

My future ambition is to go into industry for a few years and then take over the contacting business and hopefully take on land as well to put into tillage. I’d also like to go to New Zealand.

087 335 6545 � [email protected] � I have plenty of experience tractor driving. I have worked on an organic dairy and tillage farm in Dunmore in Co. Galway where the farmer is milking his cows with 3 Lely robots

We will find out the pros and cons of both feeding whole milk and powdered milk. We will see which is the better feed and how much better the feeding options are to the calves.

Final Year Project

Ideally I would wish to be beef farming part time while having a full time job in the agricultural sector.

This project involves a group of 4 of us researching which feeding option is better for rearing calves.

Future Ambitions

087 345 7474 � [email protected] � was in TY I worked with a machinery dealer. Also when in TY I worked for a local building contractor. I have worked with this company every summer since.

ling to beef and dexter beef. It will compare stocking rates and efficiencies of each farming system. Future Ambitions

In the future I would like to get a job after college The project aims to com- and after a few years repare the different types of turn to the home farm. I beef farming enterprises would like to be able to in Ireland. It will comuse what I’ve learned in pare dairy calf to beef, the job to make the farm weanling to store, weanmore efficient. Final Year Project

Page 29

BSc in Agriculture

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Louis Thomas Power

(Waterford)

087 381 3800 � [email protected] �

I’m usually in the gym, ductivity from dairy cows. playing GAA or soccer or FARM WORK PLACEon the farm. MENT • LEPERSTONN FARMS • JANUARY Work Experience 2022 – APRIL 2022 12FARM OPERATIVE • week farm placement as Personal Profile SHANAKILL & JOADA part of college course. Hi, my name is Louis FARMS • MAY 2017 General farm work includPower and I’m from Kil- - PRESENT All types ing feeding animals, movmacthomas, Co. Waterof farm work including ing animals, calving cows. ford. I’m currently study- milking cows, calf rearing, ing agriculture in SETU fencing, machinery work. Final Year Project Waterford. I love everyTrusted with the running In this project we have thing to do with farming of farming enterprises taken a closer look at the and I’m also very sporty. while the farm manager is four main characteristics When I’m not studying away, achieving high pro- that differ between high

Page 30

input and low input dairy systems. The four sections that are being investigated are Genetics/EBI, Cow fertility/breeding, health and nutrition. Future Ambitions

I’m looking to further my education by completing a level 8 degree in Land Management at SETU Waterford. Continuing on a masters degree will be something I will also be looking into.

www.wit.ie/science

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Agriculture)

The BSc (Hons) in land Management is a one year add on course that prepares students for a professional career or postgraduate education in Agriculture. The course aims to increase the students’ knowledge of their respective discipline while also improving the students’ business acumen. For more information about this course, please contact Dr Nick McCarthy at [email protected].

Projects Ben Bailey Visual Assessment of Diseases in Winter Wheat Varieties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donnacha Collins Investigation into the Effects of Varying Nutrient Levels in Slurry on Clover Content and Production Eamon Roche Alternatives to Antibiotics in the Dry Cow Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eoin O Neill A Systems Analysis of Holstein Friesian, Jersey and Holstein Friesian X Jersey Breeds with Regards to Production and Economics Under Grazing Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gelu Crisan An Investigation into the Potential Anthelmintic Properties of Mixed Swards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Henry Mills Influence of Seed Treatments on Winter Barley Establishment and Yields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Mc Donald Policy and Social Barriers and Incentives to Join or Remain Within the Irish Agricultural Industry . . John Barnwell The Identificarion and Investigation of the Agronomy Features of Red Clover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly Duffin The Effect in Which Seed Rate and Different Nitrogen Applications Have on Winter Malting Barley . Michael Brady Phosphorus Availability at Different Depths in Soil and the Plant Species Which Can Reach It . . . . . . Owen Maleady Influence of Variety on Disease Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrick Sheeran The Comparison of Varying Protein Content Diet in Growing Ruminants to Determine Optimum Efficiency and Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheena Tyrrell Effect of Different Milk Additive Formulation Types and Good Quality Colostrum of Calf Health and Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen Harding Comparing the Effects of Selective Dry Cow Therapy vs the Use of Antibiotic Dry Cow Tubes on the Somatic Cell Count of Outwintered Dairy Cows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page 32

33 33 33 34 34 34 35 35 35 36 36 36 37 37

www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Agriculture)

Ben Bailey

083 462 7139 � [email protected] �

(Wexford)

Personal Profile

I am a 4th year student in Land Management at SETU in Waterford. I come from a busy tillage and agricultural contracting business based in County Wexford. I have a keen interest in expanding. I’m currently 21 years old and plan on

completing my level 8 de- on a busy spring calving gree within the coming dairy farm based in Ennismonths. corthy. This was to further my knowledge in the Work Experience agricultural sector and I’ve grown up around see whether dairy farming heavy plant and farm would be a viable option equipment from a young for to enter into after I’ve age and am active on the completed my level 8 dehome farm. I have years gree. of experience in operating heavy equipment and Final Year Project carrying out tillage opThis project looks at the erations on farm and for development of disease customers. such as mildew, rust and I’ve also competed 3 septoria on a wide array months work experience of different wheat vari-

eties in order to find a variety with the highest disease tolerance. The project is in association with the Seedtech group, based in Ballymountain, Waterford. Future Ambitions

I hope to develop a business along side the contracting and tillage enterprises. This enterprise will involve compost production for horticultural production and keen gardeners.

Donnacha Collins Personal Profile

Hi my name is Donnacha Collins and I am 22 years old. I am from just outside Dunmanway in West Cork and I work on the family farm at home which is a dairy enterprise consisting of 230 dairy cows. I am sporty and involved in hurling, football and soccer. I am hard working and punctual.

Work Experience

My work experience involves working on the family farm for as long as I can remember. Tasks on the farm include milking cows, spreading fertiliser and slurry as well as tending to calves. I have also worked on other dairy farms to further increase my experience. During the Summer months I

Eamon Roche

(Meath) Personal Profile

My name is Eamon Roche and I am 22 years old. I am from Castlerickard, Longwood in County Meath. I play hurling and football for my local club Boardsmill. I like working with animals and my family and I are currently farming our home farm which is a dairy farm.

Work Experience

I have been working on

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our dairy farm at home since we started in 2018 and before that I helped out with the suckler farming that we used to have. We do almost all our own work on the farm and this has given me a lot of experience in repairing and operating machinery. I did my placement on a 650 dairy cow farm and picked up a lot different

work with our local agricultural contractor helping out drawing in silage and spreading slurry.

enhancing the productivity and concentration of clover in the sward.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

My project involves spreading different rates of slurry on a grass-clover grazing sward to investigate the best rate which will result in the greatest growth of grass while

My future ambitions would be to take over the farm at home but I intend to work in farm advisory for a few years to gain more information and learn from other farmers.

086 230 3749 � [email protected] � ideas that could be used at home and has saved us a little bit of time here and there.

antibiotic boluses. We do selective dry cow therapy at home so I have 3 groups that I can look at.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

I have decided to do this project as antibiotics being used on animals. This topic has come under major scrutiny in recent years and I was trying to find out if there were some alternatives like non

In the future I would love to do 3-4 months in New Zealand and the same with America working on dairy farms and travel around them. I will then go home to work on the home farm afterwards. Page 33

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Agriculture)

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Eoin O Neill

083 034 8104 � [email protected] �

(Tipperary)

interest in all farming sec- man in M & S Machinery, tors. Main New Holland Dealer, Cashel, Co. Tipperary. Work Experience Duties here included asI have worked on a 180sessing levels of stock, orcow spring-calving dairy dering parts for customers Personal Profile farm both full-time and and communicating with From Cahir, Co. Tipper- part-time for the past other parts suppliers. ary. Attended Colaiste four years. General duDun Iascaigh secondary ties include morning and Final Year Project school before starting evening milking, carrying My research project is my agricultural degree out grass walks, general a fully statistic-based in SETU Waterford. Hob- tractor work and rearing comparison of two of bies include hurling and calves I also spent one the most common dairy football. I have a strong year working as a store breeds in Ireland, the Hol-

Gelu Crisan

(Kildare)

My interest in the agricultural sector originated from being raised on a sheep farm nestled in the heart of Transylvania. My interests include outdoor activities such hiking and I also have an interest in history. I am a dedicated worker and can

Supervisor - Set up and manage traffic management operations at roadWork Experience works and various conKeadeen Mountain Farms struction sites. - General Operator- Assist in lambing 800 midFinal Year Project season ewes and calving My project proposes that a 30-cow spring calving incorporating several herd. plants with suspected anHempTech Ireland - Pro- thelmintic such as chicory, duction Operative - Press- plantain, sainfoin, birdsing hempseed oil and foot trefoil and fat hen CBD oil. into grazing and forage PJ Hegarty & Sons - Tem- swards is one of the posporary Traffic Operations sible solutions to the rise

Henry Mills

Future Ambitions

My main ambition for the future is to build on all that I have learned through my course and continue to develop new skills and further my knowledge in the agriculture industry.

086 011 3138 � [email protected] �

work equally well on my own or as part of a team.

Personal Profile

stein Friesian and Jersey. The objective is to clarify which breed is best suited to Irelands dairy system based real on-farm data.

in anthelmintic resistance and the EU requirement to reduce pesticides use.

Future Ambitions

Seek employment as an advisor/consultant with an advisory firm like Teagasc. Afterwards I will aim to establish my own agri-consultancy firm. I also aim to modernise and then manage our family farm.

[email protected] �

(WestMeath) Personal Profile

Very Interested in agricultural sector, but open to work in other sectors. Traits that best describe myself are organized, honest, practical and efficient. Always interested in learning new things and further education. Work Experience

Worked mainly in agriPage 34

cultural sector. Places Farm machinery operathat I have worked in the tion, Grassland Manageprevious 6 years are as ment and general record follows, FRS Farm Relief keeping for the farm. services 2 years working Also experience on home across a range of farms sheep farm. and business. Currently with Mooland Dairies for Final Year Project The project was to see the last 4 years in partthe effects seed treatment time roll while complethas on winter barley esing college. Experience in livestock management, tablishment and yield. The project was com-

pleted on 2 cultivars of winter barley, one a two row the other a hybrid used in Ireland. Future Ambitions

Future ambitions, ideally a job with a mix of indoor and outdoor work, working with a positive team of people. Also with a clear progression route would be beneficial. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Jack Mc Donald

(Carlow)

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Agriculture)

087 353 7379 � [email protected] �

a strong network of like minded people and mentors.

work placement. I made great contacts that I’m still involved with currently. I also gained valuWork Experience able knowledge that will I’ve completed my work stand to me, for example Personal Profile experience on a 100 cow I’m from a sheep farm dairy farm. My duties on in the area of infection at home. I’ve a great in- the farm each day include control on farms. terest in the dairy indus- milking, feeding calves, Final Year Project try. I’ve worked on many and putting out silage The project investigates farms for farm relief while using the diet feeder. I the main social and policy also working part-time was also in charge of com- barriers and incentives on farms in Waterford, pleting grass walks and that can impact both Kilkenny, and Carlow. uploading them to pasyoung farmers and new During my time in college ture base each week. I entrants from entering the I’ve managed to create thoroughly enjoyed my agriculture industry. It

John Barnwell

(Wexford)

is passionate about making a positive impact in the agriculture industry. Work Experience Personal Profile

I am a BSc in Agriculture graduate with animal husbandry and sustainable farming experience, currently finishing my BSc (Hons) Land Management in Agriculture degree. I am a strong communicator and high-achiever who

I am currently running my family’s beef farm, where I manage day-today operations and oversee herd management. Prior to this, I worked as an office administrator at an equine auction house, where I was responsible for managing paperwork, coordinating events, and

Kelly Duffin

(Wexford)

and am very kind and considerate Work Experience

www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

I would like steer my career towards the dairy industry. I would like to build on my agriculture experience by travelling to different countries and gain experience and knowledge.

087 786 3102 � [email protected] � ensuring smooth communication between staff and clients. I also have experience as a stud farm barn foreman for Coolmore in both Ireland and Australia, where I supervised the care of broodmares and young stock. Final Year Project

Identifying and investigating the agronomy features of red clover in the context of Irish dairy farming. As part of this

project, I am conducting a pot trial experiment in a greenhouse to analyze root development and early nodular formation of three different cultivars. Future Ambitions

My future ambitions involve pursuing a leadership role in the agriculture industry, with a particular focus on animal husbandry and sustainable farming practices.

087 053 1826 � [email protected] � livestock, moving livestock and other general farm duties. Substitute teacher: Teaching Irish and Ukrainian children, assisting in classroom and other teaching duties.

Grain and laboratory technician: Use of weighI am an extremely hard- bridge, computer system, working, efficient person dealing with customers, with excellent communi- testing the barley in the cation and practical skills laboratory, writing out Final Year Project and am always ready to score sheets and dockThe project entails looklisten and to learn. I am ets, filing, and directing ing at four different varia very enthusiastic and vehicles throughout the eties of winter malting positive person and alharvest period. Farm barley and examining ways willing to try new worker (dairy): Milking the effect seed rate has experiences. I have excel- cows, calving cows, takon the yield. It also exlent communication skills ing care of calves, feeding amines the rate in which Personal Profile

looks at the impact on the lack of young farmers can face and the importance of encouraging young farmers into the sector.

low, medium and high nitrogen rates have on the malting quality of the barley.

Future Ambitions

The plan is to become an agricultural college lecturer, as this has always been my dream job. I also hope to experience farming abroad such as Australia or New Zealand at some stage in the future. Page 35

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Agriculture)

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Michael Brady

087 384 5298 � [email protected] �

(Meath)

farmers in different areas across Ireland which include both lowland and upland hill farming so I have a wide experience in both sectors of sheep farming. I have gained much experience in lambing from our own 400 ewe flock which is mostly outdoor lambing and also indoor lambing for other farmers. I also have much Work Experience experience with planning I have worked for different and management of tasks Personal Profile

My name is Michael Brady, I am from county Meath. We have a sheep and suckler farm at home which I very much enjoy working on. Sheep farming would be my preferred type of farm, but I enjoy working with all types of livestock. I am hard working and diligent and I also work well with others.

Owen Maleady

(WestMeath)

in team-based or individually motivated settings. Experience in a large variety of field tasks. Work Experience

During my college placeHardworking and reliment I worked with Counable, with strong ability try Crest arable. I gained in Crop management and essential experience in demachinery operations. Or- veloping machinery skills ganized, proactive and as well as crop managepunctual. Adaptable and ment skills. During placedriven with strong work ment I was exposed to ethic and ability to thrive running large scale modPersonal Profile

Patrick Sheeran

(Meath) Personal Profile

I am a student in SETU Waterford, in my fourth year studying Land Management. I am from county Meath and live on a beef farm. It was growing up on this farm which sparked my interest in agriculture. It is as a result of this that I chose to do the courses in agriculture and land management.

Page 36

Work Experience

It has always been my aim to work in different areas in agriculture. I have worked for many years on the beef farm at home. I work over the college breaks for a large scale tillage farmer in Kildare which helped me develop a greater insight into this industry which I previously would have been unfamiliar with. The dairy industry was

on the farm at home, as which species can reach well as everyday skills and the possible deeper nutridosing etc. I also have ents. done a shearing course. Final Year Project

I am taking soil samples Future Ambitions at 200 ml, 500 ml and I plan on returning to 1000 ml deep, to test for work on the farm at home available phosphorus at when I have completed these levels. I am doing my course. I would also this to find out if leached be interested in looking phosphorus may be stored into a department job or deeper in the soil. I can a job in Bord Bia. I am then compare these reinterested in the environsults to plants and see ment.

087 119 7032 � [email protected] � ern machinery. I have also gained extensive experience learning about different crop rotations and management practices involving both cereals and vegetables.

growing season to establish what varieties should be further developed for future grain production. Future Ambitions

After graduating from Land Management I hope Final Year Project to pursue a career in adFor my final year thevisory, be it agronomy or sis I am involved with consultancy work, but I Seedtech Ltd scoring var- am also open and adaptious different varieties of able to pursuing other winter wheat and barley opportunities that may for diseases over a full arise.

087 339 2167 � [email protected] � something that I hadn’t had the chance to work in. My college placement offered the opportunity to go onto a dairy farm which was a great learning experience

without compromising on performance. This project is very relevant given the current pressure on our climate. Future Ambitions

After I graduate my plan Final Year Project is to go into full time emThis project analyses ployment and potentially whether the environmen- work on the family farm tal impact of ruminants on a part time basis. I becan be reduced through a lieve this would allow me reduction in the levels of to work on the farm and crude protein in the diet, provide a steady income www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Sheena Tyrrell

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Agriculture)

[email protected] �

(Kildare)

number of years working on dairy farms. Work Experience

In 2nd year I completed my 12 week work placeI come from a beef and ment on a dairy farm. tillage farm in Kildare, al- This is where I became though my main interest extremely interested in has been in dairy farming the dairy farming sector. in particular calf nutriThroughout placement tion. I graduated from I got to engage in many the BSc in Agriculture different aspects of dairy degree here in SETU last farming, from calf rearyear. I have spent the last ing, milking, calving and Personal Profile

Stephen Harding

(Tipperary)

suckler cows and also run a small contracting business. We carry out hedge cutting, slurry and baling Work Experience

Personal Profile

I’m 22 years old and live in the countryside near Aglish in North Tipperary. I’ve a keen interest in all aspects of farming especially the dairy sector. On our home farm we have 250 sheep and 30

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Home farm - assisting in the day to day running of the farm and contracting business. Relief milker - Lisheen farm (2017present) Shesheraghmore farm - 230 cow dairy farm - proficient in all aspects of dairy farming. Duties

grass measuring. Rearing of the calves was possibly the area I enjoyed the most and gained the most knowledge from.

trol group. Colostrum quality is being measured to ensure calves receive colostrum of high quality

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

To compare two different milk additives, a liquid vs freeze dried powdered formulation and monitor their effect on calf health and performance in the first seven weeks of life. This will include a con-

By completing both an Ag and Land Management degree, it leaves me with a lot of options in the future. A job within the dairy industry or animal nutrition would be appealing.

087 419 8926 � [email protected] � include - various construction work, milking, grassland management, young stock care, general cow management and tractor work (2021-present)

similar from the end of one lactation to the start of the next lactation. The cows were out-winted on fodder rape.

Final Year Project

I have a keen interest in the dairy sector and I would like to use the knowledge I have gained from working in this sector over the last number of years to progress my career.

Given the rules that have came into effect in relation to the use of selective dry cow therapy, I decided to see if it would be effective in keeping the SCC levels of dairy cows

Future Ambitions

Page 37

Forestry

Conor Noonan is receiving the Augustine Henry Memorial Medal from Niall O’Toole (IForUT) representing the Society of Irish Foresters. This award is given to students of University College Dublin (UCD) and South East Technological University (SETU Waterford) that gain the highest marks in the final year forestry examination. Conor was the recipient for 2020 but could not receive the medal in person until 2022 due to Covid restrictions. He received the medal at the inaugural SETU Science and Land Science Awards ceremony, 13th June, 2022 in the SETU Arena.

Rory Cullinane is receiving the Augustine Henry Memorial Medal from Niall O’Toole (IForUT) representing the Society of Irish Foresters. Rory was the recipient of 2021 and also received a Study Tour Bursary. The bursary allows the students to attend the Society of Irish Foresters’ annual study tour free of charge. The study tour went to Northern Italy in 2022.

A group of second year forestry students visiting the Coillte-SmartPly OSB mill in Belview as part of the field trip programme in Timber Technology.

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Page 39

BSc in Forestry

The BSc in Forestry is a Level 7 degree course to prepare students for a professional career in all aspects of Forest Management from establishment to harvesting. Fieldwork and field trips are an essential element of the course where students can learn and apply technical skills practiced in industry. All students undertake a company placement in second year, a forest management plan of Lismore Estate in third year, which involves extensive fieldwork in mapping, inventory, valuation and forest operation, protection and management planning. For more information about this course, please contact Tom Kent at [email protected].

Projects Benjamin Hodgins 5 Year Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Briain Walsh Forest Management Plan for Lismore Forest Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eoin Holden Forest Management Plan-5 Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fintan-Raik Carey Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Earle Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Byrne Forest Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liam Connolly Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lukas Tomek Forest Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martin Murphy Forest Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martyn Dunne Forest Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oisin Farrell Management Plan for the Ballysaggertbeghill/Deerpark Properties Within Lismore Estate . . . . . . . . . . . Séamus Kavanagh Forest Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc in Forestry

Benjamin Hodgins

086 441 0706 � [email protected] �

(Cavan)

in Ballyhaise Agricultural College and receive a level 6 in forestry. Work Experience Personal Profile

I am a 45 year old father of 3, living County Cavan. I have spent the last 20 years working construction, managing sites and crews for some well known Irish building companies. In 2019, I was fortunate to spend 2 years

During training in Ballyhaise I worked for Green Belt in the Midlands for approximately 4 weeks and Veon for an additional 15 weeks. I have also worked with various planting and maintenance crews and have done some manual harvesting and

Briain Walsh

(Clare)

some clearing of invasive species. I have a large tree and windblow chainsaw licence and a pa1 and pa6 chemical spray certificate.

thinning and clearfelling. This plan includes written support, inventory, future budgets and revenues and support maps and documentation.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

I am currently drawing up a comprehensive, 5 year management plan on a 155 hectare site in Lismore, Co. Waterford. The plan covers everything from replanting,

085 281 3537 � [email protected] �

variety of training includ- in my successful compleing chainsaw cert, firsttion of this work. I have aid etc. also worked as a general Work Experience operative in a forest esCompleted 12 week work tate. I have experience Personal Profile experience placement of educating groups of I previously worked in with Manus Crowley of students in tree planting horticulture and decided ENFOR. This involved events and workshops. to change careers to work successfully ensuring sites in forestry after I atpassed their year 4 inFinal Year Project tended a Sustainable spection, marking trees in This is a 5 year manageWoodland Management even aged stands for con- ment plan for 155ha forand Agroforestry course. version to CCF. Most of est estate. This project I spent one year studythis work was completed requires attention to deing forestry in Ballyhaise alone so personal motiva- tail, organisation skills where I received a wide tion played a major role and a good grasp of the

Eoin Holden

(Waterford)

Personal Profile

I am a hard working and highly motivated person, with a passion for forestry. I am a natural communicator with a keen interest in the outdoors which led me to the BSc in Forestry course. I am motivated www.wit.ie/science

I would hope to work under some experienced foresters over the next few years and gain the knowledge necessary to be an important part of the forestry team.

and results-based individ- experience and in depth ual who is willing to dedi- insight into harvesting. cate myself to any role. I possess a full driver license and certs in First Work Experience aid, Manual Handling, As part of my 2nd year ERA assessment, Safe placement I was a member of the value recovery pass and many others team in Coillte. Due to Final Year Project Covid19 I deferred my fi- Our final year project is nal year of college in 2021 a projected 5 year manand was offered a position agement plan for a forest working with Coillte full property owned by Listime as a harvesting tech- more estate. We use evnology specialist which ery piece of information provided me with further learned over the previous

ArcGIS mapping system. Included is all the information needed to manage the forest property based on precise inventory and forecasting software. Future Ambitions

I envision a successful career in forestry that will involve working with the best in the industry to continually increase my understanding of best practice in forest management.

085 749 9837 � [email protected] � years to create a comprehensive plan with maps, detailing all future management activities and timber volume forecasts. Future Ambitions

Determined to excel and succeed in all aspects of my career within forestry. I aim to stay at the forefront of the industry and will seek out challenges and opportunities to accomplish this ambition. Page 41

BSc in Forestry

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Fintan-Raik Carey

(Cork)

083 829 7415 � [email protected] �

best of my abilities as a forest manager.

Personal Profile

I am a reliable, adaptable employee who integrates well with a team or as an individual. I possess a learning mindset and take significant consideration into attention to detail as I believe tasks should only be carried out once to the

wood chips in the lab as they were sold to Medite. It gave me an overview of Work Experience the relationship between I worked in the Glenforest management and non brothers sawmill wood processing indusin County Cork for five tries. months. I assisted the engineers in maintenance Final Year Project of machinery around the I am currently working sawmill, measured samon a management plan ple weight volume and which benefits me greatly examined the quality of as it will give me a furthe timber that would ar- ther understanding of rive on site. I also tested the computer skills rethe moisture content of quired such as ArcGIS. I

George Earle

(Cork)

forestry sector and am open minded about options ahead. Work Experience Personal Profile

My name is George Earle. I’m a mature student. Achieving a degree was always an ambition of mine. I hope to use my experience & knowledge gained at SETU to establish myself as an accomplished forester. I’m interested in many areas within the

Future Ambitions

I am committed to expanding my knowledge and skills and gain experience in forest management following my graduation at the South East Technological University.

089 7 332 8019 � [email protected] � experience with all types of machinery. I work well in groups and am a natural leader. My work has involved overseeing large scale tree operations & presently consists of writing tree reports for planning purposes.

Principles at the core, Management strategy is developed on stocking, volume, species, inventory & age, using ArcGIS to map & assimilate into a cohesive plan.

I worked for ten years in the U.S. in the haulage & construction industry. I have worked in hortiFuture Ambitions culture and arboriculI am looking to find a poture in Ireland for the Final Year Project sition in an established past twenty years. I esThe management plan is forestry company. I would tablished my own tree a 5 year projection. It’s like to be able to use my surgery business 15 years compiled for two forests experience, education, enago and built it into a at Lismore Est, Co. Wa- ergy and drive to make a successful company with terford. With Sustainable valuable contribution to 5 employees. I have much Forestry Management the forestry sector

Jack Byrne

(Wicklow)

myself to be enthusiastic, hardworking and I enjoy a challenge.

087 962 8821 � [email protected] �

navigation programmes, find and travel to the harvest sites and carry out log optimisation audits to Work Experience ensure each site was being As part of my work placeharvested efficiently. Personal Profile ment I completed 15 I am currently studying weeks work placement for a BSc in Forestry at with Coillte as part of Final Year Project SETU. I come from a the Coillte Log OptimiI am currently conducting background in timber har- sation Team. This role a forest management plan vesting where I gained consisted of contacting of Lismore estate.This a lot of interest in a caharvesting foresters coun- involves extensive fieldreer in forestry. I also trywide to obtain informa- work in mapping, invenplay hurling with my lotion on which sites they tory, valuation and forcal GAA club. I consider had. Then using GIS and est operation, protection Page 42

will also gain further understanding of the forest ecosystem, species and the practices used to manage it sustainably.

and management planning. This is a hugely educational project as it teaches me how to conduct a management plan of a high standard. Future Ambitions

I am eager to excel in the forestry industry and put into action what I have learned over the last three years. I hope to find a job in a Irish forestry company and further my skills and knowledge www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Liam Connolly

(Waterford)

of forest management and conservation. Work Experience

BSc in Forestry

086 109 9982 � [email protected] � cence and have completed the safe pass, manual handling and first aid courses. I am self-motivated, hard working, reliable and I am always willing to learn more.

Throughout the course I have gained knowledge I am currently in my about both the theoretithird year of the forestry cal and practical elements course at SETU, i chose required for a career in to study forestry because forestry. While on work Final Year Project i have always had an avid placement at Lismore es- The Management plan is interest in the outdoors tate, I gained experience carried out in Ballysagwith pastimes such as hik- in areas such as forest gartbeghill and Deerpark ing and mountain-biking, maintenance and herbicovering 155 hectares on giving me an appreciacide mixing and applica- the Lismore estate. The tion for the importance tions. I have a driving li- project consists of a five Personal Profile

Lukas Tomek

(Waterford)

year detailed plan including forest establishment, forest mapping and inventory, forest economics and an E.R.A, including a fire plan. Future Ambitions

I plan to continue on for a level 8 degree in forestry land management, when finished i hope to use the knowledge I have gained and start working in the forestry sector both Ireland and abroad.

086 053 3601 � [email protected] �

related to research and sustainable management in forestry.

This role required me to silvicultural practices, and work independently in the environmental mitigation field and collect accurate measures aim to create a data to inform the manhealthy, resilient, and proWork Experience During my time with For- agement decisions of our ductive forest ecosystem. Personal Profile est Measurement Ireland, client. Through this experience, I developed my I’m passionate about sus- a company that collabotechnical and analytical tainability and responsi- rates with Coillte, I had Future Ambitions skills. ble management of natu- the opportunity to gain I aim to use my forestry ral resources. My strong valuable experience in Final Year Project expertise to create a posfoundation in forest ecol- the forestry industry. I The Lismore Co. Water- itive impact on the inogy and inventory, couwas responsible for mea- ford forest management dustry, and eventually pled with honed leadersuring the inventory on plan prioritizes sustainstart an entrepreneurial ship and communication Coillte’s managed lands ability for biodiversity, venture that prioritises skills, make me an ideal using various technologies carbon sequestration, and environmental, social, and candidate to excel in roles such as Vertex and GIS. recreation. Its inventory, economic sustainability.

Martin Murphy

(Carlow)

mary school : Newtown National school. Secondary school : Borris Vocational School.

083 077 9490 � [email protected] �

Forestry Nursery. January 2022 - April 2022. Involved in many activities including dealing with many species of Work Experience trees such as Oak, Alder, Personal Profile Delivery assistant in FarBeech, Copper beech and Name : Martin Murphy. rell Vending machines. Ash. Age : 21. I am from Saint September 2017 - DecemMullins in Carlow. I play ber 2017. Brendan KaFinal Year Project hurling and gaelic footvanagh fitted kitchens. Carrying out a compreball for my club Saint Manual labourer and hensive forest manageMullins. I enjoy the out- sander. May - August ment plan of the Ballysagdoors. I am now in year 2019. May - August gartbeg and Deerpark 3 semester 2 of Forestry 2020. Manual Labourer sites in Lismore Co Wain SETU Waterford. Pri- at Ballintemple Coillte terford. This forest manwww.wit.ie/science

agement plan will have to be of a professional standard suitable for the workplace.

Future Ambitions

I want to learn as much about forestry as much as I can first and foremost and I am open to work in many areas of forestry and I am determined and committed to working hard. Page 43

BSc in Forestry

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Martyn Dunne

(Dublin)

a forester. I’m fairly outdoorsy and enjoy hiking and backpacking in Ireland and abroad. Work Experience Personal Profile

Following three years living and working in Canada and six years working as a brewer I decided to go back to college. I completed the Level 6 Certificate in Forestry (Ballyhaise) and came to SETU to become

I completed a three month Assistant Forester Internship and worked part time a further five months with the Irish Forest Unit Trust (IForUT). My main duty was digitizing data on GIS. This internship greatly improved my GIS and IT skills.

Oisin Farrell

(Sligo)

use of ArcGIS mapping software. Work Experience

087 461 8956 � [email protected] � I worked for over two years (during college breaks and weekends) as a Forestry Worker in the Northeast with VEON Ltd. My main duties included planting, grasscleaning, spraying, formative shaping and pruning.

Séamus Kavanagh

(Carlow)

where I could work close to nature and contribute towards fighting climate change. Work Experience Personal Profile

I am in the final year of the BSc in Forestry course in SETU Waterford. I chose to study forestry as I have always been interested in and passionate about nature and the environment, and wanted to pursue a career Page 44

Future Ambitions

Currently my goal is to graduate and become a Final Year Project forest manager, I’d like to This project is a complete continue learning about five-year management sustainable forest manplan of two properties agement and start taking within Lismore Estate. more responsibility for forThe aim is to produce a est operations.

089 600 5317 � [email protected] � duties included contacting harvest managers to locate active harvest sites, then carrying out log optimisation audits there.

I have worked within my families sawmill for the I’ve always had a keen in- past 8 years, both part Final Year Project terest in forestry and the time and full time. I have This five year manageoutdoors which is why I worked in most areas ment plan encompasses gravitated towards this within the mill, both in two diverse forest propercourse. Over the past the mill itself and in the ties with over 150 ha bethree years I have gained office. During my work tween them. It accounts skills in a number of dif- placement I worked for for everything from esferent areas including tim- Coillte as part of the Log tablishment and tending, ber mensuration and the Optimisation team. My to harvesting. It features Personal Profile

realistic plan of all planting, maintenance, harvesting and maps to a professional standard for a mature forest of varying species and age classes.

ERA, stand mapping and inventory and has been the culmination of work carried out over the past year. Future Ambitions

I hope to continue my education in the near future. After that I hope start a career as a forest manager with a focus on diversity and ecology within forests.

086 458 8819 � [email protected] � erate and the process of turning logs into timber to be sold. At Teagasc, I was maintaining trees that were to be used for research into building tolerance against diseases, such as ash dieback in ash trees. This gave me an insight into how to identify some diseases.

As part of the forestry course, I completed my work placement with two companies. These were Glennon Brothers sawmill in Cork and Teagasc Oak Park research centre in Final Year Project Carlow. At Glennon The forest management Brothers I gained knowl- plan is very useful to me edge of how sawmills op- as it gives me an insight

into the role of a forest manager. It also allows me to develop skills relevant to forestry such as making plots and using GIS. Future Ambitions

I am interested in pursuing a career in research, but my main ambition is to work towards fighting climate change through sustainable forestry and exploring other areas that may help to combat it. www.wit.ie/science

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Forestry)

The BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Forestry), a level 8 degree course, is designed to give students additional business acumen and to increase their wide ranging practical, technical and professional skills obtained in their Level 7 degree course, the BSc in Forestry. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to manage timber production, advise on sustainable forest management and other forest related businesses. The research project enables students to learn the rudiments of carrying out research and how to write up a scientific report. For more information about this course, please contact Dr Nick McCarthy at [email protected].

Projects Adam Power The Effect of Elevation on Sitka Spruce Tree Stem Taper in Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conor Barron Investigation into Alternative Woodchip Moisture Content Estimation Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drue Dickinson The Economic Comparison Between Intermediate Thinning and Crown Thinning When Converting Even Aged Picea Sitchensis Stands to Continuous Cover Forestry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Padraic O Leary The Spread of Phytophthora Ramorum in Japanese Larch in Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adam Power

(Waterford)

set to task using my own initiative.

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085 742 5690 � [email protected] �

both log optimization and forest site feature Work Experience mapping. I have also After more than a decade worked as a part time cusworking as a gigging todian for two secondary Personal Profile and recording musician schools and taught music Hard working and willing I moved from Ireland as a member of staff in a to earn my place within to England and became youth music club. a company through graft a Postal officer for the Final Year Project and a good work ethic, I Royal mail for five years. Tree stem diameters will have gained a lot of exWhile studying forestry be recorded in Sitka perience over the years in SETU Waterford, I spruce stands with an and continue to learn and worked for Coillte as part elevation greater than develop with each new of my college placement. 300m above sea level, opportunity. I work well This was a six month em- comparing these diameas a member of a team or ployment and involved ters to existing tree taper Page 46

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models. Significant differences could mean that predicted volumes may not be as accurate as expected in Sitka spruce stands above 300m Future Ambitions

I look forward to the development of my career within a company and the opportunity to challenge myself as a member of a vailed, relevant and forward thinking company. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Conor Barron

(Wexford)

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Forestry)

087 213 4070 � [email protected] �

see great potential for Irish forestry to combat climate change.

the woodchipper and delivering to customers. For work placement in college Work Experience I shadowed and assisted I have worked on the fam- foresters in GreenBelt in Personal Profile ily farm all my life. Since the South and East ReMy name is Conor Bar2013 I have worked in the gion of Ireland. ron, I live on the family family business, Barron Final Year Project tillage farm outside New Energy Ltd as the comThe purpose of this study Ross Co. Wexford. I have pany has grown I have is to investigate wood fuel a keen interest in the re- taken on more responsiproperties. The main renewable energy sector and bility such as operating search question that will

Drue Dickinson

(Waterford)

(Cork)

Future Ambitions

My future ambition is to work in the forestry and renewable energy sector. I wish to gain knowledge in all aspects of forestry.

085 744 1679 � [email protected] �

Henry Medal from the So- a butler in Lismore casciety of Irish foresters. tle Here I worked with a team of seven other butWork Experience lers, to provide a service Lismore Estate forestry. for guests. I enjoyed my Assistant Manager of a time working as a fishing team of four. Duties inPersonal Profile volved the daily manage- guide on the river Blackwater. I am currently completing ment of a team of four a BSc (Honours) in Land other staff, care and use Final Year Project Management (Forestry) of machinery including For my research project I at SETU Waterford. In tractors, winches, chain- will analyze data obtained 2022, I graduated from saws etc. Other duties from a crown thinning BSc Forestry receiving involve monitoring and versus an intermediate a distinction. I was also upkeeping 10,000 hectares thinning. The purpose fortunate enough to be of various forests. Other of the project is to inawarded the Augustine roles include working as vestigate the economic

Padraic O Leary

be addressed in this study is how wood fuel properties affect quantification of wood fuel for payment purposes.

and time implications of crown thinning versus intermediate thinning when converting from even aged Picea sitchensis stands to CCF. Future Ambitions

To further my education while doing a masters degree through research. While working at Lismore castle forestry I plan to gain as much experience from an excellent forestry manager Adriene Booth

083 841 1097 � [email protected] �

the forestry sector is my main goal for the next five years

Both companies primarily in features such as stand focus on inventory conage, elevation, soils featracts for Coillte. Before tures 2021 I worked as a genWork Experience eral operative for a tree Personal Profile I am currently in the role surgeon. Future Ambitions Hardworking individual, of inventory technician for I am keen to work in a with a focus on communi- Forest Measurement Ire- Final Year Project managerial role as part cation, collaboration and land (FMI). I began work- My project aims to iden- of a team within a comproblem solving. I have a ing for FMI in August tify any patterns in the pany. I hope to develop keen interest in learning 2022. From January 2021 spread of phytophthora my skills and knowledge about the environment to August 2022 I worked ramorum in Japanese in order to become the and all things forestry. for Forest Resource Man- larch in Ireland. Using best forestry professional Personal development in agement Services (FRMS). a variety of sites that vary I can be. www.wit.ie/science

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BSc in Horticulture

South East Technological University combined with Teagasc’s Kildalton College is one of Ireland’s top horticultural colleges, providing level 7 and 8 degrees. This programme offers a wide range of learning opportunities both practical and theoretical. Lecturers and technicians provide students with plenty of experience and practice using the latest horticultural machinery and students take full advantage of the cutting-edge horticulture facilities at Kildalton College. Apart from the diverse set of horticultural and mechanical skills attained, other mandatory subjects include biology, chemistry and lab sciences. Business acumen is developed by taking law, accounting, taxation and business management modules. Learning from experienced horticulture practitioners and taking regular field trips to diverse horticulture enterprises guarantees that hort graduates from South East Technological University are able to professionally pursue any aspect of the horticultural industry. For more information about this course, please contact Dr Cara Daly at [email protected].

Projects Dylan Hoyne An Investigation into Beekeeping Practices and their Influence on Honeybee Hygienic Behaviour with the Aim to Reduce the V. Destructor Mite Population in the Hive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gearóid Ladden Can a Peat Free or Peat Reduced Growing Media Guarantee the Same Yields as a Pure Peat for Nursery Production of Viola Spp? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greta Krizsany Sustainable, Economic, and Ethically Sourced Growing Mediums Alternative to Peat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isaac Mc Greevy The Effects of Fertilisers on Fungal Infections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack O Byrne An Examination of Plant Productivity in Peat Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Quinn Bolger Investigating the Role of Community Gardens in the Promotion of Mental Health and Well Being . . . Patrick Barcoe Barriers to Community Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pedro Roche Ulex Europaeus (gorse) as a Potential Bonsai Subject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philip Brennan Enabling Out-of-Lab Research in Micropropagation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Woody Bennett Trialing Economical Inputs for Micropropagation Compared to Traditional Lab Materials, Using (Solanum Tuberosum) as a Subject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc in Horticulture

Dylan Hoyne

085 775 1282 � [email protected] �

(Kilkenny)

career and I am always willing to learn.

volunteering in my local pitch and putt club cutting greens and cutting Work Experience fairways as well as helpI have a total of 5 months ing carry out other genPersonal Profile work experience over 2 eral course maintenance I am a hard working inyears built up as a horti- such as topdressing and dividual who has built cultural assistant in OPW green aeration. up experience in several Kilkenny Castle carrying areas with which I can out various tasks in the Final Year Project bring to any employer. I day to day maintenance The aim of this project am always willing to lisof the park and rose gar- is to determine the eften, take on board advice den. I have 2 weeks exfects the management and I am always willing perience as an apprenof hives and the type of to give my best for each tice greenkeeper in Mount beehives has on the level job, better myself and my Juliet Estate. I have been of Varroa mite in a hive.

Gearóid Ladden

My first proper horticulture work was at a local Garden Centre at 16 years old and from there Personal Profile I found myself working Native of county Kerry, I summers and weekends. I have a love for all things gained broad plant knowloutdoor and whatever is edge and more impornatural. I’ve a very easy tantly learned how to going nature but will al- talk to people and gained ways accomplish tasks put confidence in working in front of me. Known with people in a sociato have a flexible skill set ble way. My most recent and communicate well job provided more prowith others. fessional experience be-

Greta Krizsany

(Waterford)

thesis and working on a planting scheme for the local biodiversity action plan. Work Experience Personal Profile

I am a third-year horticulture student, majoring in Nursery Stock Production and Landscape Design. I am currently participating in two projects: a growing medium trial with locally sourced peat alternatives as part of my www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

I would like to work in a stadium as a grounds person and hopefully head grounds person of the pitch. I would also like to travel and experience the horticultural sector abroad.

087 118 6476 � [email protected] �

(Kerry)

Work Experience

The project will focus on hives that are not treated and determine whether treating bees for Varroa is worth it if bees can fight off Varroa naturally.

cause it was with Summerhill landscapes in New York, where I saw highend gardens and worked alongside some of the best landscape designers in America.

disease levels, chlorophyll fluorescence, fresh/dry weight and flower frequency allows us to determine the best media for this species. Future Ambitions

Final Year Project

Seven different Irishproduced growing mediums are being tested. Weekly testing of media pH and EC, along with plant health/productivity monitoring by measuring

Despite having spent most my time working in gardens my main goal is to get into biodiversity or rewilding, I one day hope to work in a national park mainly focusing on land management.

087 716 0709 � [email protected] � months at SAP Nurseries, responsibilities: preparing and potting plants, weeding plants, preparing, and selecting plants to fulfil orders, working at dispatch area-organising orders, and loading lorries. Volunteer work Local Tidy Town and Biodiversity Groups

2021-2022 summer: Kildalton College, responsibilities: maintaining the grounds, including daily mowing of the golf course, pruning and watering plants, strimming Final Year Project in the orchard, potting My final year project is plants and harvesting soft a growing medium trial, fruits and apples. 2022, 4 where trying to analyze

the suitability of locally sourced peat-free substrates. The aim is to find a medium mix which can be obtained at a low cost and continuously available to be used in commercial nurseries. Future Ambitions

I would like to be working as a landscape gardener in the future where I can develop/enhance my skills further. Page 49

BSc in Horticulture

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Isaac Mc Greevy

087 654 4260 � [email protected] �

(Dublin 18)

Tralee Golf Club and Dunfanaghy Golf Club. Work Experience

experience of a tournament. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Adare Manor and I would recommend anyone who wants to go into greenkeeping to intern there.

is a particular area of interest due to the EU Sustainable Use Directive banning traditional plant protection products.

I completed my work experience at Adare Manor I grew up in Leopardwhere I was part of the Future Ambitions stown County Dublin. greenkeeping team where Final Year Project Following my degree, I I gained my interest in I completed much of the The project examines the hope to gain experience sportsturf management day-to-day maintenance effects of fertilisers on working in golf course during my transition year done on the golf course. suppressing fungal infec- construction and to gain work experience where While there I was also tions, with a particular new skills as part of the i worked in Ballybunion part of the team during interest in how phosphites greenkeeping team. EvenGolf Club. I have also the JP McManus Pro-Am can affect Microdochium tually, I want to work my previously worked at which allowed me to gain nivale on golf greens; This way up to superintendent. Personal Profile

Jack O Byrne

083 182 8042 � [email protected] �

(Kilkenny)

have always had an inter- GreenSpace in Cork est in nature and growing. which cultivated microgreens over very short peWork Experience riods for use in high-end I worked in Fitzgerald’s restaurants and hotels nurseries in Stoneyford, across the city. Kilkenny for nearly 3 Personal Profile years including my work Final Year Project I am 21 year old horticul- placement for college. My project consists of the turist with interest in all Fitzgerald’s allowed me testing and monitoring aspects of the industry. I to work in a busy nursof the growth of Viola have experience in a nurs- ery setting working with in a range of substrates ery setting but want to plants from seed to sale in an effort to avoid the explore all corners of the but I was mainly dediuse of peat. The pH and industry. I am born and cated to propagation. I electroconductivity of the raised in Kilkenny and have also worked with substrates were measured

Pat Quinn Bolger

Work Experience

I have had experience in many areas, horticulI am an energetic, hardture, drama, community working person who endevelopment, tourism joys doing a job well. I and farming, in both emlove being outdoors, esployed and voluntary pecially in fine weather! capacities. I am a good I’m very dedicated to any team player, used to workwork I undertake and give ing in group situations the best of myself to the but also well able to take project. I always strive to on responsibility myself. I Personal Profile

Page 50

Future Ambitions

I wish to travel Ireland and Europe to learn new skills and techniques to bring back. I also want discover different professions within the industry including landscape design and biodiversity.

087 622 5847 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

update and enhance my knowledge and skills.

along with fresh/dry plant weights, flower frequency and chlorophyll fluorescence.

have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy working with people, as well as plants! Final Year Project

My project investigates the role of community gardens, whether in the context of schools, vulnerable people or in communal public spaces, in promoting positive mental health and well-being. Research involves a number

of surveys conducted and case studies to consider this hypothesis. Future Ambitions

To incorporate my varied experience to work in the area of horticultural therapy, whether with children, adults or the elderly. Hort-tourism and bio-diversity are other areas of huge interest to me. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Patrick Barcoe

(Kilkenny)

Personal Profile

I am in my final year of the BSc in horticulture and potentially continuing to do level 8 in land management. In my spare time I mountain bike and play online games. I enjoy doing the gardening at home and combined with previous work experience,

BSc in Horticulture

085 776 7421 � [email protected] �

inspired me to pursue hor- learned about equipment, ticulture. such as the strimmer, law mowers and smaller tracWork Experience tors. Working with the I am currently working Discovery park inspired at Tirlán, Castlecomer, me to pursue horticulture as a member of the garand working with Tirlán den centre staff, I have has increased my interest learned a lot about plant in learning about plants. care since I started here and have improved my Final Year Project customer communicaCommunity gardens have tion skills. Previously I benefits for well-being, worked at Castlecomer both physically and menDiscovery park, as a tally, reduce stress, and grounds worker, and create a sense of place

Pedro Roche

(Wexford)

sai worth thousands of dollars. Reference: Eric Schrader Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens Kildare, Work Experience IE (Jan - May 2022) - InPersonal Profile Bonsaify San Francisco, volved in maintaining and I like systems that opCA, USA (Summer 2022) designing landscapes. Referate well and produce - Involved in and learned erence: Thomas Moore good results. I’m pasall facets of operating a sionate about bonsai, top-tier, high-tech bonsai Final Year Project wilderness spaces, anthro- nursery. I worked in all The project provides and pogenic interactions with aspects of the business in-depth study as to the nature, and challenges. I from weeding and shippotential of gorse to be a want to work with some- ping orders to wiring and new subject for bonsai. body who has a focus on styling show-worthy bon- Gorse shows immense

(Kilkenny)

I think mountain bike trails have room for improvement and would like to do something to reduce their impact, keeping biodiversity and the environment, as well as fun in mind.

potential to be a new species of cultural and economic significane in Ireland, potentially Europe, and possibly globally, as a new species for bonsai. Future Ambitions

I want to create and curate an artistically significant bonsai collection, as well as help educate and supply material to new bonsai hobbyists in Ireland.

083 892 8193 � [email protected] �

knowledge, which has fur- cial enterprise for several ther sharpened my curios- years, and since starting, ity and interest. I have been working freelance for a couple of small Work Experience businesses, providing serIn summer 2022, I comvices in copy, outreach, Personal Profile pleted a 16-week placeproject management, and I am an organised, crement at the National other basic admin. ative, and a diligent Botanic Gardens of Ireworker; as a mature stu- land, Glasnevin; duties Final Year Project dent, I brought skills included nursery, planting, The aim of this project and discipline from selfand maintenance, and is to explore making miemployment, project man- some conservation work cropropagation accessible agement, and community such as plant identificato the amateur and nonwork to my degree. This tion, seed collection, and professional practitioner helped me get a full exmapping. Before startby reducing the cost of perience and gain deep ing my degree, I ran a so- inputs. The impact of www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

089 435 4080 � [email protected] �

delivering quality products at good prices in a sustainable, eco-friendly manner.

Philip Brennan

and belonging. They also produce food to be ate or sold. I was curious to find out why there is not more community gardens due to these benefits.

such research would be to encourage broader awareness, involvement, and information-sharing to expedite research in this area. Future Ambitions

I will undertake postgraduate research in areas useful to industry and conservation; this degree has made me aware of the urgent need for more research in the horticulture and plant science sectors. Page 51

BSc in Horticulture

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Woody Bennett

(Waterford)

in working in conservation/ restoration and in horticultural development

Personal Profile

I’m originally from county Wexford, I grew up in Catalonia on an olive farm. Both my parents always had a keen interest in plants and horticulture, so it seemed like a natural career choice for me. I have a really keen interest

Page 52

085 100 8792 � [email protected] �

Glasnevin, Dublin. There I got to work with rare plant collections and was encouraged to pursue a Work Experience I have worked throughout career in botanical horticulture, with the intent of college, having worked working for NBG or Kew in fast food for three gardens. years up until 2021, then I moved into the hortiFinal Year Project culture industry, working The growing media cost in a family-run garden amounts for 30% of the centre locally here in Wa- costs associated with miterford for 2 years. I com- cropropagation, and so pleted my work placement we trialled some cheaper for this course in the Na- input materials against tional botanic gardens in the traditional materials

used in the industry today. We developed four distinct media mixes, and trialled two methods of creating aseptic working conditions. Future Ambitions

A career in research and development. I plan on staying in SETU to get a masters degree, maybe even a PhD in horticultural research. However I would love to work as a botanical horticulturist.

www.wit.ie/science

Departmental Awards — Horticulture

Eileen Gahan, SETU BSc in Horticulture student and joint winner of the 2023 Una McDermott Travel Bursary. Eileen used the bursary to travel for work placement to Tresco Abbey Gardens in the Isles of�Scilly, UK. Una was a former Horticulture Programme leader in Horticulture in SETU, and her family kindly set up the fund to honour her memory. Una was especially cognisant that student work placement pursued outside the island of Ireland was especially enriching, aiding both personal development and cultivating an international outlook.

www.wit.ie/science

Page 53

BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Horticulture)

The BSc (Hons) in Land Management (in Horticulture), a Level 8 degree course, is designed to give students additional business acumen and to increase their wide ranging practical, technical and professional skills obtained in their Level 7 degree course, the BSc in Horticulture. Graduates will develop their knowledge and skills in this sector further, with the ability to advise on horticultural management and related businesses. For more information about this course, please contact Dr Nick McCarthy at [email protected]. Projects Paul Doheny An Examination of the Habitats and Foraging Preferences of Solitary Bees in Carraiganore, Co. Waterford 54 Petra Moore Overcoming Barriers to the Implementation of Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping in Public and Botanical Gardens in Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Paul Doheny

(Ireland)

083 173 6495 � [email protected] �

my spare time, I enjoy go- ing in Kilkenny. Honda ing to the gym. and Citroen centre in Kilkenny for five weeks in Work Experience 2019. Chris Wong Asian Kilkenny castle in 2014 as store for three weeks in Personal Profile part of work experience Kilkenny in 2013. I have a level 7 BSc in for level 5 and 6 horticulHorticulture and am fur- ture courses. Kilkenny Final Year Project ther developing my knowl- golf club in 2018 as part Pollinator numbers are edge and skills by doing of work experience for declining. My thesis exthe L8 add-on. I am hard- level 7 horticulture. Cam- amines the colonisation working and focused on era crew assistant with frequency of natural and achieving goals and getNHK news line for two artificial solitary bee nestting the job done. During weeks of tourism filming sites. Together with

Petra Moore

(Ireland)

polite, with a sharp wit. I have the skills to function both independently and in a teamwork.

Future Ambitions

I am interested in positions in misery stock production, beekeeping, sustainable food production, therapeutic horticulture and landscape gardening.

086 043 4429 � [email protected] �

Mount Congreve - 1 year Ireland had my own business - 24 years - Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands businesss in retail Work Experience 5 years - Germany, Czech Personal Profile managed people - 3 years, Republic business veteriAs a person, I am religermany accounting - gernary clinic - Netherlands able and trustworthy. I many, austria, nethermanage excellent time am lands volunteering - 4 Final Year Project also constantly willing to years, germany, Ireland The purpose of my study gain new knowledge and administration for finan- is to determine if future abilities. My friends and cial advisor for over 13 conservation efforts in Irecolleagues describe me as years - Ireland garden land may be enhanced friendly, helpful, kind and maintenance worked in with the use of GIS while Page 54

a survey of plant species abundance, it is hoped to add to existing knowledge on nesting preferences in an effort to aid solitary bee conservation.

being commercially viable. This study suggests this may be possible, but only if GIS mapping is used to increase visitor numbers. Future Ambitions

Gain new skills and experience Gain research skills I want to be an expert I am not a master at my craft, yet. Boost my networking abilities Striving to be a mentor Owning my own business www.wit.ie/science

Departmental Awards — Food Science

The SETU Waterford students who won the Great Agri-Food Debate 2022 receiving their award from Paul Nolan, Dawn Meats.

The winning of the Great Agri-Food Debate 2022 along with their mentors from the Department of Land Sciences.

3rd year�Food Science and Innovation students who won the Barry’s Tea sponsored “Best Market Research Analysis Award”. In photo L-R are students Aimee Hanrahan, Chloe Hempenstall and Shannon Boland with Stella Sweetman from Barry’s Tea.�

4th �year Food Science and Innovation students who won the Dawn Meats sponsored “Food Science and Innovation Award”. In photo L-R are Paul Nolan (Dawn Meats), Chloe Holden (winner), Sorcha Cantwell (runner-up), Gerry McNally (Dawn Meats).

www.wit.ie/science

Page 55

BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Innovation

The BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Innovation is an add-on course from the BSc in Food Science with Business. This course has a combination of science, business and food modules. A food innovation project is carried out throughout the year, market research, manufacturing, scientific research, entrepreneurship and many other skills that can be applied for the food industry. For more information about this course, please contact Dr Elaine Duggan at [email protected].

Projects Aaron Martin Spudnilk: A Potato Based Dairy Alternative Ice Cream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aimee Hanrahan Potato Sugar Syrup Flavoured with Wildflowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aoife Meagher Food Product Development of a Vegan Walnut Margarine with Added Probiotics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chloe Hempenstall Edible Packaging for People Who Have Accessibility Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Healy Forgotten Fruit Graze Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eoin Mc Carthy Convenient and Healthy Pancake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isobel Carroll Seaweed Infused Hummus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kate Lenane Research and Development of a Biodegradable Vitamin Chewing Gum Called PureGum . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelan Doherty The Benefits of High Calorie Yogurt in the Diet of Nutrient Defiant Individuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Nevin Chasteberry Ice Cream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Healy Investigating the Potential of Incorporating Health Properties into Sorbet Through the Addition of Functional Ingredients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean Hennebry The Implementation of Milk Kefir as an Ice Cream Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shannon Boland Vegan Rosehip Cookies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Mc Donnell Implementation of Brewer’s Spent Grain in a Healthy Sustainable Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Walsh Hibiscus-based Fizzy Drink Suitable for Consumption by People Suffering from Diabetes . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page 56

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www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Innovation

Aaron Martin Personal Profile

Fourth year (BSc (Hons) Food Science & Innovation) student. I communicate well with my peers, am a diligent worker, enthusiastic and ambitious. I have had experience with working with customers in my previous roles and enjoy working with people. Work Experience

Production Operative

| The Happy Pear May to September 2022 Food production � Produced varied vegan food products across different departments. � Worked on a fast-paced food production line as part of a team. � Ensured all items were produced to a quality standard. � Maintained a clean and hygienic environment � Packaging and labelling

Aimee Hanrahan

(Ireland)

086 335 9640 � [email protected] � of products. � Completion of quality control paperwork. Final Year Project

The project consists of formulating and producing a potato based ice cream. Following production, an in depth compositional analysis of the product is carried out on a weekly basis. The product is then marketed

(Tipperary)

Future Ambitions

Upon completion of my food science and innovation degree, my future ambitions would be to incorporate my food science skills and knowledge into a career in food product development.

087 605 6437 � [email protected] �

skills and roles in my day ing goals and targets, critto day life. ical and diligent decision making, taking charge Work Experience and time management I have held a managerial are among the many skill position in a food service and characteristics I have Personal Profile industry for 2 years while practiced and instilled I am a creative, innovaattending college. I have while working there. tive and tenacious perworked there for 5 years Final Year Project son who is enthusiastic and have attained many A new natural sugar and passionate about my skills and experience to substitute from a base work. I enjoy challenging bring to my future job of Irish potato. It is and driving myself to do role. Such skills of profes- flavoured with wildflowthe best in what tasks I sionalism, organization, ers of meadowsweet and am given. I am adaptable teamwork, communicadandelion which also posand enjoy learning new tion, multitasking, reach- sess medicinal properties.

Aoife Meagher

through social media using digital marketing skills learned through our modules.

It showcases ingredients in a new way and offers a choice to those who seek an alternative for allergen, health and preference basis. Future Ambitions

The goals and ambitions I have set for myself are to become a part of a business and/or workplace in which I am contributing my efforts and knowledge to a larger picture and the future of the world.

085 205 9054 � [email protected] �

and really enjoy playing basketball.

ing project, creating new establisehd vegans lack SKU’s for the can line in omega-3 and walnuts development of plastic are very high in omega-3. Work Experience free packaging and creWalnut margarine offers I carried out work place- ation of new products. I vegans choice and nutriPersonal Profile ment in Bulmers in Clon- really enjoyed placement tion. As a Food Science gradu- mel. I really enjoyed and gained valuable inate, I have a strong pasplacement gaining valusight into industry. sion for food and nutrible knowledge in quailty Future Ambitions tion and aim to gain expe- control and assurance. Final Year Project I aim to gain valuable inrience in the food and I worked in the analytiI am creating for my food dustry knowledge in the beverage sector. I am cal, micro, sensory and product development a food industry, working highly motivated, enjoy yeast propagation plant vegan walnut margarine in quailty assurance and challenges and problemlabs carrying out testing with added probiotics. I control, to aqurire furthur solving and I am very from raw materials to fin- originally developed the lab experience and coneager to learn. I like to ished product. I was also idea of identifying defitinue furthur studies for a work as part of a team involved in SKU buildciencies in vegan diets. I masters. www.wit.ie/science

Page 57

BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Innovation

Chloe Hempenstall

(Wicklow)

Personal Profile

My name is Chloe Hempenstall. I am 22 years old. I am from Arklow Co. Wicklow. I am currently in my final year of studying Food Science and Innovation, with my final year project being focused on finding an alter-

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

086 206 8979 � [email protected] �

native packaging source ment for 6 months in that is accessibility for ev- Bean and Goose chocolate eryone. factory where I worked in many different sections Work Experience within the company. I have worked in a local shop for 7 years where I Final Year Project have experience working The packaging will be with customers on the able to hold liquids and shop floor, behind tills be heat sensitive.The iniand in the deli. Working tial product will be soup, in the deli, I have comit will work by the soup pleted training courses being present in a pouch which have aided in my which is placed in a bowl, knowledge of the food in- then placed in the midustry. I also done place- crowave and heated for

Denise Healy

Work Experience Personal Profile

I have always had a strong passion for a career in the food industry as I live on a beef and sheep farm, I have experienced the farm-to-fork process firsthand. I play camogie and basketball with SETU and camogie with my local club.I am

I completed my work placement at Glanbia Soup Plant, Co Kilkenny. My job title was Quality Assurance Assistant, my roles were metal detection, internal audits, allergen & ATP swabs & presented the foreign body folder in the BRC audit. From May to July 22, I worked in Staple-

Eoin Mc Carthy

(Limerick)

ton’s Bakery, Roscrea. I covered holidays for the Quality Assurance Assistant. I completed internal audits, milk and yeast temperature checks, ingredient traceability. I work part-time in SuperValu deli and butcher counter. Final Year Project

My final year project is Brie Cheese served with Damson Chutney & Sea Salt Crackers. Damsons are high in Vitamin A, B1-3,5 & 6, C, K, E, an-

In the future, I hope to develop my own business which creates food products for those who have accessibility problems. I also hope to gain experience in many different aspects of the food industry.

tioxidants & essential minerals. Damsons help to reduce the risk of diabetes & to prevent and fight cancer cells. They grow very well here & create no air miles. Future Ambitions

I would love to go into quality, but I am open to exploring different areas in the food industry that lead me to different opportunities. I am willing to learn, experience new skills and challenges.

087 180 1444 � [email protected] �

am also a member of Cap- the milk to make sure it pamore Show society. had no antibiotics present and to make sure that the Work Experience I completed my work ex- milk was fresh. I had nuperience in Arrabawn Co- merous other tasks such as; testing skim, cream Personal Profile op in Nenagh Co. Tipand whey silos and caliI am a final year BSc perary. The job title I brating equipment. (Hons) Food Science and was given when I joined Innovation student. I am the Arrabawn team was Final Year Project passionate about food ‘milk intake technician’. The product being develNutrition along with all My main role as an intake oped is a Pancake and aspects of the agricultechnician was to take UHT milk mixture in one tural industry. I am hard- a sample of milk from bottle, but the UHT milk working and have good each milk lorry that came and pancake mixture is ICT skills. I come from into the plant, I would divided until you want it a farming background. I use this sample to test to mix. It can be mixed Page 58

Future Ambitions

087 338 3721 � [email protected] �

(Laois)

interested in cooking and baking. I foot turf during the summer.

4-5 mins. and then when it is done there will just be a bowl of soup remaining.

by removing the lid of the bottle and extracting the divider which will let the two products combine together. Future Ambitions

My plans for the future would include to complete a post graduate degree related to the dairy industry while working with a dairy processing Coop and to grow my family farm in a sustainable manner. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Isobel Carroll

(Wexford)

BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Innovation

083 823 2755 � [email protected] �

weed infused hummus for my final year project.

time in Joannes cafe, Furlongs bar and restaurant, Blackwater Open Farm Work Experience and I am currently workFor my college work place- ing part time in The John ment I worked in Bean Barry Pub in Co.WexPersonal Profile and Goose chocolate fac- ford. My name is Isobel Cartory in county Wexford Final Year Project roll. I am 22 years old for six months. In Bean Dip in the Sea is a humand from county Wexford. and Goose I was mainly mus which will be infused I am currently in my fiworking in the producwith seaweed. For my nal year of studying Food tion area but I was also project I am making fresh science and Innovation in trained in wrapping, on- hummus in the kitchens SETU Waterford. I am line sales and dispatch. and adding kelp and dilcurrently creating a seaI have also worked part lisk to it. Seaweed is

Kate Lenane

I am a hardworking and ambitious individual with a great passion for the food product development industry. I have excellent communication skills, enabling me to effectively communicate with a wide range of people. Work Experience

As part of my 3rd year work placement I was

working with a company called Wexford Home Preserves, which involved the development of various food products. My role within the company was working alongside a quality control manager that dealt with the day to day tasks such as carrying out internal audits, checking production records and carrying out safety checks on the premises and the

Kelan Doherty

(Waterford)

food products. The most enjoyable aspect of the role was working in research and development.

ing gum will contain vitamins that will promote good oral hygiene and a healthy immune system

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

The product I am creating is a biodegradable vitamin chewing gum. Chewing gum is a harmful for the environment as it contains plastic so I want to make it biodegradable. The chew-

I will be seeking a position in industry in which I can put my knowledge and experience into practice after a graduate, ultimately using the skills and experience I gained from university.

087 392 3942 � [email protected] �

I’m hard working, ambi- the steps of meat processtious and have a willing- ing due to this placement. ness to learn and develop. My college studies have also established the qualWork Experience Was a QC at Dawn Meats ity control and processes behind the main areas of Carolls Cross site for 8 Personal Profile months. I played a role in the food industry. I’m a 22 old Food Science both internal and external Final Year Project and Innovation student audits while conducting a High Calorie yogurt to asat SETU Waterford. I en- variety of quality checks sist in the dietary intake joy competing in running and tests. I have gained of individuals who strugevents and playing rugby. extensive knowledge on gle to consume enough www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

After college I hope to secure a job in an innovative company in the food industry in Ireland, where I am encouraged to use the skills and knowledge I have acquired through my degree.

087 950 3073 � [email protected] �

(Waterford) Personal Profile

packed with many nutrients including iodine. Iodine is an essential mineral needed to assist thyroid function.

calories, such as the elderly

Future Ambitions

To live a life that I am proud of. To feel genuine happiness and fulfillment in all areas. To continue to be a good honest person not only to others but also to myself. Page 59

BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Innovation

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Laura Nevin

083 821 1045 � [email protected] �

(Kilkenny)

ment, and from my time studying at SETU. Work Experience

As part of my student work placement, I worked I am 22 years old and in Walshs Bakehouse from County Kilkenny. in County Waterford. I I am currently in 4th year worked as part of the studying Food Science quality control team and Innovation. I am a which emphasised assesshighly motivated, hard ing production of quality working student, with breads in a safe manner a broad range of skills for restaurants and superand experiences from past markets all over Ireland. jobs, student work place- This placement provided Personal Profile

me with a great knowledge of the food industry at a whole new level than before. My role involved carrying out daily audits on the production floor and checking BRC certs for supplier approval.

I would love to go into new product development My final year project is to with a company as I have produce a vegan Chaste- really enjoyed the aspects berry Ice Cream specifof developing our own ically aimed at women. new food products this Chasteberry works by year. I look forward to decreasing levels of the new experiences and chalhormone prolactin, this lenges. 086 469 5715 � [email protected] �

(Wexford)

Work Experience

Ondine Ltd** (June 2022 - January 2023) PoPersonal Profile sition**: Aerial Data I am a high academic analyst Intern) Skills achiever that is driven Gained**: Analyse data by my ambition to have from surveys and produce a successful career in the reports. Co-ordinate with food and beverage indus- the wider team to achieve try. Through my degree company goals. Work I am enjoying developing intuitively to complete core skills that are intetasks and creatively solve grated in the program problems. which have ignited an ap- Aqualicense** (June-2021 preciation for key labora- - January 2022) Posi-

Sean Hennebry

(Waterford)

a continuous improvement mindset. Adaptability to different tasks is a strength of mine Personal Profile

I am a hardworking individual who can add to my surroundings. I work well in a team and have a proven ability as a strong communicator. I am motivated to learn new skills and improve as I have Page 60

Work Experience

Freezin Friesian Production & Quality coordinator • Weighing out of raw ingredients Pasteurizing and cooking raw ingredients to produce liquid ice-cream • Stock taking of raw materials,

Future Ambitions

Final Year Project

Ryan Healy tory skills and a flair for business.

helps to rebalance other hormones including oestrogen and progesterone, thus reducing symptoms of PMS, menopause & the menstrual cycle.

tion**: Environmental Consultant Intern. Skills Gained**: Competence and understanding of a wider scientific field. Collaborated on client projects. Remote Working.

calories per 100 g serving. The project provides incremental innovation to the açai market by commercialising it at a retail level.

Final Year Project

My future ambition is to gain a position that allows me to increase my current knowledge and skills while gaining increased responsibility in a market leading and innovative company.

The project aims to create a low calorie, great tasting sorbet through the utilisation of the health properties of an açai berry. The product aims to have less than 150

Future Ambitions

083 145 6849 � [email protected] � ingredients, and packaging • Daily temperature logging of fridges, freezers and holding tank • Ensuring product quality is maintained

to the ice cream which is already available. Kefir is a probiotic also contains many essential nutrients like vitamin b12 and b2 Future Ambitions

My goal entering a comI am exploring the capany would be to evolve pabilities of kefir cow’s my skills in a challenging milk as an ice cream base environment, work within instead of cow’s milk. a team, and provide effiThere are many benefits cient solutions. Within 5 to kefir milk.I aim to cre- years, I aspire to reach a ate a healthy alternative managerial position. Final Year Project

www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Shannon Boland

(Tipperary)

well both in a team environment as well as using my own initiative. Work Experience

I completed my work experience in The TipperI am a 21 year old, final ary Cheese Company. I year student studying thoroughly enjoyed my Food Science and Innotime working here as i got vation in SETU. I am a a great insight into the self-motivated, reliable, re- running of the business. sponsible and hard work- I quickly learned proceing person. I am adaptdures that were in place able to all challenging sit- to ensure that quality of uations and able to work the cheese being produced Personal Profile

BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Innovation

087 346 7311 � [email protected] � was consistent with the company’s standards such as monitoring pH levels, completing record sheets, checking the cheese for firmness/texture before packaging, ensured production lines were operating efficiently etc.

I am seeking employment with a company where I I am making Vegan Rose- can grow professionally hip Cookies as part of my and personally. I want final year project. I have to succeed in a challengchosen Rosehips because ing environment that will they continue to be unprovide me with advancederutilised even though ment opportunities. 085 229 3797 � [email protected] �

(Leinster)

Work Experience Personal Profile

I am in my forth year of my course at SETU Waterford. My experiences in the industry have shown me the process in which food/products go through in order to make them satisfactory for sale and consumption. I have

I have experience in both a primary and secondary food industry. Primary being actively working on my home beef sheep and tillage farm. My secondary working took place in Carlow Brewing Company and Tipperary co-op. In the industry I have seen the

William Walsh

(Kilkenny/Waterford) very sociable person and have always gotten on well with previous coworkers and employer. Work Experience

In my third year of this I am a driven and hardcourse I went on placeworking person who alment to Bulmers Ltd in ways gives my best efClonmel. While working fort to a situation, prothere I was able to use fessional or otherwise. I the skills and techniques work very well as part that I have learned in this of a team, while I also course to work as a useam more than capable of ful part of the team. I working by myself. I am a was tasked with conductPersonal Profile

www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

Final Year Project

Thomas Mc Donnell also been adaptable, diligent and proud to work in any setting.

they offer so many health benefits due to their high nutritional value. These cookies are 100% dairy, egg, gluten, and sugar free.

requirements and processes in which products go through to be of the highest quality. I have gained useful laboratory experience which has also heightened my keen interest to work in the food industry. Final Year Project

Brewers Spent Grain is a by product of the brewing industry and contributes to 85% of its waste. Traditionally used as cattle feed its use in the human

diet is overlooked. BSG is a rich source of fibre, protein, and phenolic compounds. When implemented into a product it will be highly desirable. Future Ambitions

Going forward I hope to enhance my knowledge of the food industry. My third year placement has heightened my interest in working in the dairy industry in a quality position.

085 219 5995 � [email protected] � ing various tests on the products produced there every day, such as different titrations, pH testing, measuring the alcohol and sugar content, and ensuring the water samples were safe for use.

acids. These compounds can have an antioxidant effect on the human body, helping to lower blood cholesterol and insulin resistance within the cells. Future Ambitions

I have applied for a masters in education for the Hibiscus is a plant found next college year. Howin tropical regions of the ever, I am still open to world, and contains bene- pursuing a career within ficial bioactive compounds the food industry if I feel such as anthocyanins, I found a job that really polyphenols, and organic interested me in. Final Year Project

Page 61

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science The aim of BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science is to provide graduates with current advanced scientific skills in areas such as DNA technology and bioinformatics, molecular biology and pharmaceutical biotechnology as well as cell culturing and pharmacology. The programme will provide graduates with the relevant expertise in biological and analytical sciences in preparation for careers in biopharmaceutical, biomedical and/or food related industries. The programme also aims to qualify students for progression to further study such as postgraduate research and/or the H Dip in Education for secondary teaching. For more information about this course, please contact Dr Nabla Kennedy at [email protected].

Projects Abbie Galgey Molecular Screening and Detection of Akkermansia Muciniphilia in Horses’ Fecal DNA Samples Using Bioinformatics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abigail Hickey The Role of Genetic Techniques in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alana Conroy Antibiotic Resistance and Its Influence on the Treatment Options for Mastitis in Bovine Animals . . . . Amie Mc Donald Analysis of the Microbial Composition of Homemade and Commercial Kefir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Clarke Canavan Disease: A Pathological Overview and Emerging Gene Therapy Treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthonia Onyinye Okpala “Glowing in the Dark”-The Applications of Fluorescent Proteins in Cell and Molecular Biology . . . . . . Aoife Dunphy Extraction of DNA from Bacillus Spores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Murphy Molecular Identification of Bovine Mastitis Pathogens from Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caoimhe Rooney Design and Validation of a Real-Time PCR Gene Screening Assay/Protocol for Therapeutic Enzyme-Based Drug Discovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Hennessy Parasite Immunomodulatory Peptides for the Treatment of Sepsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conor Smyth A Review of Specific Commercial Therapeutic Probiotics and their Related Microbial Components . . Dawid Merta The Role of Bacterial Denitrification Genes/Enzymes in the Environment and Molecular Assays to Determine their Presence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deirbhile Cruise Site Directed Mutagenesis of GLuN2B Subunits of NMDA Receptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emer Grimes The Effects of Oxidative Stress on Human Retina Pigment Epithelial Cells in Age Related Macular Degeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Evelina Ziznevska Immunomodulatory Effects of Glatiramer Acetate on Macrophages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iva Popova Testing of Different Microbiological Media for the Detection and Recovery of Microbes from Typical Cleanroom Environments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Walsh Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Royal Jelly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie Dawson The Analysis of an Insect By-catch Using Molecular Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jayne Redmond Akkermansia Muciniphila – a Potential and Promising Novel Probiotic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 62

63 64 64 64 65 65 65 66 66 66 67 67 67 68 68 69 69 69 70

www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Jordan Scholtz Genetically Modified Foods and their Molecular Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katie Finn Living Up to the Label? an Examination of the Quantity and Composition of Commercial Probiotic Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kinga Godyn Mycobiome: The Fungal Communities in Small Mammals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kirsty Godfrey Optimisation of Real-Time PCR Protocol for Nutrient Cycling Genes in Environmental Samples . . . . . Losny Nadarajan The Role of DNA Analysis in Food Authentication and Traceability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Carroll Assessment of Microbial Inoculants in Liquid Feed for Pigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nadine Gleeson CAST and CAPN as Candidate Genes for Meat Tenderness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natasha Stafford Development of a PCR-based Assay for the Detection of Mycoplasma Contamination in Cell Cultures Orla Mulcahy Microbiology of Supplementary Milk for Pigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ráichéal Donnelly The Role of Lymphoid Cells, Particularly T Cells in Sepsis-associated Acute Kidney Injury . . . . . . . . . . Roisin Kavanagh Murphy Potential Health Benefits of Irish Honey: Exploring the Antioxidant Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Select Irish Honeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shannon Behan Percival Constructing a Phylogeography of Irish Mice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shauna Mullowney Sample Condition and DNA Quality: Effect of Environmental Factors on Eurasian Otter DNA . . . . . . Sophie Bridgeman Characteristics of Radioresistant SKBR3 Cells Compared to Normal SKBR3 and Non-cancerous HEK293 Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie Tobin Expression of NMDA Receptor Subtypes in HEK293 Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tomas Hennessy Mammal Microbiomes; Trends in the Gut Microbiota of Small Mammals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valeriya Lopanitsyna Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Tolerance and Accumulation Used by Seaweed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wiktoria Bzdok The Role of Macrophages in Sepsis-associated Acute Kidney Injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoe Hudson The Genetic Diversity of Red Squirrels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Abbie Galgey

(Waterford)

hard to answer any and all questions.

71 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 74 75 75 75 76 76 76

086 153 0682 � [email protected] �

I then intern trained new staff members. I was very grateful to be given Work Experience the opportunity to learn In my third year I was about the quality side of giving the opportunity Personal Profile to undergo a nine-month the pharmaceutical indusI am a firm believer in placement in Q1 Scientific. try. that if you love your job, Here I spent the duration Final Year Project you’ll never work a day in understanding stability My final year project is your life. I have always storage of pharmaceutical using bioinformatics in loved biology and believe products. Throughout my the analysis of the gut miasking questions is one of time in Q1, I completed crobiome of Equos. I am the greatest strengths one training programmes reparticularly interested in can have. I see myself as garding quality systems looking at Akkermansia a team player who works and ICH guidelines which muciniphilia in the gut www.wit.ie/science

70

microbiome of both humans and horses. I hope to analyze samples and compare and contrast the results and functions. Future Ambitions

I have been fortunate to grow in a time where more and more women are entering the STEM community. I hope I can be an inspiration for disabled people to feel included in the community. Page 63

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Abigail Hickey

086 452 9452 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

extensive knowledge in the area of science. Work Experience

I worked in the EPA for 8 months during my 3rd Personal Profile year work placement. I I am an enthusiastic and was based in Kilkenny as hardworking student that a water laboratory anahas a keen interest in bio- lyst. Some of my duties pharmaceutical science included laboratory analand ecology. Studying at ysis and data processing SETU has been enjoyable as well as logging and proand has allowed me to cessing samples. I worked gain valuable skills and within quality manage-

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

ment systems and under the laboratory’s ISO14001 and ISO17025 accreditations.

netic information. This is used to make informed decisions for species conservation.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

I will examine the role I aspire to work in enof genetic techniques in vironmental science or wildlife ecology and con- ecology and wildlife conservation using badger servation either in Ireland DNA to carry out a geor abroad. I would like netic workflow. This topic to return to education intrigued me as these to complete a masters in techniques can be used Ecology and Conservato obtain a species’ getion.

Alana Conroy

083 835 5000 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

laboratory skills over the last four years.

ship with Sanofi. Here I worked in the Quality Systems department. I was Work Experience part of the team working Since 2017, I have worked toward paperless systems. Personal Profile part time in a busy phar- I was grateful to get exI am a fourth year stumacy in Waterford. In perience working within dent studying toward a the six years of working industry. BSc (Hons) in Molecular here I have gained comBiology with Biopharma- munications skills, learned Final Year Project ceutical Science. I am to work well under presMy project focuses on hardworking and have al- sure in a fast-paced envi- research into finding always had an interest in ronment and love workternative therapies to science, specifically bioling as part of a team. As treat mastitis causing ogy. I really enjoy labpart of my third year pathogens S. aureus and oratory work and have work placement, I was E. coli. With the rising enjoyed learning various granted a 9 month intern- concern of antibiotic re-

Amie Mc Donald this sector thoroughly interesting and the impact biopharmaceuticals have on humans amazes me.

shift work. I previously worked in healthcare and I believe that is where my love for biology grew.

Work Experience

Final Year Project

I have previously worked I developed a keen inter- for the company Waters est in Biology during sec- in Wexford. I completed ondary school. I chose a three month internship biology for the leaving within this company and, cert and, after studying although the company the subject, I decided to is not biology-based, it further develop my educa- allowed me to gain knowltion in this subject. I find edge into lab-based and Page 64

Future Ambitions

I hope to complete my degree to the best of my ability. I aim to work within the biopharmaceutical industry in a career where I will continue to expand my knowledge and passion for science each day.

083 192 8586 � [email protected] �

(Wexford)

Personal Profile

sistance, more bacteria are becoming resistant to commercial antibiotics, therefore, research is necessary into alternative treatments.

I decided to base my project on the microbial composition within the beverage kefir. The health impact that microbes can have on people thoroughly interests me. During my project I am thoroughly analysing the

various microbes within the beverage and the mainly positive effects that they provide. Future Ambitions

I am hoping to further develop my education and I have a particular interest in immunology and food. I aspire to work in the molecular biology industry and also have an interest in the health side. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Amy Clarke

085 742 0705 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

tions to the ever-changing world of science, bring it on!

of patient samples for CRE, VRE, MRSA, STI’s, UTI’s, wound infections, enteric infections, Covid Work Experience 19 and flu. I have gained I’ve been working in the a lot of confidence workPersonal Profile microbiology lab in Uniing in a lab from this exI’m Amy, a 4th year versity Hospital Waterperience that will stay Molecular Biology student ford over a year. I did my with me. at SETU. I’m beyond ex- placement here for three cited to move on and be- months and after, I was Final Year Project gin what I hope to be a offered a full time summer My project is focusing very successful career as job as a lab aide and then on the human aspa gene, a scientist! I am enthusi- a weekend position when which when mutated astic and ambitious, and I went back to college. causes Canavan disease. I feel like I’m fully ready I have mainly worked The gene is being isolated to make my own contribu- on set-up for screening from an E.coli cell and

Anthonia Onyinye Okpala

(Dublin)

and individually through my final year project. Work Experience

Personal Profile

I am a hardworking student who is always willingly to learn and take on new challenges. During my four years in SETU, I have gained experience in working as part of a team

I completed a four-month work placement in ALS Life Sciences in Clonmel as a Laboratory technician in my third year. My role was to set up the Pathogen lab before tests, label petri dishes for enumerations and pathogen tests, and test a variety of samples for the presence

of Salmonella. Previously, I volunteered as a Sunday school assistant where I gained experience in teamwork and leadership.

Work Experience

I am currently in my 4th year of the Level 8 Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science degree. This degree has greatly fuelled my curiosity and I have developed a strong interest in Microbiology. I consider mywww.wit.ie/science

I completed my 3rd Year Work Placement as a QC Microbiology Intern at Sanofi Waterford for 9 months. I have been fortunate enough to carry on working in the QC Micro Department at Sanofi as a part-time Microbiologist. During my time

My plan right now is to move straight into industry and work on continuously improving my skills. In the future I would like to complete a PhD and move into research and development.

transfection and transformation while exposing me to the application of protein complementation assay.

Final Year Project

My project investigates the possibility of observing a fluorescent protein out of two non-fluorescing components in HEK293 cells. This project will permit me to build on my previous experience with

Future Ambitions

I hope to work in the biopharmaceutical industry and gain experience. In the future, I would like to pursue a master’s degree or a PhD in immunology.

083 852 1590 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

Personal Profile

Future Ambitions

083 433 9489 � [email protected] �

Aoife Dunphy self to be hardworking, passionate, and a strong team-player.

amplified by PCR and I am trialing and optimizing a random mutagenesis kit to study low, medium and high mutational frequencies on this gene.

at the company I have gained extensive and invaluable knowledge in the field of pharmaceuticals, and I greatly look forward to continuing garnering hands-on experience in the industry.

and using various different DNA extraction kits and physical methods to extract the genetic material from the spore. Future Ambitions

I aim to finish my degree in May and begin a career My Final Year Project in the biopharmaceutical centres around the extrac- industry. I hope to have tion of DNA from spores a fulfilling career where of Bacillus*. This project I can learn new skills evincludes sporulating veg- eryday in an enriching etative cells of Bacillus* environment. Final Year Project

Page 65

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Ben Murphy

(Waterford)

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

085 752 6619 � [email protected] �

a team as well as working independently.

Personal Profile

I am a 22 year old final year student studying Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science in SETU. I enjoyed my time in SETU learning different molecular techniques especially PCR, DNA isolation and Environmental Monitoring. I work well on

trained in collecting any materials that arrived on site and ensuring they Work Experience were correctly stored for I worked in Eurofins BPT later use. The time I’ve in Dungarvan for my spent in Eurofins has work placement in year shown me how to work 3 and I have continued to in a team and indepenwork there part time ev- dently. ery weekend since September. I perform environFinal Year Project mental monitoring evMy final year project inery week and I perform volves collecting a numwater testing on samber of different milk samples. I’m also trained in ples from cows on farms pouring agar plates and and using DNA isolation, plate counting. I was also PCR and DNA sequenc-

Caoimhe Rooney

(Waterford)

Personal Profile

I am an ambitious and proactive individual with a strong interest in the biopharmaceutical sector. I have gained many laboratory skills during my time in college, and I look forward to further developing these skills. I

(Waterford)

from my exposure to science in secondary school.

I hope to graduate this year and continue working in the biopharmaceutical industry where I can fully utilise the experience I learned in SETU and my work experience to benefit the industry.

present in E.coli*, with this enzyme being used in the enzymatic treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Future Ambitions

I am looking forward to further developing my skillset in the biopharmaceutical industry or in microbiology. I hope to complete a Master’s degree in a discipline related to my primary degree.

083 827 7217 � [email protected] �

executed EM testing in the cleanrooms using contact plates for quarterly Work Experience reports. It was also my For 8 months, I gained ex- duty to develop microbial Personal Profile perience in a quality role awareness training which I am final year student in Repligen Waterford. I was delivered to the site. who has, over the past 4 was involved in a range of Final Year Project years, acquired an array aspects of quality, includ- My project is on assessof vital skills for thriving ing taking on the roles ing the immunomodulain a fast-paced working of batch review/batch re- tory properties of parenvironment, including lease, raising deviation asite proteins. Sepsisgood time management, reports, CAPAs and per- induced mouse kidney attention to detail and a forming gap analyses of tissue which has been strong work ethic. My in- documentation in prep treated with the pepterest in biology stemmed for an ISO 9001 audit. I tides will be subjected Page 66

Future Ambitions

087 365 7546 � [email protected] �

can adapt to new envithis, I performed daily dironments quickly and can agnostic ELISA tests on work on my own initiathese samples for bovine tive. viral diarrhoea (BVD). This placement allowed Work Experience I completed a four month me to improve my analaboratory assistant place- lytical, social and timemanagement skills. ment in FBA Laboratories Ltd. in Cappoquin Final Year Project during the third year of My Final Year Project is my course. I was directly centered around designinvolved in preparing ing, optimising and valibovine tissue and blood dating a real-time PCR serum samples for RTprotocol for screening PCR testing. As well as the L-asparaginase gene

Christine Hennessy

ing to create a database showing the most common pathogens in the milk samples as well as any genetic variation within and between the species of pathogens.

to immunohistochemistry staining. The staining intensity of the tissues illustrate the severity of damage and inflammation. Future Ambitions

I am very open minded about where my career will take me. However, I have a keen interest in the onset and progression of disease so I may opt for postgraduate studies in these areas in the future. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Conor Smyth

(Waterford)

Personal Profile

Hi, my name is Conor. I am an aspiring scientist currently based in Waterford where I plan to build my future career in one of the many high-class pharmaceutical companies located here in the SouthEast. To those reading, I hope to one day have the

087 705 5801 � [email protected] �

pleasure of working along- posing of tested samples, side you. and entering confirmed samples into the testing Work Experience system. Reorganisation of Science based experience: laboratory logs and other 12 weeks work placement documentation to comply based in the University with safety and quality Hospital Waterford blood standards. transfusion and biochemistry laboratories. Some Final Year Project of my responsibilities in- Several commercial procluded: Performing genbiotic products will be eral lab aid duties. Enqualitatively analysed suring the smooth opera- using PCR to ascertain tion of sample testing by whether or not the prosorting new samples, dis- biotic claimed to be con-

Dawid Merta

(Waterford)

and kept the documentation organised as both physical copies and electronic folders. My biggest achievement in the inWork Experience dustry was aiding in the Personal Profile For my placement in my generation of a batch loFrom a young age I have 3rd year of the course I cating system for sample always been a hard work- have worked in Sanofi Watracking. ing individual and have terford for 6 months. As gathered many years of a QC chemist in the inFinal Year Project working in a team in var- dustry I have tested prod- In my final year project ious environments. From uct batches to ensure they the gene NirS which is these years of experience were up to standard, pre- used to catalyse the reI learnt many essential pared documentation and duction of nitrite to nitric skills, such as motivation, reagents for colleagues oxide will be analysed. A

(Wexford/Waterford)

to detail, analytical skills and interest in research.

I want to build a career that inspires my younger cousins who are interested in science to pursue it and support them as they do so, as my uncle did for me.

series of real time PCR optimizations will be completed to validate a working procedure for screening of eDNA for the nirS gene. Future Ambitions

As the college course chapter is coming to an end, I hope to open a new one working in research to develop my skills and experience. I wish to return and pursue my further studies in the near future.

087 091 9193 � [email protected] �

and culture. I had the opportunity to do a research project by creating Work Experience a static-in-vitro digestion Last year I went on an system to test a wheat Personal Profile Erasmus programme in yeast concentrate product, I have always had a keen place of an internship as I for the sustainable feed interest in STEM. This wished to further my edu- solutions company Dundegree has provided me cation in chemistry, plant yie. with unique opportunities biology and to gain addito explore the fields of ge- tional laboratory skills. I Final Year Project netics and immunology attended Hanze UniverMy final year research further. I would love to sity of Applied Science in project aims to carry out continue my education in The Netherlands. While site directed mutagenesis these fields. This course there, I got to experience of the c.1844A>T SNP has suited my attention the education, people of the GLuN2B subunit. www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

083 031 9607 � [email protected] �

leadership and time management, which helped me throughout my education.

Deirbhile Cruise

tained in the products is indeed present. Analysis will be conducted on the species Akkermansia muciniphila, Rosburia spp., and Bifidobacterium species.

The use of mutagenic primers and sequencing will allow for further research of this SNP, which has been linked to epileptic encepathologies, and its effects. Future Ambitions

In the future I would like to work in the fields of genetics and immunology. I also plan on continuing my education to develop and enhance my skillset for this industry. Page 67

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Emer Grimes

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

[email protected] �

(Waterford)

in the biopharmaceutical and ocular fields.

Personal Profile

I would consider myself a highly motivated, diligent person who quickly adapts to new challenges. I work well in a fastpaced environment with a professional manner. I am excited and enthusiastic about science, particularly

work part time in an opticians which constantly allows me to develop my Work Experience communication and orFor my 3rd year work ganisational skills. Both placement, my role was roles have shown the iman industrial engineer at portance of working on Repligen. While I enjoyed my own initiative and as lab work in college, this part of a team. gave me a great insight Final Year Project into the other roles this The project aims to incourse has to offer, like duce oxidative stress in that of manufacturing in ARPE-19 cells using LPS, the bioprocessing indusand treat them with glatitry, which I thoroughly ramer acetate, a drug curenjoyed. Since 2017, I rently prescribed to treat

Evelina Ziznevska

Work Experience

I carried out my third year work placement in I am a hard working and Pfizer Grange Castle, diligent student who alwhere I worked as part ways strives for excellence. of a technical operations I enjoy working in a fast- team and specialised paced, dynamic environ- in continuous improvement and am always up ment. I oversaw and imfor a challenge. I have plemented continuous imalways been drawn to provement projects while biology and enjoyed deworking in conjunction veloping my knowledge with colleagues to ensure on molecular biology and manufacturing is robust. Personal Profile

Page 68

Future Ambitions

I aim to begin my journey into the biopharmaceutical industry. Although I have no work experience in the field, I am eager to put the skills I have developed over the past 4 years into practice.

085 276 1761 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

beyond during my four years at SETU.

multiple sclerosis. This mimics the effects AMD has on retinal cells. Methods include a cytotoxicity assay, Griess assay, RNA extraction and PCR.

Here I gained invaluable experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, specifically in parenteral drug manufacturing. I am currently a cinema experience manager at the Odeon Cinema in Waterford.

THP-1 cell lines. This involves qPCR, DNA extraction and mammalian cell culturing along with cell culture assays such as cytotoxicity and Griess assays. Future Ambitions

I aspire to gain more experience in different areas My project investigates of the biopharmaceutical the effects of glatiramer industry. I have an interacetate, an immunomod- est specifically in biologics ulatory drug used in MS, for the treatment of rare on human macrophages diseases and mammalian with a focus on RAW and cell culturing. Final Year Project

www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Iva Popova

083 853 6723 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

ery aspect of science and have gained many skills.

Personal Profile

I am an ambitious, hardworking and highly motivated, soon-to-be Molecular Biology and Biopharmaceutical Science graduate. Throughout the duration of my course, I have gained a great interest in the science industry. I enjoy learning about ev-

the lab in SETU. I am experienced in carrying out PCR experiments, Work Experience I carried out an Erasmus DNA profiling through PCR, and have learned programme in my 3rd year which was a great ex- many microbiological, imperience and made me re- munological and analytialise that my passion lies cal techniques. within the science indus- Final Year Project try. During my Erasmus, I look forward to each I learned about biotechproject lab, as I really nology, nanobiotechnology enjoy working in the lab and aquaculture in the and gaining new skills. I University of Valencia. I am testing media such as have learned many differ- trypticase soy and potato ent skills from being in dextrose agars for the

James Walsh

Personal Profile

Based in Waterford city, I came to college to be a part of what I always had a passion for since I was a young teenager. After four years, I can say that I am adaptable, a fast learner, and enjoy working as either an individual, or as part of a greater team.

I was working in Pinewood Healthcare in Clonmel for 8 months. I worked in the QC labs with many interactions with production, and QA on a daily basis. My first job there was with printed packaging, giving me a good eye for observing faults. My main job was in Raw Materials. I was allowed to demonstrate my ability and skills to work and train

Jamie Dawson

(Wexford)

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science. Work Experience

Although I don’t have Personal Profile experience in industry, I Throughout my time in feel over the past 4 years school I found biology in college carrying out was the subject that fasci- various techniques, includnated me the most. Cur- ing PCR, gene cloning, rently I find myself fully HPLC, gel electrophorefocused on my education sis etc., has helped me to complete my degree in develop a wide range of www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

Every day I continue to work hard in order to fulfil my goal of working in the science industry. I am a highly organised, independent, dedicated and diligent individual eager to work in science.

083 808 5143 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

Work Experience

recovery of microorganisms such as Micrococcus species and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and analysing different sampling methods.

others as part of a team analyses and treatment as a student. I enjoyed with lipopolysaccharide my time in Pinewood, as for anti-inflammatory efit gave me the experiences fects. I needed in order to mature in a laboratory setting. Future Ambitions

Final Year Project

Four main tests will be performed on the royal jelly to test its properties. These tests include: free radical assay with DPPH and total phenolic content for antioxidants, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide

My time in Pinewood made me realise that my future goals are in industry. I would love to be a part of an inspired team in a lab, in the pharmaceutical sector, and inspire to be a Qualified Person.

085 787 4786 � [email protected] � knowledge and practical skills. I look forward to using these skills in the working world.

and determine its size and presence, and sequencing the DNA and BLAST analysis.

My final year project involves identifying insects by visual inspection and photography, DNA extractions, conventional PCR using universal primers to amplify the CO1 gene region, gel electrophoresis to separate the DNA

Future Ambitions

Final Year Project

I hope to further my education by going on to do a masters. I hope to do this while having the opportunity to work parttime in the microbiology or molecular sector, gaining experience. Page 69

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Jayne Redmond

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

[email protected] �

(Kildare)

to fully immerse myself and learned to resolve into anything I’m passion- issues with manufacturate about! ers. I frequently observed isolates being streaked Work Experience on plates, gram-staining, Last year, I worked as media QC checking, and Personal Profile a Microbiology Student observing bacteria, yeasts, I am a very determined, Intern in Teva Pharmaand moulds under the miambitious young woman ceuticals in Waterford for croscope. with a real passion for 8 months. Here, I was science. I love to play responsible for making football and go to the agar and broths for the Final Year Project gym, demonstrating my analysts to use and stor- My project is on probiskills such as punctuality, ing them appropriately. otics and the human gut working in a team or us- On top of this, I commu- microbiome, focusing on ing my initiative. I am nicated with other comthe bacteria *Akkermanquite outgoing and tend panies, maintained stock sia muciniphila*. Using

Jordan Scholtz

(Waterford)

open to new challenges and trying new things!

Future Ambitions

I would love to work in the molecular/micro field, and expand my scientific knowledge. Gaining some experience once qualified, furthering my studies and finding some time to travel would be a dream.

085 288 0346 � [email protected] �

and organism preparation. Prior to this, I worked as a chef assistant in a hoWork Experience tel for five years where I I’m currently employed learned many skills in a Personal Profile part-time in Eurofins very busy working enviConscientious, ambitious BPT as a laboratory assis- ronment. and adaptable would be tant in the Pharmaceuti- Final Year Project the key words I would use cal Microbiology depart- The aim is qualitative to describe myself. I be- ment after completing an screening of food samples lieve I take initiative and internship in 2021. My for the cauliflower moalso work well in a team. responsibilities include saic virus 35S promoter I have a particular inter- analyzing results of MLT, and nopaline synthetase est in the biomedical and bioburden and growth terminator, common elebiopharmaceutical areas promotion tests, selective ments in genetically modof science but I’m always enrichment, subculturing ified foods. DNA is first

Page 70

PCR and gel electrophoresis, I will determine if this species is present in a probiotic as stated on the label. If present, I will quantify it by qPCR and also perform gene cloning.

extracted from samples and conventional and realtime PCR assays are carried out to target these elements. Future Ambitions

I aspire to help others and make a difference in the world through a successful career that I love and enjoy. I wish to continue to grow and further my knowledge after completion of my degree.

www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Katie Finn

(Waterford)

083 195 7007 � [email protected] �

knowledge in microbiology ceipt and storage of sterand biopharmaceuticals. ile lyophilised products, working to a high GxP Work Experience standard, the ability to I have worked in the use Laboratory InformaQuality Control departtion Management Systems Personal Profile ment in Sanofi Waterand being trained to variAs a soon-to-be graduate, ford since January 2022. I ous SOPs. I am a highly motivated, started with a nine month hard working and enthu- internship in the QC Fill- Final Year Project siastic individual. This Finish lab and currently For my final year project, degree encompasses my work there on a part time I will investigate the keen interest in biology basis as a QC techniquantity and composition and love for investigatcian while completing of commercial probiotics ing the world around me. my studies. My experiavailable on the Irish marOver the past four years, ence in Sanofi includes be- ket in relation to the live I have gained extensive ing responsible for the re- cultures which they are

Kinga Godyn

(Carlow)

mineral concentrations. I wrote reports for multiple clients. I also prepared Work Experience I completed my third year the equipment for each work experience in JREA practical job. Environmental ConsultFinal Year Project Personal Profile ing. I gained valuable In my final year project, I am Kinga Godyn and experience, despite not I am investigated the I am in my final year of working in the lab. Most fungal species in pygmy BSc(Hon) in Molecular of my tasks involved the shrew and greater-white Biology with Biopharanalysis of nitrogen, phos- toothed shrew with bioinmaceutical Science. I phorus and other mineral formatics. Fungal DNA consider myself a hardcontents in various water will be analyzed with R working individual with a samples. I created graphs programming language. passion for science. I am to observe trends in the R programming allows to

(Waterford)

work both independently and as part of a team.

Personal Profile

I am a mature student and a passionate believer in the power of science to help people. I am a hardworking individual, dedicated to learning and applying my knowledge and skills to the best of my ability. I have a strong work ethic and am able to www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

I am excited to apply my knowledge and skills in all areas of industry from QC, QA and R&D. I hope to work with a progressive company in making a difference to patients’ lives.

085 231 8564 � [email protected] �

eager to expand my horizons and work in a team.

Kirsty Godfrey

said to contain. To do this, I will use culturedependent methods, 16S colony PCR, gene sequencing and DNA extractions.

detect patterns in DNA sequences and generate graphs.

Future Ambitions

I wish to obtain an opportunity to work within the biopharmaceutical industry after I complete my degree. I want to gain more knowledge about the industry. I hope to continue to develop my skills.

085 229 3894 � [email protected] �

QC lab. I was responsible for carrying out analysis on the finished product, Work Experience assisting with documentaDuring my 3rd year at tion and to help my team SETU, I was given the op- in any way possible. portunity to complete a 6 month QC chemist intern- Final Year Project ship in the Quality Con- My final year project trol department at Sanofi, aims to find the optimal Waterford. During my real-time PCR conditions time there, I was able to required to accurately expand my knowledge of detect target genes in varGMP and was given the ious soil samples. Techchance to observe the var- niques used in the project ious testing required in a include DNA extraction

from soil samples, conventional and qPCR, gel electrophoresis, transformation and cloning PCR products. Future Ambitions

I have a deep interest in the field of pharmaceuticals and am eager to pursue a career in this field. I am committed to learning and growing in the field, and am excited to see what the future holds. Page 71

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Losny Nadarajan

(Wexford)

course. I have a strong desire to learn new skills and knowledge. Work Experience

I completed seven months of work experience with I am a highly motivated the Coca-Cola Company. and ambitious person who During my work experican work in a team and ence, I was responsible for on my own initiative. I performing water testing obtained a broad range and calibrating instruof knowledge and practi- ments on a daily basis. cal skills throughout this I also had hands-on exPersonal Profile

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

087 992 3853 � [email protected] � perience with GC and GCMS maintenance. I gained invaluable experience working in an ISOaccredited lab, learning about quality systems, GLP and GMP.

from various white fish samples and genetically identifying the species as well as performing the DNA sequencing and determining the species.

Final Year Project

I am looking forward to pursuing a career where I can apply the skills learnt through college and also expand my knowledge and develop new skills.

My final year project focuses on DNA barcoding to identify mislabeled seafood products. This involves extracting DNA

Michael Carroll

089 611 1493 � [email protected] �

(Tipperary)

Work Experience

Microbiology Laboratory Technician at ALS LIFE SCIENCE. Duties included: Analytical testPersonal Profile ing of food/environment I am Michael, 22 years and beverage samples old, and last year I gradu- for safety and quality usated with a level 7 degree ing Dilumat. Pathogen in the same field. I loved testing using an ELISA it so much that I came screening method. Genback to graduate with a eral micro laboratory level 8 degree in molecu- practices (sample writelar biology and biopharups, sample labeling, agar maceutical science.

Nadine Gleeson

(Waterford)

fessional and laboratorybased skills. Work Experience

In my third year, I was given the opportunity to Personal Profile complete work placement I am a dependable indiin the porcine genetics vidual who takes pride in sector. I gained great her work. My admiration knowledge of different for biology has followed roles within the indusme throughout my educa- try. Some of my tasks tion. During my studies, I included data collection, have developed many pro- regulatory compliance, Page 72

Future Ambitions

plate pouring, incubation of plates, isolated/spread plating). This was a very busy environment, and fast-paced work of an analytical testing lab.

ment new batches of feed. This allows for a safety guarantee whilst fermenting as confidence is ensured when using these microbes.

Final Year Project

Fermented liquid feed is beneficial for pigs when compared to using dry feed. Many microbes are present in the feed which can be obtained as inoculants and used to fer-

Future Ambitions

Science is a key role I would like to start my career in and I feel my passion for this interest will fuel my motivation to always learn new things.

085 722 9828 � [email protected] � sample analysis and sanitation procedures. I am grateful to have been a part of a fast-paced work environment that motivated my abilities. Final Year Project

In my final year project, I will be investigating the candidate genes of CAST and CAPN and their association with the tenderness of cattle meat. This project allows for the use

of RFLP analysis and statistical analysis for the determination of the desired genetic traits. Future Ambitions

I aim to pursue my studies within the biology sector with a strong desire to focus on genetics. I would like my career to allow me to use my skills to explore my interests in animal genetic research. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Natasha Stafford

(Wexford/Waterford/Kildare) plishing tasks and working in a team or independently.

Work Experience

I have previously worked as a Microbiology Intern Personal Profile for 9 months at Horizon I am a mature student Therapeutics, Waterford with a passion for learnas part of the year 3 work ing and gaining new skills. placement for Molecular I thoroughly enjoyed my Biology in 2022, and as time at SETU Waterford a Summer Intern for 3 and have developed many months in 2021. I have skills and techniques in also worked in several difmolecular biology and mi- ferent fields including 2.5 crobiology. I enjoy work- years as a Cleanroom Oping on projects, accomerative in Integer, New

Orla Mulcahy

(Cork)

learner and very keen on developing new skills throughout my career. Work Experience

Personal Profile

They say “love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life”, and I must say, I think this statement will be a true reflection of my career as I start my full-time working life after college. I’m hard-working, a fast

I have worked in FBA labs in Cappoquin, Co. Waterford in a highpressure environment. This work mainly involved ELISA testing and logging in samples for testing. I also carried out a summer internship in Teagasc Moorepark

Ráichéal Donnelly

(Wexford)

Personal Profile

I am an enthusiastic fourth year student currently studying BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology and Biopharmaceutical science. I am 22 years old and have a keen interest in science, particularly biology. I am punctual and highly motivated to www.wit.ie/science

087 661 7767 � [email protected] �

Ross, 4 years as a Medical Secretary, 6 years as a waitress/bartender, and also as a freelance graphic designer, which I previously studied and completed as a WIT undergraduate. Final Year Project

My fourth-year project involves the development of a PCR-based assay for the detection of Mycoplasma in mammalian cell cultures using primer design and PCR optimisation. The cells will

also be assessed using direct DAPI DNA staining, SYBR green realtime PCR and touchdown PCR. Future Ambitions

I hope to work in the biotechnology or biopharmaceutical industry after I graduate from SETU Waterford, where I hope to learn new skills, expand my knowledge, and accomplish something worthwhile.

086 271 5808 � [email protected] � during the summer of 2022 where I gained experience in preparing samples for HPLC and analysing those results. I also was able to prepare media for PhD students, and I was able to write a literature review on goat milk oligosaccharides as the potential for use in baby formula. Final Year Project

My project is investigating the types of microbes

present in supplementary milk that is fed to piglets along with their sow’s milk in Moorepark. I am using culture-based and molecular techniques also. Future Ambitions

The future is not entirely clear to me yet but what I do know is that I will be in a career in science, be it working in a lab or at a desk, which I will love. That makes me excited.

087 312 6477 � [email protected] �

work. I am open to learn- new techniques and skills ing new skills and eager as well as developing my to work. own. Despite it being a team based work enviWork Experience ronment, I was given the In my third year, I was opportunity to work indegrateful to have gained six months of work place- pendently and thrived in ment at Danone in Wex- both aspects. ford. I carried out numer- Final Year Project ous tasks whilst working I am using immunohisin the physical and mitochemistry to stain seccrobiology laboratory. I tions of kidney tissues was given the opportufrom mice which have nity to test products for been induced with sepsis. one of the most vulnera- The CD3 T cell marker ble consumers. I learned will be identified and

stained where a primary and secondary monoclonal antibody can be added to determine the effect of sepsis on acute kidney injury in mice. Future Ambitions

On completion of my degree, I would like to pursue a career in microbiology. However, I am keen to gain experience in the biopharmaceutical industry where I can further develop my knowledge. Page 73

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Roisin Kavanagh Murphy

087 185 6247 � [email protected] �

(Wexford)

and how it plays key aspects in life.

Personal Profile

As a fourth year student I have learned and gained many scientific skills throughout my studies at SETU. I am an ambitious and motivated student with a keen interest in microbiology. I have always had an interest in biology

for one year in Kilkenny. This gave me a great insight into the distribuWork Experience While in secondary school, tion of medication which I worked part-time as an helped me to apply what we had already learned OTC assistant in my loand broaden my knowlcal chemist. Since then, edge on the subject. I have worked part-time as a bartender in a pub Final Year Project in Enniscorthy which I I’ll be determining the anthoroughly enjoy as I am tioxidant properties and an outgoing person. I per- antimicrobial activity of formed my work placeheather, ivy, and manuka ment which was required honey on RAW 264.7 as part of my course in a macrophages and on difpharmaceutical warehouse ferent gram-positive and

Shannon Behan Percival

(Kildare)

constructing a phylogeography of field mice from various counties across Ireland. Work Experience Personal Profile

I am really enthusiastic about entering industry and am keen to do so after my degree. I enjoy anything and everything about science and nature and am currently doing my Final Year project on

I completed the L7 degree in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceuticals which unfortunately did not include working in industry, but I have been employed since 2016 across various areas including the pharmaceutical sector, retail

Shauna Mullowney

(Waterford)

gram-negative bacteria. This involves performing different lab based assays and determining the physiochemical properties of honey. Future Ambitions

Once I qualify, I aspire to work and gain further experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. I may in the future return to education to complete a masters in medical microbiology or a field alike.

083 810 1258 � [email protected] �

and bar work. I consider myself to have a great work ethic and have had no issues working alongside my studies.

the origin of each sample and the variations in their D-loop mitochondrial regions.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

My project currently consists of 25 samples from field mice collected from around the country. I aim to extract DNA, and amplify it using a specific PCR to ultimately allow bioinformatics to show

It would be great to enter the Molecular Biology and Biopharmaceuticals industry as soon as possible to gain some experience and further my skills. I would love to find a role I enjoy and progress.

085 257 9991 � [email protected] �

spare time I enjoy playing, coaching, and watching soccer and walking my dogs.

an integrated lab envivironmental factors on ronment in which all lab the quality of DNA obdata was connected and tained from samples to accessible. This will save improve otter conservaa lot of time and money tion through genetics Work Experience Personal Profile During my placement at during testing. I also got the opportunity to learn I am a hardworking per- TEVA pharmaceuticals Future Ambitions son who is eager to learn. I was a key member in a basic skills in both the I hope to finish my degree micro and quality control to the best of my ability I would consider myself team that was newly esa team player with good tablished when I started (QC) labs. and gain experience in communication skills. I my internship. The team Final Year Project industry, hopefully lab have always been fasciwas set up to carry out My project aims to non- based. I would love to nated by biology with a a project to computerise invasively monitor the work abroad to gain an particular interest in envi- testing processes in the Eurasian otter and exinsight as to how things ronmental science. In my lab. This project created amine the effects of enare done internationally. Page 74

www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Sophie Bridgeman

(Waterford)

087 269 6632 � [email protected] �

HPLC, PCR and Mammalian cell culturing

tle West Co. Limerick. Last year I was awarded the Source Bioscience Work Experience award for excellence in I have been working since the Undergraduate BiI was 16 and currently ology Research project, Personal Profile work in the Mustard Seed troubleshooting transforI am a hard-working and House Hotel. Here team- mation protocol for Venus passionate person when it work is vital and perform- N and C Zipper. comes to science and my ing under pressure. I also work in the lab. I strive worked in the retail secFinal Year Project to do my best but also tor at Harvey Norman. I My final year project is learn from my mistakes. am also very capable of looking at radioresistant In my last four years in working independently, SKBR3 and how they beWIT studying I have ex- as I also worked in the have differently or simiperience working with revenue office of Newcas- larly to non-radioresistant

Stephanie Tobin

(Carlow/Waterford)

of probiotics by qPCR, antimicrobial testing, measuring of histology Work Experience slides, DNA extraction, I have experience workand next-generation sePersonal Profile ing as a research assisquencing analysis of the I am a hard-working, am- tant and where I was 16S and ITS rDNA rebitious individual and awarded the Summer Stugions. who is always looking to dent Placement Scholexpand my knowledge arship from Applied Mi- Final Year Project in the science sector, escrobiology International. My final year project fopecially in microbiology I was involved in three cuses on the expression and molecular medicine. separate projects where I of various NMDA recepI apply proven organisa- contributed by carrying tor subunits in HEK293 tional, communication, out temperature tolerance cells, and blocking receptime-keeping and multiand moisture analysis ex- tor action using a drug tasking skills to my work, periments, enumeration called APV to prevent

(Waterford)

working in groups or by myself.

My goal is to go into research in molecular Biology area or Biomedical area. I would love to explore all the areas of molecular biology and go out into the workplace once I finish in May.

cell death. This will allow the observation of the interaction between different NMDA receptor subunits.

Future Ambitions

Upon completion of my degree, I hope to further my education by completing a research master’s or PhD and join a Research and Development team so I can continue researching areas that interest me.

085 806 2192 � [email protected] �

Monomers using FTIR. Performed Validation on new FTIR equipment and Work Experience Orion II water sanitizaFor my third year stution unit. I also archived dent work placement I Personal Profile worked in the quality con- old test results. I feel like working in quality gave I am currently studying a trol labs in Bausch and me a lot of experience in level 8 Molecular Biology Lomb, Waterford. My proper lab practice. with Biopharmaceutical duties included Water Science course in South Sampling and Testing for Final Year Project East Technological Uniconductivity, pH, sanitiI am comparing the gut versity. I am also working zation, and Total Organic microbiota of the invasive part time as a bartender Carbon (TOC). Testing Greater White-toothed and enjoy working with of Raw materials such Shrew and the native people. I am also used to as Lid stock, Resin and Pygmy Shrew. This is to www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

085 112 2513 � [email protected] �

and can work in a team or individually.

Tomas Hennessy

cancer cells and noncancerous cells. Various assays are utilized to do this namely migration/invasion, scratch assay, and colony formation.

see if there are any differences major differences in the gut microbiomes that make the invasive species more adaptable to their new environment.

Future Ambitions

I am currently looking at postgraduate courses in biology. After I complete my masters I will be looking to pursue a career in industry. Page 75

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Valeriya Lopanitsyna

085 131 7074 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

molecular ecology, especially since beginning my project. Work Experience

For my 3rd-year work placement, I worked I am a hardworking and with Circular Thinking curious student. I enjoy Solutions, which is a learning new things and small business concerned I always try to challenge with helping small and myself. I am a very cremedium-sized businesses ative person and I have to address climate change always had an interest in and embrace a circular biology. I am particularly economy. As an environinterested in the sector of mental consultant intern, Personal Profile

Wiktoria Bzdok

(Tipperary)

Work Experience

I have completed work experience in ENIL, France. Throughout working in ENIL, I have gained anPersonal Profile alytical and microbiologI am an optimistic, hard- ical skills by monitoring working and a passionlactic acid fermentation ate student. My main levels and the efficiency interests involve travelof bacterial strains in ling, animals and health. milk samples using HPLC I really enjoy discovering chromatography. I have and learning new things gained great manageeveryday with great inter- ment and planning skills est in biological science. through working with

Zoe Hudson

(Wexford)

have always enjoyed science ever since secondary school. I am eager to have a great career in the future.

my work consisted of carrying out research into environmental issues concerning businesses in Ireland. I researched the topics of climate change, circular economy, climate risks and opportunities with a focus on the agricultural sector.

Future Ambitions

I am excited to see where I will find myself working next year or in a few Final Year Project years’ time. I am interFor my project, I am ex- ested in laboratory and ploring how seaweed can research work and I am tolerate pollutants, such hoping to gain a wide vaas toxic heavy metals, in riety of skills in the fuwater. During the project, ture.

087 638 8731 � [email protected] � anaerobic species that require longer incubation periods. I have used a statistical approach throughout my work, showing significance in my research.

observation of the tissues that are HDM-treated, untreated and controls to observe effectiveness of HDM peptides in protection during sepsis

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

Study on the Immunomodulatory properties of parasite derived HDM molecules on CLPinduced sepsis kidney tissues. Use of Immunohistochemistry techniques for

I would like to discover different aspects of biology. In the future, I’m aiming to study immunology in further detail focusing on human autoimmune disease studies.

087 173 3458 � [email protected] �

products, working in a glove box, and preparing them for shipment. I really enjoyed my time here and I also learned about the importance of qualPersonal Profile Work Experience ity and organisation. I’ve My name is Zoe Hudson I completed work placealso dealt with customer and I am a final year stu- ment in Waters Technolo- service and working in a dent studying science gies in which I performed high pressure environment at SETU. I am a hardhousekeeping duties, ofin my job as a waitress in working student, eager fice work like ordering Aldridge Lodge. to learn and someone and research, and I also Final Year Project who always strives to be worked in the manufactur- My final year project inpunctual and efficient. I ing area creating various volves the extraction of Page 76

I will be applying DNAbased techniques to monitor the expression of a protein in response to copper.

DNA from collected red squirrel hair samples and this DNA will then be amplified using PCR and sequenced. These samples will then be compared. Future Ambitions

In the future, I would love to have a fulfilling career within the biopharmaceutical industry. I would also consider furthering my education with a Master’s degree. www.wit.ie/science

Departmental Awards — Biology

Nicole O’Connor Cullen receiving first prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Biology Research, proudly sponsored by Eurofins and presented by Jean Keating.

Sophie Bridgeman receiving first prize for Excellence in Level 7 Undergraduate Biology Research, kindly sponsored by Source BioScience and presented by Lydia McGovern.

Zak Dunphy receiving the Environmental Science Association of Ireland Undergraduate of the Year award, presented by Dr Audrey Hearne.

Some of the Biology staff at the SETU launch in May 2022.

Dr Lee Coffey (Established Research award) and Prof. Gillian Gardiner (Research Supervisor award) among the winners at the SETU Research Excellence Awards.

www.wit.ie/science

Page 77

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

The BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science is a four year full-time honours degree aimed at preparing graduates for the pharmaceutical industry. Students will be exposed to a broad range of subjects and laboratory instrumentation relevant to the pharmaceutical industry. A research project is also carried out in year 4. The course also provides graduates with a range of transferable skills so that graduates are qualified for a wide range of science-based industries. For more information about this course, please contact Dr Claire Lennon at [email protected].

Projects Aimee Duggan Study of Enzymes Having Potential for the Biodegradation of Plastic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alannah Turner Method Development of Chromatographic Analysis of Ibuprofen, Paracetamol and Caffeine . . . . . . . . . . Arunas Jag Extractables and Leachables Analysis of Pharmaceutical Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ciara Kilcawley The Use of Deep Eutectic Solvents in Transdermal Drug Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emma Kearney Extraction and Application of Nanocellulose for Potential Use as an Excipient in Nasal Spray Drug Formulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Hall An Updated Systematised Review of Existing and Emerging Handheld and Mobile Devices Used in the Global Fight Against Counterfeit Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kian Byrne Transdermal Drug Delivery of a Model Protein Such as Insulin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leon Neoh The Applications of LC-MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tomiwa Shotade Improving the Solubility of Ibuprofen Drug Substance for Enhanced Drug Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebecca Daly Investigation of Greener Solvents in Organic Reactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Brennan Production of Nanoparticles Using Surfactant Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tze Shyuen Lim Analysis of Commercially Available CBD Oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Xhemajl Xhokli Review of Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Method Development with Comparison to HPLC . . . .

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www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Aimee Duggan

(Waterford)

team. I do not shy away from leadership roles and work well in this position. Work Experience

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

085 731 3297 � [email protected] � very closely with was the development of new products. In this area I created important documents such as moulding plans and worked with the validation team and also in the manual test builds of the products.

In my work placement last year from January A hard working individual 2022- August 2022, I known to be able to take worked in Jabil Healthmy own initiative. I am care. The role I had was also very creative and am a quality engineer. In Final Year Project always thinking of new this role I worked closely To investigate if there are ideas and new ways to with every department to microorganisms present do things. I thrive when ensure product quality, in the environment that working either individsafety and efficacy. One have developed the ability ually or as a part of a particular area I worked to naturally breakdown Personal Profile

Alannah Turner

In my nine month work placement in Teva Pharmaceuticals’s QC lab I broadened my underPersonal Profile standing on meeting qualI am a confident, assertive ity specifications for each hard worker. I enjoy product on the market. working in both a teamI learned about the imwork environment and portance of data integrity, also on my own initiawitnessed a HPRA autive. I have gained vardit and calibrated instruious skills like trouble ments. shooting and working in a I worked as a bartender fast-paced, high pressure gaining experience such environment. as conflict resolution and

Arunas Jag

(Waterford)

environments alone or as part of a team.

working quickly but accurately in a fast paced environment. Prior to this, working as a housekeeper in a hotel taught me efficiency and attention to detail.

In the future I hope to work with a team in a pharmaceutical lab. I would aspire to become part of a formulation testing team.

formulation. This test method will then be validated, along with degradation products determination. Future Ambitions

To enter into research & Final Year Project development and expand Using Reverse-Phase my expertise to biopharHPLC, I am developing maceuticals in a few years and optimising a cost ef- given appropriate trainfective method for the de- ing. I also hope to apply termination of Paraceta- my knowledge on quality mol, Caffeine and Ibupro- management in the fufen in a pharmaceutical ture. 085 108 2867 � [email protected] �

documentation for pharmaceutical products, and communicating with colWork Experience leagues in Ireland and the I worked as part of the international markets to Regulatory Compliance team at Teva Pharmaceu- comply with changing legislation and specifications. Personal Profile ticals Waterford. I was I am a dedicated and trained to be proficient in Final Year Project hardworking person with the use of electronic data The aim of my project is a passion for science. I management systems and to perform a controlled am studying pharmaceuti- maintaining data integrity. extractables screening cal science to pursue this I had the opportunity to study for pharmaceutical interest and develop my be a part of a hard work- polymer components to skills. I am accustomed ing and dedicated team identify potential leachto working in challenging maintaining regulatory ables. This involves the www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

083 096 5794 � [email protected] �

(Ireland)

Work Experience

PET plastic. Five samples of soil are taken from around Waterford and will be enriched and fed PET, then analysed by HPLC AND SEM to detect biodegradation.

use of a range of solvents to obtain semi volatile extracts from product components followed by testing via GC-MS. Future Ambitions

In the future I hope to apply my education and skills by working in the pharmaceutical industry. I am open to developing new skills and gaining new experiences in the scientific field. Page 81

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Ciara Kilcawley cooking and love trying out new recipes. Work Experience

I was on work experience in MSD Carlow in the Quality department. I Personal Profile was involved with the InMy name is Ciara Kilcaw- strumentation and Sysley and I am final year tem teams. I helped with pharmaceutical science general lab maintenance student. I love to keep fit duties, flushing HPLCs and healthy by going to prior to use for the labthe gym, swimming and oratory analysts and asby walking on the green- sisted in a HPLC general way. I have a passion for maintenance 6 month

Emma Kearney

085 755 8773 � [email protected] � check. I updated documents such as SOPs, Work Instructions and charts. I have used LIMS to update results such as COAs and cleaning schedules. Final Year Project

To synthesise and use Deep Eutectic Solvents to increase the solubility of poorly soluble drugs examples curcumin and Ibuprofen. Deep Eutectic Solvents are forms of new

(Waterford)

college, I fill my time with reading or music.

the optimum % concentration of nanoparticles that displays favourable characteristics in terms of plume geometry and viscosity in aqueous nasal spray solutions. Future Ambitions

I love learning new things and hope to work in research and development. I also aim to complete a masters in biotech at a later stage, after gaining work experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

085 735 8082 � [email protected] �

the lab, I assisted the QC, Components and Raw Work Experience Materials teams with I completed my work ex- daily tasks, I updated perience in Teva Waterreports for the managePersonal Profile ford, where I was based ment team, I joined the I am an honest, depend- in the QC lab for the ma- 5S meetings and assisted able, and hardworking jority of the time. Durin lab developments. learner, with excellent ing my placement I was Final Year Project communication and intrained on documentation, This systematised review terpersonal skills. I am checking batches into the looks at the literature an energetic and conscilab, sampling and FTIR on mobile and handheld entious team player, and testing. In the 8 months devices used to detect I take responsibility for I spent there, I created SSFFC drugs from 2017 confidential projects from two worksheets and imple- onwards. As it is not alstart to finish. Outside of mented them into use in ways possible to analyse Page 82

Future Ambitions

To become a QC analyst and also potentially dive a little into research in drug development and green chemistry regarding drug manufacturing.

[email protected] �

by Teva Pharmaceutistreet theatre. Other excals in my second year periences include retail of Pharmaceutical science. and customer service as part of an independent Work Experience fashion store, Primetime, Completed work placein Cork city and management as part of the Pharment of a concession store Personal Profile maceutical science course (craghoppers) in DebenI am a former artist with in the R&D formulation hams Waterford. 15 years experience in all team at Teva Pharmaaspects of theatre with ceuticals in Waterford. certification from the Gai- My former theatre credFinal Year Project ety school of acting and its include over 30 theThe aim of the project is Bow street academy. I atre performances across to extract nanocellulose was also the first awardee Ireland as well as radio (from filter paper) using of the Philip Kelly excel- performances, direction, green solvents (eutectic lence scholarship awarded stage management and solvents) and determine

Jennifer Hall

ionic liquids fitting into “Green Chemistry”. Also to examine their potential in transdermal drug delivery in the form of a patch.

these drugs using expensive, lab-based benchtop instruments, these devices are vital in the fight against counterfeit drugs.

Future Ambitions

In the future I would like to obtain a masters, preferably in analytical chemistry, and work towards formulation or drug development in the pharmaceutical sector. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Kian Byrne

(Waterford)

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

089 236 5541 � [email protected] �

a undergraduate degree in a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science in the South East Technological University.

in the lab. I am currently illnesses such as skin canemployed part-time in cer. Emerald contact centre where I help provide support to customers calling Future Ambitions in about our products. Personal Profile Work Experience I hope to undertake a I am a very open and flex- I carried out my work Final Year Project masters in biopharmaible person when it comes placement in Teva pharMy final year project in- ceuticals later on in life to new challenges and ex- maceutical R and D devolves investigating the once I have fully estabperiences in life as they partment where I had the delivery of proteins such lished myself in the pharhelp me to develop more opportunity to carry out as insulin via the use of maceutical sector and I and grow as a person. I testing on inhalers along biodegradable micronee- also hope to be able to am currently completing side experienced analysts dles to help treat different work outside of Ireland.

Leon Neoh

083 453 1888 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

well both in a team and individually. Work Experience Personal Profile

I am a young and ambitious 20-year old who is trying to establish a career in the Pharmaceutical industry. I would describe myself as someone who is always willing to take criticism in order to improve. I can work

I was a student Complaints Officer at Teva Pharmaceuticals. My daily tasks included processing intake samples for further investigation, updating SOPs using electronic document management systems and corresponding with overseas intake centres to resolve

discrepencies. During my work placement, I experienced and was involved in an HPRA audit and realised the importance of GDP and GMP working standards.

My future ambition is to establish a successful caMy project involves using reer in the industry and an Agilent 6545 LC/Qcontinually improve my TOF to analyse domoic skillsets to cater to my acid standards and shell- future roles. I hope to fish samples. Over the eventually become a Qualcourse of my project, I ified Person.

Tomiwa Shotade

Work Experience

I did my placement in Teva Pharmaceuticals Personal Profile Waterford. I was in the My name is Tomiwa Quality control departShotade. I am a final year ment. I was trained on pharmaceutical science how to update different student. I am an extroreports such as PQR, obvert in some settings!. I soleting and instrumentalove the gym and everytion reports. I was also thing fitness. I am also a trained on how to carry volunteer at team Hope. out risk assessments as I love listening to music I was part of the EHS. I www.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

Final Year Project

083 081 8416 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

and podcasts. I also love going to the cinema.

will be establishing the capability of the LC/QTOF system for detecting trace amounts of domoic acid in shellfish.

assisted with the ELN into the use of cyclodexproject, Studium project trins, polymers, and the and Chemical Segregation use of homogenizer to reproject. I learnt the imduce particle size. This portance of team work would all lead to an inand how working as a crease in the solubilizateam makes things bettion of ibuprofen ter. Future Ambitions

Final Year Project

My project is about using different methods to improve the solubility of ibuprofen for enhanced drug delivery. I looked

My future ambition is to work in a pharmaceutical company as a quality control analyst and also be given the opportunity to travel to other sites of the company. Page 83

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

Rebecca Daly

(Waterford)

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

087 602 9535 � [email protected] �

ing time in nature. I hope to meet you soon!

Personal Profile

Hello, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Rebecca, and I am graduating from pharmaceutical science this year! When I am not studying, I enjoy gardening, reading, painting, and spending time with my friends, family, and cats. I also enjoy spend-

is done. Outside of college, I have worked as a kitchen porter at the New Work Experience Ross Community HosFor my college work expital, and as a mystery perience module, I completed an 8-month intern- shopper for IPSOS MRBI ship in MSD Ballydine. I in conjunction with the NTA. worked with the instrumentation group which Final Year Project allowed me to learn a lot My research project is about how PMPV works. based around comparing Because of this, I feel that different solvent systems I am quite proficient at and how the different solworking in the lab, with a vents affect the end reteam, and doing necessary sult of the organic reacpaper work after my work tion. It is based on green

Theresa Brennan

floor in clean rooms and labs but also the other side of the industry by writing up protocols, reports and attending team meetings. This experience Personal Profile Work Experience gave me a great deal of inI enjoy keeping active by I worked as a validation sight into working in the going to the gym and intern in MSD Carlow for pharmaceutical industry. daily walks. I live on a my 8 months placement dairy farm where I help in 3rd year. I thoroughly Final Year Project out and contribute to the enjoyed my time in MSD. Using different surfactants daily tasks. I also enjoy As I got to experience to form micro-emulsions socialising with friends what it was like on the which can then be used

(Waterford)

in English,Chinese,Malay and Cantonese

to produce nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are then analysed under SEM to determine the difference in size and shape from altering the type of surfactant used. Future Ambitions

I would like to experience working and living in another country after college as I think it’s important to try and see new things.

083 801 3318 � [email protected] �

maintained Design History File (DHF) Index of different projects. I have assisted in product Work Experience shipment to hit the tarPersonal Profile Previously carried out get for product launching A curious and selfwork placement as a qualand Non-Conformance inmotivated 4th year stuity engineer in Bausch + vestigation task by data dent pursuing BSc(Hons) Lomb in 2022. As part of collection and analysis. in Pharmaceutical Science validation team, I have at SETU Waterford. I am done several tasks on Final Year Project a fast learner and able to Quality Management Sys- Cannabidiol(CBD), comquickly adapt to new en- tem: create, review and pound found in cannabis vironment. I am always update risk assessment plant,is well-known for its keen to develop new skills including PFMEA and therapeutic effects.In reand knowledge by learn- project risk management cent years, there is rapid ing new things. Fluent report. I have create and growth of CBD product Page 84

Future Ambitions

As my career develops, I would love to work in research and development. It is very important to me that I help people, and one of the best ways to do this is research life saving medicines.

085 206 9894 � [email protected] �

by going out and doing activities together. I also spend time with my family as I have 6 siblings to whom I am close.

Tze Shyuen Lim

chemistry, so the goal is to showcase that new, greener solvents (like 2MeTHF or DES) are as reliable as traditional solvents.

on market.The project focuses on developing analytical methods for CBD products on sale in Ireland to determine the label accuracy vs actual CBD content. Future Ambitions

My goal entering the company would be to gain valuable insight and experience that will help me in the future. I hope to contribute significantly to company using my skills and knowledge. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Xhemajl Xhokli

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

[email protected] �

(Waterford)

Technological University (SETU).

analyzing the results followed by completing the temperature protocol to verify that it has passed. Work Experience Also experience in followExperience adhering to ing GMP/GDP regarding Personal Profile temperature mapping My name is Xhemajl studies to verify whether stability documentation Xhokli and I am 21 years the temperature sensitive in Sanofi Waterford. old. I am highly motiarea’s meet the required Final Year Project vated and self-driven stu- standards to store prodA method development dent with experience as a ucts in Teva Waterford. will be completed to sepQA validation officer in- This was achieved by dis- arate inhaler API’s using tern and a QC stability tributing / mapping the SFC and HPLC. Once intern, currently studyloggers throughout the the method is optimized ing pharmaceutical sciarea monitoring the tem- for both the HPLC and ence (Hons) in South East perature/humidity, then SFC, a comparison will

www.wit.ie/science

be made, where the resolving power, selectivity , effect of temperature etc., will be observed, deducing which is more suitable (SFC or HPLC) Future Ambitions

My short-term goal would be to graduate college with high grades and to gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry. In the long term, I would like to complete a masters, and perhaps a PhD.

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Departmental Awards — Pharmaceutical Science

Lorcan Bardon, Sofrimar with Niamh Gunning winner of the following prize: “Undergraduate Research Project Literature Review Presentation Award”, kindly sponsored by Sofimar.

Dr Kumar Khamar, Sanofi, with Niamh Gunning winner of the following prize “Undergraduate Research Project Poster Award”, kindly sponsored by Sanofi.

Dr Kumar Khamar, Sanofi, with Niamh Doyle, winner of the following prize “Undergraduate Research Project Poster Award”, kindly sponsored by Sanofi.

Dr Graece Tan presenting Anna Kavanagh BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science with “Environmental Science Association of Ireland Undergraduate of the Year (Level 8)”, recognising students who have excelled in the area of environmental research at undergraduate level.

Dr Eleanor Owens and Jessica Howard, “Analytical Chemistry Academic Excellence Award”, awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry Analytical Division, Republic of Ireland. (Awarded to the best performing Analytical Chemistry student in year two of their programme, in recognition of their ability to contribute to this area in their future career.)

www.wit.ie/science

Page 87

Departmental Awards — Physics

Kate Murphy (year 4) being presented with the best physics project award (2022) by Kevin Fahy, Bausch & Lomb.

Angus Collison (far left), SETU PhD student recently won the prize for best presentation at the Irish Radiation Research Society (IRRS) Annual Scientific Meeting.

BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology, 2022 graduation.

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Page 89

BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology

The BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology is a four-year honours degree course, which includes a six-month work placement in industry. This is an inter-disciplinary course and provides students with an understanding of the physics underlying modern technologies such as semiconductors, optics/photonics, alternative energy, and sensor systems. It provides students with complementary skills in the areas of physics, engineering, mathematics and programming. Graduates will develop a range of transferable skills that are valued and much sought after by industry. For more information about this course, please contact Dr Claire Keary at [email protected].

Projects Ahmad Fahim Morwat Reducing Radiation Dose to Lens of Eyes During Catheterization Lab Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bartlomiej Ligas A Historical Reproduction of Eunice Newton Foote’s 1856 Experiment on the Absorption of Heat by Atmospheric Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edmund Gray Calibration of High-Resolution Gamma Spectrometry Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fintan Leech Simulation of Quantum Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malgorzata Biernacka Spectroscopic Fingerprinting of Biomolecules Using Quantitative Sessile Drop Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean O Regan Determination of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) in Environmental Samples Using High-Resolution Gamma Spectrometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ahmad Fahim Morwat

(Waterford)

Python, MATLAB, and MS Office. Work Experience

My work experience to date has all been related I am self-motivated, a to the medical field; from quick learner, and highly patient care in the wider skilled in problem-solving. community, to working I am a qualified medical as a medical doctor, and doctor and I believe in most recently as a comfacing every small or big munity swabber during challenge in life with hon- the Covid-19 outbreak. I esty and determination. I completed my work placeam proficient with comment at UPMC Hillman puter programs such as Cancer Centre in WaPersonal Profile

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90 91 91 91 92 92

083 885 3253 � [email protected] �

terford. My work was mainly involved with diagnostic scans and treatment planning for cancer patients, dose calculation, injection of radionuclides, and quality assurance checks for linear accelerators. Final Year Project

This project is being undertaken in collaboration with the Hermitage Medical Clinic (HMC) in Dublin. It requires data

collection and analysis during Cath Lab procedures in order to find the optimal shielding and tube positioning to reduce occupational radiation exposure. Future Ambitions

My aim is to graduate with a first-class honors degree and use my knowledge and experience to work and research in different areas of science and the medical field. www.wit.ie/science

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology

Bartlomiej Ligas

083 899 0216 � [email protected] �

(Kilkenny)

in software such as LabView, MATLAB and MS Office. Work Experience

Personal Profile

I am a final year student of the BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology. I have a great passion for physics and my time studying this area of science has helped me to acquire a significant amount of knowledge in a variety of areas and skills

I completed a 7 month work placement in Schivo Medical where I was assigned to the quality department. I worked as a quality engineer in the calibration section by managing the asset database, processing documentation for incoming and outgoing equipment and performing on-site calibrations. Towards the

Edmund Gray

end of my work placement, I was responsible for contacting vendors and arranging the purchase and external calibration of equipment. My role helped me greatly in developing my communication skills. Final Year Project

My research project aims to recreate, as fully as possible, Eunice Foote’s 1856 experiment on the absorption of heat by atmospheric gases, to design an experimental

there. These include operating Laboratory Management Database systems and the cleaning and maintenance proceWork Experience dures for a variety of laboPersonal Profile My third year work placeratory equipment. I am a hardworking, dili- ment took place at TEVA gent and punctual indiPharmaceuticals where I Final Year Project vidual. I can, and enjoy, worked in the Informatics My final year project is working as part of a team, and Sample Management being undertaken in colbut am also able to work departments. I learnt a laboration with the EPA on my own initiative on lot of skills that are apand consists of calibrating individual projects if replicable to many other a high-resolution gamma quired. My interests inindustries while working spectrometer at SETU

Fintan Leech

Personal Profile

I am hard-working and diligent. I work well in a team but I can also competently work on my own. I am a skilled worker who enjoys problem solving. I am experienced in Python and proficient with Labwww.wit.ie/science

Future Ambitions

My aim is to achieve a 1.1 degree and pursue a career which will allow me to make use of my existing skills and offer the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and develop new skills.

085 803 6743 � [email protected] �

volve books, video games and movies/tv shows mainly science fiction or fantasy related.

(Kilkenny)

setup which will yield reliable data comparable to Foote’s, and to situate Foote’s findings in the context of modern climate change.

using traceable standards. The gamma spectrometer is used to determine radionuclide concentrations in various environmental samples. Future Ambitions

I am most interested in working in either the engineering or physics fields after college, especially working with semiconductors or renewable energy.

085 228 8750 � [email protected] �

VIEW, MathLab and Mi- stepper units and meacrosoft Office. suring dimensions on the Scanning Electron Microscope. During my time Work Experience in Analog I also assisted I completed an 8 month with qualifying new tools work placment in Anaand new layers. log Devices in Limerick. I worked as a lithography Final Year Project process engineer where I For my project I followed spent a lot of my time in the quantum computation the fabrication lab work- physics paper by Candela ing with silicon wafers. et al (2015). I explored My work involved pattern- Duetsch’s and Grover’s ing wafers on track and Algorithms with matrix

implementation, quantum simulations and also real quantum computers from IBM. Future Ambitions

Once I have completed my degree, I hope to get a job in the semiconductor industry where I can apply the skills and knowledge I have learned. I also wish to follow my passions and travel when I can. Page 91

BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Malgorzata Biernacka

[email protected] �

(Waterford)

and can work effectively alone or in a team.

Personal Profile

I have always had a passion for mathematics and problem solving, which led me to study physics. The physics degree course has greatly developed my critical thinking, decision making and problem solving abilities. I have excellent communication skills

tracted data and to model the system’s performance. I also characterised lasers Work Experience and LEDs, soldered comI completed an 8-month ponents onto evaluation work placement in the SensL Division of onsemi kit boards and completed electrical testing of silicon in Cork. My work involved assembling LiDAR photomultiplier parts. demonstration modules, Final Year Project electrical circuit building, I will use a system based aligning the system optics on a UV-Vis spectromeand completing system ter and optical fibres to ranging tests. I built a determine the path length Python platform to auto- of light through a sessile mate analysis of the exdroplet, by quantitatively

Sean O Regan

Work Experience

In 2022 I completed my work experience in the I am an enthusiastic and metrology group of the diligent worker who would R&D department in be a key asset in any com- Bausch and Lomb. I was pany requiring teamwork tasked with operating and analytical thinking. multiple measurement sysI am reliable and can tems, performing calibrawork independently, betion checks as well as muling an exceptionally self- tiple studies or protocols. motivated person. It is I also wrote several protono surprise that I enjoy cols and reports based problem solving given my on data collected durPersonal Profile

Page 92

Future Ambitions

I hope to pursue a career where I can practically apply the knowledge acquired during this course to contribute to solving real-life problems in industry.

085 860 2515 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

strengths in maths and physics.

analysing biomolecule samples by the drop spectroscopy technique. I will benchmark the system’s capabilities and determine its limit of detection.

ing my placement. I attended and contributed to weekly MS Teams meetings where ongoing R&D projects were discussed and I gave several presentations at these meetings.

detector and the use of GammaVision for analysis. Correction factors are generated to optimise results.

Final Year Project

I aim to achieve a 1.1 degree within my current course. I would like to do a masters degree in engineering and I envision myself as a vital team member in any semiconductor or medical device company.

This project is carried out in collaboration with the EPA. Methods are developed to sample, prepare, and analyse environmental samples using gamma ray spectrometry. It involves calibration of the

Future Ambitions

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Research Postgraduates (MSc and PhD)

South East Technological University (Waterford) has a thriving postgraduate community participating in both taught and research programmes to Masters and PhD level. There are currently over 50 postgraduate students registered on research programmes between the Department of Land Sciences and the Department of Science. The Institute has created a research and innovation ecosystem bringing together researchers, students, entrepreneurs and established companies focused on ensuring that our research activities are internationally benchmarked, strategic and economically relevant. Industry plays an important partnership role in the development and operation of our research strategy. We have focused our resources on building centres of research excellence in areas which are strategically important for Ireland and the SouthEast region. These include Bio-Pharma, Communications Networks and Mobile Services, Advanced Manufacturing and Eco Innovation in the Land Sciences. The excellence of our research activities has enabled us to develop strategic partnerships with global industrial leaders and indigenous High Potential Start-Ups creating real economic benefit. For more information please contact the Research Support Unit at [email protected]. Profiles from a selection of our current postgraduate students are given below.

Projects Adam Stead Alter-rurality: Interpreting and Mediating Agricultural Practices and Narratives Through the Visual arts. an Analysis of How Interdisciplinary Collaborations Can Enrich Perceptions of Farming . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angus David Collison Radioactivity in the Irish Coastal Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Cullen Microbial Profiling of Liquid Feed for Pigs and the Impact of Strategies to Optimise Feed Microbial Quality on the Feed and Pig Gut Microbiome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Drohan Design and Construction of Bacterial-based Molecular Communication Systems for Agri-targeted Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Owen Cashman Lowering the Carbon and Ammonia Footprints of Pasture Based Dairy Production in Ireland . . . . . . . . Saoirse Casey-Power The Development of Nanoparticle Formulations for the Intraocular Delivery of NAD+ in the Preventative Treatment of Ocular Diseases of Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah May Kernaghan Green Synthesis of Beta-hydroxy Ketones Using Biocatalysis in Batch and Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tapiwa Zengeza Identifying and Quantifying Limitations to Oat Yield Under Irish Conditions (QUIC Oats) . . . . . . . . . . Thomas McCarthy Potassium Fertilisation Strategies and Soil Fertility to Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Irish Grasslands Yahaya Jebril Amanor The Impact of Soil and Grassland Management on Plant-microbial Interaction That Mediate Soil Organic Matter Mineralisation and Nitrogen Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Research Postgraduates (MSc and PhD)

Adam Stead

[email protected] �

(Ireland/United Kingdom) discourses involving multi- veloped, designed, particple stake-holders. ipated in and led workshops, exhibitions and Work Experience creative cultural exchange I have a broad range of projects internationally. Personal Profile experience working in For more info please see: I’m a practising artist academia where I am adamstead.co.uk/artistwith a background in currently an assistant cv/ contemporary art. My lecturer in Art (SETU work is centred on adWexford) and I have held Final Year Project dressing current chalboth teaching, technical My research quantifies lenges and perceptions and guest lecturing poand establishes the posiregarding modern agricul- sitions at Universities tive impact that creative ture and food production. and Technical Institutes practitioners in Ireland I often engage in crossin both Ireland and the for the agricultural sector. disciplinary collaborations United Kingdom. In ad- Creative Practitioners to address rural/urban dition to this I have deoffer practical and imag-

Angus David Collison in Dublin, with the radiometrics team of the Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring. Personal Profile

I graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2022 with an MSci in physics. I am currently a full-time PhD student for SETU within the ERRG. I am based at the EPA

Work Experience

While an undergraduate I volunteered at Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum, where I organised digital records and worked in various roles in a team with diverse

James Cullen

inative alternative solutions for farmers whilst enabling discussion and promoting change. See: adamstead.co.uk/phdresearch/ Future Ambitions

I would like to continue my research and enquiry into the rural/urban discourse concerning agriculture working both with creative practitioners (artists) and stake holders within the agri-foods sector

083 134 1661 � [email protected] �

backgrounds. I was also involved in radiation protection at the site, ensuring that exhibits and donations were within safe dose rate limits.

els of natural radioactivity. Samples have been analysed with a HPGe detector and select samples analysed for Po-210 with alpha-spectrometry.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

My project’s main aims are to provide an update on the levels of artificial radionuclides in the Irish coastal environment and to establish baseline lev-

I wish to expand my understanding of environmental monitoring and radiation protection and to continue within, as well as expand the field.

[email protected] �

(Wexford)

animal science, microbiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics. Work Experience Personal Profile

I obtained a BSc in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science from SETU Waterford (WIT) in 2018, and I am currently a final year PhD student working on a multi-disciplinary project which involves www.wit.ie/science

After my degree, I spent a year in the food industry as a microbiology analyst and supervisor. This experience helped me to develop strong leadership, communication and technical skills. During that time, I also carried out a microbiology research

internship, where I continued on work from my fourth year project with an industry partner, before starting my PhD project in 2019.

feed and gut microbiomes. The project is in collaboration with Teagasc and was funded by WIT and the IRC.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

The project involves using next-generationsequencing to profile the bacterial and fungal microbiota of liquid feed for pigs, and to assess the impact of different optimisation strategies on the

I look forward to applying the broad range of technical and transferrable skills that I have developed throughout my PhD to new and existing challenges in the biological sciences. Page 95

Research Postgraduates (MSc and PhD)

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Jennifer Drohan 2020. I am particularly interested in the areas of genetic engineering and synthetic biology.

storage facility logging samples at various environmental conditions. I have also delivered labs for the Protein Chemistry & Enzymology module of the Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science programme at SETU Waterford.

Work Experience

I carried out work experience in the summer peI am a VistaMilk SFI re- riod of 2019 at Source search centre-funded PhD Bioscience, Tramore, Co. student based in PMWaterford. During this BRC, SETU Waterford. time I assisted in the I graduated from the BSc preparation of DNA sam(Hons) in Molecular Biol- ples for Sanger sequencogy with Biopharmaceu- ing. I was also fortunate tical Science programme to have gained some exat SETU Waterford in perience in their stability Personal Profile

Final Year Project

The main aim of this project is to design and construct a molecular communication system using engineered bacteria

Owen Cashman farming and the environment. I am dairy farming in partnership with my parents in Cork.

the livestock section of the paper. Covering topics across the dairy and beef sectors. In January of 2019 I travelled to MisWork Experience Previous work experience souri and worked on a Personal Profile undertaken during my un- grass based dairy farm for six months. My Name is Owen Cash- dergraduate degree: In man. I am from Glanmire June of 2018 I completed Co. Cork I. I graduated an internship with the Final Year Project from UCD with a degree Irish farmers Journal ed- My PhD project based at in Agricultural Science in itorial team. During this Solohead research farm 2020. I began my PhD time I wrote articles for had the objective of lowprogramme with SETU in print and online content ering green house gas and September 2020. I have for the news desk of the ammonia emissions using a keen interest in dairy Irish farmers journal and commercially available

Saoirse Casey-Power

I have worked as both an Assistant MicrobiolPersonal Profile ogist and Technical SerUpon graduating with a vices Analyst at Bausch first-class honours degree and Lomb and EirGen from the BSc (Hons) in Pharma, respectively. Pharmaceutical Science I gained invaluable excourse at WIT in 2019, I perience in the areas of was awarded a PhD schol- microbiology, analytical arship to conduct research chemistry, method develwithin the Ocular Thera- opment and validation, peutics Research Group interdepartmental collabin the area of nanomate- oration and good docuPage 96

I hope to use my time throughout this PhD project to gain as much knowledge and wet lab experience in the field of molecular biology.

technologies. These technologies included; clover, protected urea, low emissions slurry spreading and high genetic merit animals using the EBI. Future Ambitions

After my PhD I plan to take more responsibility on the family farm in Glanmire, while also keeping opportunities for off farm employment open in the area of sustainability and lowering emissions.

083 157 2342 � [email protected] �

(Waterford)

Work Experience

Future Ambitions

086 215 2458 � [email protected] �

(Cork)

rials for the treatment of diseases of aging.

which can send and receive information signals. This work is intended for agri-targeted applications such as smart drug delivery, smart diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

mentation practices. I have adapted such skills to align with the goals of my PhD research whilst developing new skills in *in vitro* cell studies, *ex vivo* tissue models, and materials characterisation.

ucleotide (NAD+) as a means of minimising the deleterious effects of aging on ocular cells before or at the onset of disease pathogenesis. Future Ambitions

I hope to obtain a postdoctoral fellowship to The development and continue my research in characterisation of a vision science. My longnanomaterial formulaterm goal is to become a tion composed of natuprincipal investigator of ral biomaterials for the my own research group intraocular delivery of specialising in ocular nicotinamide adenine din- health. Final Year Project

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2023 Science Graduate Handbook

Research Postgraduates (MSc and PhD)

Sarah May Kernaghan BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science and a MRes in Translational Medicine from QUB. Work Experience

Prior to joining SETU I I am second year PhD worked at the veterinary student based in the PM- pharmaceutical company BRC interested in the Norbrook laboratories field of sustainability Ltd for three years. My within the pharmaceuAnalyst and Senior Antical industry. I have a alyst roles were based Personal Profile

Tapiwa Zengeza

within the Pharmaceutical R&D department. These roles involved working on projects for reference standard characterisation, process validation and stability studies. Final Year Project

This project involves the synthesis of key pharmaceutical building blocks by partnering biocatalysis,flow chemistry and

(Carlow/Waterford/Wexford) work. To increase my experiences, I’m doing my PhD with SETU and Teagasc. Work Experience

My experience includes a variety of research, A diligent and enthusias- production and teachtic research agronomist ing roles. One year with with five years’ experience Teagasc working on oats in agronomic research and agronomy and physiolagricultural education. ogy project, two years With a friendly and apwith RUFORUM (Masterproachable persona, I am Card funded) working on able to undertake research cereals-sesame research, Personal Profile

Thomas McCarthy

(Wexford)

Teagasc, Johnstown Castle in conjunction with SETU. Work Experience Personal Profile

Originally from near Timoleague, Co. Cork, I have a keen interest in the wider agricultural industry. I completed a BSc (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Science in Waterford Institute of Technology prior to commencing my postgraduate studies with www.wit.ie/science

Currently in the third year of my full time PhD studies, I have extensive prior experience of working in the agricultural and agri-food industry. I worked as a seasonal plant operator for Carbery Group, where I was involved in the production of whey-based pro-

[email protected] � green solvent selection for a sustainable approach to synthesising intermediates Future Ambitions

Upon gradation I hope to work for a pharmaceutical company and be involved in process development. I am also open to other roles, departments and sectors within Science manufacturing and R&D.

089 955 6191 � [email protected] �

one year with SeedCo group working on seed sales and marketing, one year with DuPont Pioneer seeds working on seed maize production and processing and one year in agricultural teaching.

establish a baseline for agronomic practices for oat cultivation and understand the influence of genotypes and nutrient management on yield and quality.

Final Year Project

Future Ambitions

The growing appreciation of the nutritional benefits of oats motivated the need for research to support the growing industry. The project aims to

My ambition is to make farming more sustainable, profitable and efficient as an agronomist, researcher, educator, marketer and farmer.

087 958 5163 � [email protected] � tein powders during summer holidays while at college. I completed my work placement for my undergraduate degree in New Zealand on a large scale dairy farm. I also spent two seasons working in the UK on large scale arable operations.

improve agronomic nitrogen use efficiency in grasslands. Potassium dynamics as affected by specific soil types as found across Ireland are also being investigated. Future Ambitions

I look forward to contributing to the future Final Year Project sustainability of food proInvestigation into the in- duction. I have a keen teractions between potas- interest in soil science and sium and nitrogen in crop sustainable crop producnutrition as a means to tion. Page 97

Research Postgraduates (MSc and PhD)

Yahaya Jebril Amanor

(Wexford)

2023 Science Graduate Handbook

087 920 4956 � [email protected] �

travelling to New Zealand the Department of Soil to complete a master’s de- Science, University of gree in soil science. Ghana, where I helped in research and laboratory Work Experience works and instructed pracThrough my previous edtical lessons. Personal Profile ucation I have developed Growing up in a family fundamental laboratory Final Year Project with background in suband field-based research My research is using isosistence farming, I have knowledge in soil organic topic and molecular techdeveloped great passion matter (SOM) and soil niques to understand how for agriculture. I am origi- nutrient management farm management pracnally from Ghana, where of both grassland and tices and environmental I gained my undergradcropping systems.I also conditions control soil miuate education in agriworked as a Teaching and croorganisms responsible cultural science before Research Assistant with for nitrogen supply from

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soil organic matter, and to use this knowledge to develop efficient nitrogen fertiliser decisions Future Ambitions

My goal is to become a researcher in soil science, with specific focus in understanding plantmicrobial interactions affecting nitrogen transformation to enhance nitrogen use efficiency in grasslands.

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