december 2013 schoo · igem the school is hoping to host igem competition 2014 an interdisciplinary...

SCHOOLIn this issueAutumn Conferring at UCC

2013 Professor Art Champlin Gold Medal Award Recipient, Elizabeth Hinchy

Marketing Trip to India

Charity Bake and Book Sale, and Raffle in aid of Cork Simon Community and the Irish Cancer Society

An insight into MSD Brinny Seminar

IGEM 2014

People in the news

Upcoming Events

Hot off the Press! Recent Publications

Message from Head of SchoolWelcome to the last School Newsletter of 2013.

This issue rightly highlights our graduates of 2013 at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This School exists to educate and train our graduates to the highest standard possible and I wish each and every one of you continued success in 2014 whatever you choose to do and wherever their career takes you. I hope you will find this e-newsletter will keep you in touch with us into the future.

The past few months have seen a lot of changes with more to come for 2014. Our governance structure is now coming to life and the Executive Management Committee and most of our standing committees have had their first meetings so information is flowing both from SEFS and the wider University to us and vice versa. I am really grateful for the positive engagement of staff and students in this process which has really helped to create a new and positive atmosphere.

Thanks are especially due also to Ms Mary Heapes and Dr Sinead Kerins for their sterling work on our School webpage which went live also recently (http://biochemistry.ucc.ie). Some parts of the site are still works in progress but it has already contributed to our growing electronic footprint and visibility. In 2014 we will push this process further with a presence on social networking sites such as ResearchGate and Linkedin.

On the recruitment side, Drs Justin McCarthy and Kellie Dean had a most interesting trip to India and we plan that this will help us to diversify our academic offerings. You can read more about their trip in these pages. I hope you enjoy this newsletter and that you have a wonderful Christmas and successful New Year. All my best wishes for 2014!

Professor David Sheehan

SCHOOL OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY NEWSLETTERVOLUME 1 ISSUE 3 DECEMBER 2013

http://biochemistry.ucc.ie

http://biochemistry.ucc.ie

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Twenty eight students graduated in our BSc Hons (Biochemistry) class of 2013 at a ceremony held on Thursday 31st October.

In a moving ceremony the class (pictured) was addressed by the President, Dr Michael Murphy, and heard a stimulating speech by the Chief Executive Officer Designate of Enterprise Ireland, Ms Julie Sinnamon. Ms Sinnamon recounted her early career and encouraged our graduates to explore their potential and to be willing to continue a life-long learning journey.

NEWSLETTERSCHOOL OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY

AUTUMN CONFERRING AT UCC PAGE 2

Twenty eight students graduated in our BSc Hons (Biochemistry) class of 2013 at a ceremony held on Thursday 31st October

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Congratulations to Dr Ciara O’ Flanagan and Dr John Williams who graduated in October with a PhD from the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, UCC.

Ciara’s research work was supervised during her PhD by Dr Cora O’Neill, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and John’s research work was supervised by Dr Tom Moore, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, UCC.

Dr William Byrne graduated with a PhD from the Cork Cancer Research Centre. William’s research was supervised by Dr Mark Tagney and the late Professor Gerry O’ Sullivan.

Dr Ciara O’Flanagan and Dr William Byrne are graduates of the Health Research Board, PhD Scholars’ Programme in Cancer Biology.

Dr Victoria Heimer-McGinn graduated in absentia. Victoria conducted her research work under the supervision of Dr Paul Young, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, UCC.

Dr Ciara O’Flanagan, Dr William Byrne and Dr John Williams


AUTUMN CONFERRING AT UCC PAGE 3

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The Professor Art Champlin Gold medal award for academic excellence in Biochemistry was presented to Elizabeth Hinchy on October 31st by Professor Dave Sheehan.

The Professor Art Champlin Gold medal award for academic excellence in Biochemistry was presented to Elizabeth Hinchy on October 31st by Professor Dave Sheehan.

Elizabeth graduated with a first class honours degree in Biochemistry and has commenced a PhD at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge. Elizabeth is currently investigating the regulation of AMP Kinase, an energy sensor in the cell that in turn regulates many metabolic pathways. Elizabeth also plans to study the relative importance of the cellular ATP/ADP ratio and mitochondrial ROS in regulating AMPK activity in cells in response to different energy demands and compounds such as Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug.

Professor David Sheehan, Dr Ciara O’Flanagan and Dr Michael Murphy, President, UCC


2013 GOLD MEDAL AWARD RECIPIENT ELIZABETH HINCHY BSC PAGE 4

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Dr Justin McCarthy, Director of Biotechnology, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, UCC; Dr Kellie Dean, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, UCC, Postgraduate training coordinator and lecturer; Subhasree Rajaram, School of Bio-engineering, SRM University, Chennai, India, Shatabdi Choudhury, School of Bio-engineering, SRM University, Chennai, India; Dr Christopher Shepard, International Coordinator and Vice-Chair, India Strategy Group, International Education Office, UCC

Drs Justin McCarthy and Kellie Dean visited India for a week in November as part of a larger Irish education/trade mission organised by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. During the trip, Justin and Kellie participated in two educational fairs in Chennai and Bangalore and visited several universities and colleges in those two cities. Mr Kritarth Seth (MSc in Biotechnology 2013) joined the trip to offer information and advice on the “student experience” of studying in Ireland as an Indian student.

While in Chennai, Justin and Kellie visited SRM University, which is where Kritarth completed his undergraduate degree. This was Justin’s 4th visit to SRM to meet Professor M. Parani, Head of the Department of Genetic Engineering. Two students, Subhasree Rajaram and Shatabdi Choudhury, will complete a semester in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, UCC starting in January 2014.

In Bangalore, Justin and Kellie visited Dayananda Sagar College of Biological Science, BMS College of Engineering, Christ University, Mount Carmel College, and St. Joseph’s College. Besides giving a talk about UCC and the various programmes on offer in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Justin gave lectures on monoclonal antibodies and ...... continued on next page


MARKETING TRIP TO INDIA PAGE 5

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Richard Bruton, TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Terence O’Rourke, Chairman of the Board, Enterprise Ireland. Anne Wallace, Student Recruitment and Liason Officer, College of Business and Law, UCC. Dr Kellie Dean, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Postgraduate training coordinator and lecturer. Priya Aradhya, Director - Academics and Career Counseling, S S Group of Educational Institutions, Bangalore. Dr Christopher Shepard, International Coordinator and Vice-Chair, India Strategy Group, UCC.

continued from previous page

......generation of transgenic animals to final year biotechnology students at several universities.

UCC has representatives in Bangalore at the SS Group of Educational Institutions, and students interested in applying to UCC can use that office to obtain further information and assistance with all aspects of the application process. The SS Group directors, Raj and Priya Aradhya, were very instrumental in establishing contacts with universities in Bangalore and hosting a biotechnology dinner for university faculty to attend.

The trip was quite productive, with discussions based on increased research collaborations, semester-abroad opportunities, and the possibility of dual MSc degrees, in addition to the interest from Indian students in the MSc in Biotechnology and MSc in Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation programmes.


MARKETING TRIP TO INDIA PAGE 6

SOCIETYSOCIETY

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yOn November 25th, the Biochemistry and Biotechnology Society held a Charity bake and book sale in aid of Cork Simon Community and the Irish Cancer Society.

The society committee members would like to sincerely thank all the students and staff who baked delicious cakes, donated books and supported the event. The society would also like to thank everyone who helped out on the day manning tables, selling tickets, making coffee etc.

The event proved very successful and raised €3000, which was divided evenly between both charities.


CHARITY BAKE AND BOOK SALE, AND RAFFLE PAGE 7

The Charity bake and book sale, and raffle in aid of Cork Simon Community and the Irish Cancer Society proved very successful and raised EUR 3000.

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Sinead Duane, Merck Sharp Dome (MSD) Brinny; Julie O’Sullivan, 3rd Year Biochemistry student, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, UCC and Biochemistry and Biotechnology committee member; and Aoife Kenneally, MSD Brinny

The Biochemistry and Biotechnology Society hosted a seminar on Wednesday, 20th November entitled “An Insight into MSD Brinny”.

Speakers on the evening were Aoife Kenneally, BSc Biochemistry, MSc Biotechnology and Sinead Duane, BSc Chemistry, HDip Business.

Both Aoife and Sinead provided students with information on MSD Brinny, products currently in production and opportunities available at MSD for BSc Biochemistry and MSc Biotechnology graduates.

The Biochemistry and Biotechnology Society committee members would like to sincerely thank Aoife and Sinead for so generously giving up their time and for staying around after the seminar to interact with students and to answer their questions.


AN INSIGHT INTO MSD BRINNY SEMINAR PAGE 8

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4The school is hoping to host an interdisciplinary team of undergraduate students to enter the 2014 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition.

This is a student-led synthetic biology competition that will take place in the summer of 2014. We need highly motivated and creative undergraduate students from any year in any area of science, engineering, computer science or mathematics to take part in this.

See this link for further information: http://igem.org/About

Interested students should contact Dr Paul Young. E: [email protected]

We need highly motivated and creative undergraduate students from any year in any area of science, engineering, computer science or mathematics to take part in the 2014 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition


IGEM 2014 PAGE 9

http://igem.org/About

mailto: [email protected]

IN THE NEWSPEOPLE

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s Noreen CaseyAt a gala event organized by Human Resources and held in the Aula Maxima after a reception in the staff common room, Noreen Casey, one of our most popular technicians in Western Gateway Building, received her 25-year long-service award from the Registrar, Professor Paul Giller (unfortunately, the President was away on University business in Asia).

A slide show took everyone present down memory lane and showed how the world had changed during Noreen’s time in UCC.

Special mention should also go to Professor Tommie McCarthy who also completed 25 year’s service this year but unfortunately could not be present on the night.

Professor Paul Giller presents Noreen Casey, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, UCC with her 25 year Long-Service Award.


PAGE 10PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

IN THE NEWSPEOPLE

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Audrey with members of Dr Pasha Baranov’s lab

Dr Orthis SahaOrthis Saha, former PhD student from Dr Paul Young’s laboratory will take up a postdoctoral position from January working with Dr Jean-Francois Brunet in L’École Normale Supérieure, Paris.

Dr Audrey MichelAudrey Michel successfully passed her viva voce PhD exam and has now commenced work in Dr Pasha Baranov’s lab as a postdoctoral fellow.

Dr Orthis Saha

Dr Audrey Michel



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Dr Ken Nally, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, and the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC), UCC. Jerzy Woznicki, APC, UCC, Cork. Natalia Lajczak, Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), Dublin. Dr Stephen Keely, RCSI, Dublin.

Jerzy WoznickiMr Jerzy Woznicki, a PhD student in Dr Ken Nally’s lab who is funded by the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC), was recently awarded a Young Investigator Award at the 6th Annual Meeting of the Irish Epithelial Physiology Group held in Kilkenny on 24 and 25th of October last.

Jerzy was selected for the award by external guest speakers for his presentation on Epigenetic Regulation of Inflammatory Responses by Intestinal Epithelial Cells.



http://apc.ucc.ie

http://apc.ucc.ie

EVENTSUPCOMING

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Student Christmas PartyThe School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Student Christmas party is on 12th of December at 8 pm in Clancy’s bar in Princes Street.

Tickets are €10 including a glass of wine, finger food, and raffle entry, great prizes assured.

Tickets can be bought from:• Msc. Biotech- Niamh Barry, Rachel Divily• 4th year - Mary Murphy, Jayne English• Arthur Coakley (J. Atkins lab)• Stephanie (T.McCarthy lab)• Joan Lenihan or Anita Murphy (P. Young lab)• Caroline Vaughan or Stephen Duggan (J.V Mc

Carthy lab)• Michael Coleman (R. O’ Connor lab)• Sandra Yeomans (C. O’ Neill lab )• Selina Lam (E. Fleming lab)

Staff Christmas PartyThe Staff Christmas party will be held at Jacobs on the Mall on Thursday 12th December at 6.30pm.

Tickets are available from Jenny Duane.

Upcoming Seminars

• 21st January, Dr Pat Walsh, TCD

• 28th January, Dr Jillian Casey, National Children’s Research Centre, UCD

Staff and Student Christmas parties are on 12th December!


PAGE 13UPCOMING EVENTS

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http://gwips.ucc.ie/

Michel AM, Fox G, M Kiran A, De Bo C, O’Connor PB, Heaphy SM, Mullan JP,

Donohue CA, Higgins DG, Baranov PV. (2013) GWIPS-viz: development of a

ribo-seq genome browser. Nucleic Acids Res. Oct 31.

Atkins JF, Baranov PV (2013) Molecular biology: Antibiotic re-frames

decoding. Nature 503, 478-479.

Sellami B, Mahmoudi E, Dellali M, Aissa P, Coelho AV, Sheehan D (2013)

Effects of permethrin exposure on antioxidant enzymes and protein status

in Mediterranean clams Ruditapes decussatus. Environmental Science and

Pollution Research. IN PRESS.

NoticeAny material for inclusion in the next newsletter should be sent to the editor, Professor David Sheehan. Please email [email protected]

Any material for inclusion in the next newsletter (December 1st) should be sent to the editor, Professor David Sheehan. Please email [email protected]


HOT OFF THE PRESS! RECENT PUBLICATIONS PAGE 14



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