Department(s): History

Mentor: Dr Terence Dooley

Bio: My name is Conor Metcalfe, I am a first year BA student studying in History, Medieval Celtic Studies and International Development. I am mostly interested in learning new research skills and getting the opportunity to use them.

Department(s): School of Business

Mentor: Dr. Nicola Mountford

Bio: Hi I'm James, a second-year student of Law and Business. My SPUR project will explore how political debate unfolds in Ireland, and is an area of study I am really interested to learn more about. I am looking forward to developing my ability to collect and analyse data, as well as learning more about the political system here in Ireland while doing so. Also, this project will help me find out more about what post graduate research might be like. I cannot wait to get started!

Department(s): Electronic Engineering

Mentor: Andrew Meehan

Bio: Hi, I'm Dylan, I'm a second year student studying electronic engineering.

I am really looking forward to working with computer vision systems as well as the physical sensors involved in measuring a sit to stand movement. I hope this will be the first of many research projects that I will have a part in and I am looking forward to learn some invaluable skills.

Department(s): ICARUS Climate Research Centre

Mentor: Dr Helen Shaw

Bio: Hi my name is Josh Moran and I am currently in 3rd year studying Biological and geographical sciences. In this project I will explore the environmental change through pollen analysis. I applied for this role as I have a strong interest in climate change and the conservation of Irelands ecology. I hope to work in research in the future and I think SPUR will give me valuable experience and knowledge of how this process works.

Hamilton Institute

Innovation Value Institute (IVI)

National Centre for Geocomputation (NCG)

Department(s): History Department

Mentor: Jonathan Wright

Bio:

Hi! My name is Alison. I'm in 3rd year studying History and Politics through Arts. At the moment, I am on Erasmus in the University of Vienna studying History. I applied for SPUR because I believe that I may work in academia in the future and I think that SPUR can give me an insight into what this career path consists of. I am really excited to be participating in SPUR and can't wait to get started!

Department(s): Nua-Ghaeilge

Mentor: Tracey Ní Mhaonaigh

Bio: Haigh! Is mise Maeve. I am in my second year studying Nua-Ghaeilge and English. I am really excited to begin the SPUR project! I wish to pursue a postgraduate degree in the future and I believe this project will be a great opportunity to enhance my skills in the Irish language and expand upon my academic ability.

Department(s): Philosophy

Mentor: Dr. Susi Gottlöber

Bio: Dia Dhaoibh is mise Charli! I am a second year Philosophy and Politics student. I am so grateful to have been accepted into this SPUR programme as I have been researching philosophical anthropology in the last year out of my own interest. I am currently undertaking a module on this topic and cannot wait to use the knowledge I have learned from my lecturer to help benefit the research I will be undertaking!

Department(s): Media Studies

Mentor: Dr. Simon Hewitt

Bio: Hi I’m Katie, I’m a second year Media Studies and Nua-Ghaeilge student. I can’t wait to begin my SPUR project. I think this project is a great introduction into the world of research. I can’t wait to learn more and put my video game knowledge to use :)

Department(s): History

Mentor: Dr. Sarah Roddy

Bio: Hi! I'm Bláithín and I'm in my second year of English and History in Maynooth University. My particular interests are Irish social history and feminist literature. I am so excited to have the opportunity to take part in a SPUR project this year and cannot wait to develop my research skills and contribute to this amazing project! I hope to hope to hone my preservation and recording skills, as well as my communication and presentation abilities.

Department(s): History

Mentor: Dr. Michael Potterton

Bio: Hi, my name is Clodagh. I’m in third year studying History and Politics. I’m currently on Erasmus at the University of Oslo. I applied for SPUR because I’ve always enjoyed learning new things and hope to pursue a postgraduate degree. I believe that this project is a great opportunity to experience academic research and that this will benefit me in the future. I am really excited to get started.

Department(s): History

Mentor: Dr Michael Potterton

Bio: Hi! My name is Kate Wright and I am

currently in my second year studying History and Psychological Studies. I’m so excited to begin working on this project as I had heard about the Wood Quay excavation and the controversy surrounding it previously. My particular interests include Irish history, European history and archaeology. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge about what it’s like to work on a research project. These skills will greatly benefit me when working on other historical projects that I hope to work on in the future!

Department(s): Spanish and Latin American Studies

Mentor: Dr. Richard Huddleson

Bio: ¡Hola Me llamo Eva! I am in my second year student studying a BCL in Law and Spanish here in Maynooth. I am delighted to have been accepted into the SPUR Programme. I really enjoyed learning about the History, Politics and Societies of Contemporary Spain as part of a module I undertook last semester, and am looking forward to learning more about this topic!

Department(s): School of Business

Mentor: Dr. Nicola Mountford

Bio: Hi! I'm Mary. I'm a second year Law and Criminology student with an interest in politics. I am looking forward to gaining an insight into how academic research is formally conducted and whether it might be something I would be interested in pursuing. Of course, I'm also really interested in the subject matter of this project as politics is always so topical, and studying political debate from a business angle will be fascinating!

Department(s): Sociology

Mentor: Delma Byrne

Bio: Hi! My name is Elise, I am in second year studying Criminology and Statistics. The SPUR project is a good occasion for me to discover the field of research and make new contacts. I believe that the project will help me in my career and will give me valuable skills.

Department(s): Applied Social Studies

Mentor: Dr Marianne O'Shea

Bio: Hi, My name is Bianca Tierney and I'm a mature student in my Second year of Youth and community work. I am particularly interested in this project as without the commitment and support from this Department in creating pathways to education, for people of marginalised communities, it would not have been possible for me to return to education.

My project will involve researching and analysing the barriers to participation in the Youth and Community work programme, in the hope that it will inform the department on ways to create a more diverse cohort of youth and community workers. I believe that this project is a great opportunity to gain research experience that will benefit me not only in my final year of studies but also in my career in the years ahead. I am looking forward to participating in SPUR and am excited to get started. :)

Department(s): School of Law and Criminology

Mentor: Dr Hubert Smekal

Bio: Hi! I'm Lili. I'm a 2^nd year Law and Criminology student mainly interested in constitutional, criminal and EU law. The project I'll be assisting in relates to the formalisation of the governance of the Irish Judiciary. Since starting my degree, I've been considering a career in research, and so I'm very excited to be involved in this project and to gain an insight into what this path really entails!

Department(s): Design Innovation

Mentor: Dr Threase Finnegan-Kessie

Bio: Hey! My name is Dylan O'Sullivan. I am a 3rd year anthropology student and I am currently studying abroad at the University of Helsinki in Finland. I am looking forward to working on this project as I would like to learn more about the Design Innovation department as well as gain more practical experience doing research. I think the skills that I will learn will be valuable to me as I move forward in my studies and career in the future.

Department(s): Design Innovation

Mentor: Derek Barter

Bio: I am a mature student in second year of Science Education with maths and computer science. I'm very involved in student life and societies, also running a destress workshop in the Student Info Center and serving as Parents and Carers Senator in the MSU.

I have a particular interest in adult education, having worked in the area and having gone back into education now myself, so I'm very much looking forward to this research.

I'm also into singing, guitar, D&D and cardgames and will probably think of other things later and kick myself.

Department(s): Department of Geography

Mentor: Professor Karen Till

Bio: Hi! I'm Ciarán, and I'm a second-year student studying English and Geography. I have been selected to participate in the 'Our Shared Plate' research project, which involves active participation and engagement with a community of people to assess their eating habits and dietary options, with an aim to establish lower carbon-impact diets within the community to raise awareness and enhance the environment for the betterment of their health.

As a SPUR student, I look forward to working more closely with a community of people and being able to see the benefits that my research will offer them. I am also excited to use, and further develop, my existing research skills as I have the opportunity to conduct field and online research of local food suppliers, explore local farms, collaborate within community workshops to gather data, and to be integrated into a group of researchers to learn valuable skills that will benefit both me and the people that I work with in the future.

This project greatly interested me as I enjoy learning about the environment, climate, and sustainability, and being able to work within a smaller community will allow me to gain a local perspective on such a complex and intricate problem and I can't wait to start!

Department(s): Media Studies-School of Business

Mentor: Dr. Marian Crowley-Henry

Bio: Hello everyone! My name is Sindy Arcidiacono and I'm an international 2nd year Media studies and International development student. I am grateful and delighted to start this project and to learn deeply about academic research in Ireland. Podcasting is a mass media spreading around the world and I am looking forward to learn more about it with the help of my two mentors.

Department(s): Applied social sciences

Mentor: Dr Niamh Flanagan

Bio: Hello! My name is Sara. I am a second year BSc psychology student. The project I will be working on aims to find screening tools that are accessible, appropriate, and reliable for practitioners to accurately identify victims of human trafficking. This project is an opportunity to not only improve my research skills but contribute to something that could potentially incite real change in people’s lives. This is an exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to the start of the program.

Department(s): Geography

Mentor: Professor Karen Till

Bio: Hi, my names Katie Kinsella I'm in second year studying English and Geography, Bachelor of Arts Degree. I hope do do a PME after this course and become a secondary school teacher. I'm very excited to be involved in the research project "Our Shared Plate". I've always really enjoyed Geography and I hope to learn lifetime skills while completing this research project.

Department(s): National Centre for Geocomputation

Mentor: Dr. Kevin Credit

Bio: Hello, my name is Seán Kinch. I'm a second year student studying Maths, Mathematical Physics, and Experimental Physics. In this project, I will be helping share the significant developments made in Geographical Information Science through the lens of Dr. Martin Charlton's work and bookshelf. I have a huge interest in the work of the National Centre for Geocomputation as it has many tangible, helpful, real world applications for all. This project is also a great opportunity for me to experience an academic field of work and broaden my horizons moving forward.

Department(s): Biology-Hamilton Institute

Mentor: Dr. Lorna Lopez

Bio: Hi! My name is Cal (he/they), I am a first year student of the BSc Psychology, also taking Computer Science as an additional subject.

The project I am part of will consist of a rapid review of the literature on the genetic interplay of autism and sleep, preceding a later larger study on the subject. My role in this project will be to conduct this rapid review accompanied by a lager analysis of the data found using R.

I am particularly excited by this project because despite having conducted literature reviews and data analysis in the past, my findings and work has never been used for furthering research and this is the first opportunity I will have to be part of such a large project which could impact the lives of many individuals.

Additionally, I am interested in going into a field of research, specifically Cognitive Neuroscience and the effects of adverse childhood experiences and childhood trauma on the chemical and structural development of the brain, therefore, this study will allow me to get an overview of what a research project looks like, as well as giving me the opportunity to improve many research skills.

Department(s): Maynooth University Hamilton Institute (Computer Science)

Mentor: Dr. Damien Woods

Bio: My name is Angel Cervera Roldan, and I couldn't be more thrilled to join the DNA Computing project. As a Computational Thinking student I have taken Pure Mathematics and Computer Science modules, and I'm very excited to use the knowledge gained in those theoretical modules in an applied context.

Department(s): Maynooth University Hamilton Institute (Computer Science)

Mentor: Dr.Damien Woods

Bio: Hi, I'm Maciej, a second year in Computational Thinking studying a double major in computer science and pure maths. I'm really looking forward to helping on this SPUR project discovering the possibilities of the abstract structures which are planned to be used in the DNA computing project.

Department(s): Theoretical Physics and Experimental Physics

Mentor: Dr. John Regan

Bio:

I am a second-year Theoretical Physics and Mathematics student. I have a particular interest in Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Computing. I also have a background in computer science from years of coding and from completing both parts of the online course 'From Nand to Tetris' on Coursera. I have previously built simulations of Quantum Circuits using Julia.

I am looking forward to this project as it will be my first experience of Experimental Physics. It will also allow me to work on a project that is more practical than theoretical.

Department(s): Computer Science

Mentor: Dr Natalie Culligan

Bio: I am a second-year Computer Science and Software Engineering student and I am delighted to be apart of SPUR 2024. My project will involve me linking a game to react to physiological signs of emotion which is a very interesting topic, making the real world interact with a digital one. I am very excited to research this topic and cannot wait to begin.

Department(s): Psychology

Mentor: Dr Sadhbh Byrne

Bio: Hi! I'm Isolina, I'm a 2nd year BA Psychology student. I'm really excited to be a part of SPUR this year. My project involves looking into ways of providing informal mental health support among friends and young people. I am looking forward to getting started. I am doing SPUR because I hope it will give me an insight into research and the field of academia. I am particularly interested in this project because I believe it is an important field of research and that better mental health support in Ireland is needed. I hope to improve on my research skills and to be able to contribute something into the field of Mental Health research also!

Department(s): Experimental Physics and Mathematics and Statistics

Mentor: Ciaran Mac an Bhaird

Bio: Hi I'm Patrick, a 3rd year physics with astrophysics student. I'm looking forward to working with everyone involved in this research and the department as a whole! I also appreciate this opportunity to conduct research and learn more about what I'd like to study myself in the coming years!

Mentor: Dr. Helen Shaw

Bio: Hi! My name is Matthew and currently I am in my third year Biological and Geographical Sciences. With an already present interest in paelecology from a module taken, and anything involving climate change, I really look forward to expanding both my knowledge in the field as well as participate in hands-on work to get a feel for the research environment in which I can definitely see myself working in following my graduation.

Department(s): Biology

Mentor: Dr Tara Dirilgen

Bio:

Howdy! My name’s René, and I’m a third-year student studying Biological and Geographical Sciences. I’m originally from Texas, I’m an artist and writer, and I’ve been interested in environmental health since I was a kid. Research work is something I can see myself dedicating my future to, and I’m so excited to start here. Hopefully, my work with SPUR and Dr Dirilgen can broaden the narrative surrounding the ecology of pollinators in our developing, everchanging world.

Department(s): Biology

Mentor: Emmanuelle Garciet

Bio: Hey! My name is Colm. I'm a first year student here in Maynooth. I've enjoyed my time at Maynooth so much. The faculty of science at Maynooth are so great esspecially when it comes to hands on practical work so I was really happy when I was accepted onto this programme. My plan would be to work in academia in the future.

Department(s): Biology

Mentor: Dr. Joanne Masterson

Bio: Hi, my name is Saoirse. I am a third-year Biomedical Science student, and I am excited to be taking part in the SPUR programme this year. My project will involve exploring the triggers for epithelial dysfunction in the chronic immune-mediated disease that is allergic oesophagitis. I am really interested in this project because I have a great interest in chronic diseases, especially those involving the immune system. I hope to continue on to do a PhD in immunology, and this experience will definitely help me decide if it is the right route for me. I am really looking forward to this experience.

Project Title: Chemistry-Velasco-Torrijos-GlycoPlatin: Pt(IV)-Carbohydrate Derivatives as Targeted Anticancer Agents against Osteosarcoma

Department(s): Chemistry

Mentor: Dr. Trinidad Velasco-Torrijos

Bio: Hello, my name is Jakub and I am a 3rd year Bachelor of Science. I am really looking forward to this SPUR project as it will help further my knowledge in chemistry and in specific synthesis. This project involves the synthesis of an anti-cancer complex using d-block metals, carbonyl sugars and a joining molecule which are all topics I have been introduced to but would love the research in more detail. This project gives me the opportunity to do exactly that and I am more than excited to be a part of it.

Department(s): Chemistry

Mentor: Professor Frances Heaney

Bio: I am a third year Chemistry Biology student, and I am excited to be taking part in this years SPUR and the Virtual Labs Teams! The project is aimed at chemistry education research and its goal entails to determine and implement the best approach to an enhanced laboratory educational experience. I am really interested in this area of research as it personally resonates with me and I am curious to research learning education and pedagogy. I am looking forward to starting the project with the team this summer!

Department(s): Chemistry

Mentor: Dr. Stephen Barrett

Bio: Hi! My name is Kristina Corr and I am a third-year Bachelor of Science student, studying biology and chemistry. I am excited to begin working on this SPUR project, due to it being at the forefront of chemical research, and directly related to my goals and interests of working in research later in my career. I think the SPUR project will be a fantastic oppurtunity to gain invaluable practical experience, as well as experiencing what the world of postgraduate chemistry looks like. I'm looking forward to beginning the project in June!

Department(s): History

Mentor: Dr. Michael Potterton

Bio: Hello! I am Hannah and I am in my second year of History and English. I will be working on the Urban Archaeology Survey this summer through SPUR, and I could not be more delighted. I am passionate about archaeology and research, so this SPUR opportunity is perfect as I forge a path in academia. I look forward to beginning this project and learning more about SPUR!

Project Title: DNA computing and DNA robotics. 

Department: Computer Science Department & Maynooth University Hamilton Institute

Mentor: Dr. Damien Woods

Bio: Hello! My name is Janet Adio and I’m a 3rd year Biological and Biomedical Sciences student and I’m so excited to be apart of the SPUR programme this year. My project will be centered around building molecular computers using DNA. I am interested in all things biology and tech and this SPUR project is the perfect opportunity to combine both disciplines and for me to be apart of an innovating field of research!

Department: Geography

Mentor: Karen Till

Bio:

Hi! My name is Fiona, and I'm a 2nd year single major geography student. I applied for SPUR because I wanted to work on my research skills, and because I was really interested in this project. The project I'm working on is all about food networks and sustainability, and I can't wait to learn more about it.

Department(s): School of Business, Psychology, All Institute: Assisted Living & Learning

Mentor: Dr Marian Crowley-Henry

Bio: Hello! My name is Jaime Ní Chinsealach. I am a third year BA (International) Psychology student. The main goals of this SPUR project are to improve early career female researchers'/academics' publication outputs, promotion successes and research funding across multiple intersected social categorisations such as socio-economic status, parental status, and age. As a student who has been passionate about promoting social progress and awareness in Ireland through voluntary work and research, I am really looking forward to being part of this SPUR project and the opportunity to make a difference.

Department(s): Computer Science

Mentor: Aidan Mooney

Bio: Hi! I am currently in 2nd year studying Computer Science and Software Engineering as a mature student. I am passionate about programming and building software applications. I believe that this project will help leave a legacy of my time at Maynooth University . The idea of this app being used for the years to come across many departments is very exciting and I believe will reach many students.

Department(s): Electronic Engineering

Mentor: Dr. Erivelton Nepomuceno

Bio: Hi! I'm Simon, a second-year Electronics Engineering student. I'm pleased to be involved in this SPUR Project alongside some experienced PhD researchers. The project focuses on integrating energy efficiency metrics and code optimization for green computing.

This project's focus on both hardware and software for a greener future is fascinating. I'm eager to learn and contribute! Excited to collaborate with this team!

Department: ICARUS Climate Research Centre

Mentor: Dr. Helen Shaw

Bio: Hi, my name is Lucy and I am a second year single major geography student. I am really excited to take part in this project where I'll get to be involved in paleoecological research. I enjoy learning about Ireland's ecology and how it changed over time depending on climatic and anthropogenic factors. I'm looking forward to see what it's like to work in this field, and to get different practical experiences including field work, lab work and data analysis.

Department: Media Studies

Mentor: Dr. El Putnam

Bio: Hello! I am a 2nd year Media Studies and Sociology student. I am looking forward to taking part in the SPUR project as I believe that it will boost the skills I will need for my academic journey at Maynooth University and, later on, my career journey. I feel passionate about expanding my knowledge in digital media through this project!

Department(s): Insert the Department your project is with here

Mentor: Insert the name of the lead Academic Mentor of your project here

Bio: Introduce yourself (your area of study and year of study), and what you are looking forward to in your SPUR project.

Department(s): Innovation Value Institute (IVI)

Mentor: Dr. Markus Helfert

Bio: My name is Louis Shibu Thomas. I am a Third Year Data Science student. I have a keen interest in data science and data analytics and would love to apply it to the field of social network analysis.

I am passionate in working in the field of data science, and this project would undergo tasks of data collection, management and visualization. These are all wonderful skills to hone in my field.

I am enthusiastic with taking on this project as I am sure Dr. Markus Helfert will provide me with invaluable experience that I can use in my future as a data-scientist.

For students social networks like these are a useful tool to visualize your future in the field you are interested in. If it wasn't for talking with my lecturers, seeing what fields they went into and finding what my own interests are I would have never seen what external options I have. Surely this social network will provide a shortcut for students like me.

I hope my work will offer a valuable resource for future students.

Department(s): Chemistry

Mentor: Dr. Tobias Krämer

Bio: Hello, my name is Sarah Shanfrezan and I have the honour of doing my research project on Quantum Predictions of Acidities! I am a third-year bachelor of Science student doing a double major in Chemistry and Experimental Physics.

My project involves the application of computational chemistry to develop and predict the acidities of compounds. It has such precision and accuracy to therefore predict the pKa and acidity values of compounds that are yet to even be synthesized experimentally!

I am very excited to be working on this research project as I plan to further continue my studies into research and academia. This SPUR programme will allow me to fuel my dream and fulfil this goal.

Department(s): Experimental Physics

Mentor: Dr. James McGrath

Bio: Hi, I am a 3rd year Physics with Astrophysics student here at Maynooth University. I am grateful for the opportunity to work on this project and to gain experience working as part of a research team.

This project will involve assessing the environmental quality of office environments by collecting data which will be analysed using quantitative models and simulations. The content of this project will be different than the material I have covered so far during my degree, but will still make use of knowledge and skills I have built so far. As such, I am excited for this opportunity to apply my skills in a new context.