Profile

Photo:

Ciara Buckley

My CV

  • Education:

    I went to school in holy family community school, Rathcoole. After my leaving cert, I attended AIT (now TUS) to study biotechnology. I graduated with a first class honours and continued on to complete my PhD.

  • Qualifications:

    Leaving certificate, BSc (Hons) in biotechnology

  • Current Job:

    PhD candidate in Polymer Engineering

  • Employer

    I am completing my PhD in polymer engineering in the Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands campus (previously Athlone Institute of Technology).

    • About Me

      I live in Westmeath with my partner and my 9 year old son. I am currently finishing my PhD in polymer engineering. My project looks at hyaluronic acid, a polymer, and it's use in nerve repair. I love cooking, going to the gym and going to the cinema 😊

    • My pronouns are

      she/her

    • My Work

      I'm a PhD student in Polymer Engineering. My work involves 3d printing of hyaluronic acid to produce a device for nerve repair.

    • My attributes

    • My Typical Day

      I wake up and drink a coffee on my way to the gym. I get to work for 9am and turn on the machines to warm up while I answer emails. I do lots of experiments during the day and have lunch with my friends. After gathering and looking at my results, I leave work at 5pm. Sometimes, I bring some work home with my that I can finish while watching TV in the evening.

    • What I'd do with the prize money

      I would love to host an open lab day for students in TUS where you can see our labs and perform experiments across biology, chemistry, physics and engineering

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Coffee fueled researcher

        What or who inspired you to follow your career?

        My nana did not have access to education. She was always interested in science, particularly physics, but in those days it just wasnt possible for her. She pushed me to achieve my goals and make the most of what was available to me.

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Originally, I wanted to be a vet. But I didnt get enough points in my leaving certificate and so chose to do science as I knew I could move into veterinary later if I wished. But I fell in love with my science degree.

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        I suffered from bad anxiety for the first few years in school and missed a lot of days. But as I got older, my confidence grew and I was able to make up for lost time.

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        If I ever couldn't be a scientist anymore, I would love to own a coffee shop.

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        I'm a big Taylor Swift fan!

        What's your favourite food?

        Chinese food is my absolute favourite!

        What is the most fun thing you've done?

        I travelled around Australia as a kid, I've always wanted to go back!

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        To be happy, healthy and wealthy 😁

        Tell us a joke.

        What's the difference between a shop worker and a scientist? -How they pronounce unionized!

Questions answered by Ciara

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