After graduating with a BSc (Hons) degree in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics from University College Dublin, I completed a PhD in the Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin (2001 – 2004). During this time, I developed an interest in innate host defence mechanisms in atherosclerosis and their modulation by dietary fatty acids. Following my PhD, I joined the Respiratory Research Division in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland as a postdoctoral scientist. In 2007, I moved to Queen’s University Belfast and I was appointed as a Lecturer in 2013.

Since 2004, I have been actively involved in research programmes centred on host defence mechanisms and their regulation in acute and chronic lung inflammation to better understand the pathogenesis of lung diseases, such as Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). These studies investigated the status, integrity and mechanisms of action of host defence proteins (e.g. antimicrobial peptides, antiproteases, proteases), how this activity may be compromised during disease and exploited for biomarker and therapeutic potential.

Full publication list available on Google Scholar.

Building on this experience, current research in our group focusses on:

• Identifying and developing biomarkers of pulmonary infection, inflammation and damage

• Characterising immunomodulatory properties of pulmonary proteases, antiproteases and microRNAs

• Investigating therapeutic strategies to prevent and repair the damage in chronic lung disease

• Developing novel peptides as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial therapies.

• Lung Enzyme Cathepsin S is New Therapeutic Target for CF and COPD

• QUB breakthrough offers hope to lung disease patients

• Study shows potential of stem cell therapy to repair lung damage

• A New Player in the Game: Epithelial Cathepsin S in Early Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease

• Queen's University in €6m bid to find new Cystic Fibrosis treatments