Research Profile

Lisa Helen

Biography

I am a PhD student at Tyndall National Institute and the Department of Chemistry at University College Cork. I graduated from Cork Institute of Technology in 2012 with a Distinction in BSc Biomedical Science, for which I was awarded ‘Best Student’ sponsored by Sigma-Aldrich. Continuing my studies in biomedical science I graduated from a joint BSc (Hons.) degree between University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology with 1st Class Honours. On achieving the highest marks for my final year project, I was nominated to compete for the presidents prize at The Academy of Medical Laboratory Science annual conference, Biomedica 2014. The presentation of my project was awarded 2nd place and was highly commended. I went on to secure the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship from the Irish Research Council to fund my PhD studies. I currently reside in Cork City but I am originally from the beautiful West Cork coastal town of Clonakilty. I am passionate about the biomedical field and I am keen to bring feasible solutions to genuine clinical problems.

Research Interests

The aim of my research is to develop a needle integrated with an impedance sensor for use in regional anaesthesia, in particular ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block (USgPNB). Bioimpedance has already been used to differentiate between different tissue types. By applying this principle it is hoped our SMART needle will differentiate needle position outside the nerve from inside the nerve, providing clinicians with important information on needle position. Thus our solution will improve safety and efficacy of USgPNB as well as enhance training of the technique.

Research Projects

 ProjectFunding
Body
Start DateEnd DateAward
Development of a 'smart' needle integrated with an impedance sensor to determine nerve proximity for nerve blocking (anaesthetic) proceduresIrish Research Council01-OCT-1301-OCT-17

Contract Researchers

 Researcher NameProjectRoleFunding Body
Dr Eric MooreDevelopment of a 'smart' needle integrated with an impedance sensor to determine nerve proximity for nerve blocking (anaesthetic) proceduresProject ManagerIrish Research Council

Professional Activities

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2013Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Irish Research Council
2014Presidents Prize - 2nd place highly commended The Academy of Medical Laboratory Science
2012Best Student in Bsc. Biomedical Science Cork Institute of Technology - sponsor: Sigma Aldrich

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
Bon Secours Health System Clinical Placement Experience05-SEP-11 / 31-MAY-12
Bon Secours Health System Biochemistry Laboratory Aide04-JUN-12 / 31-AUG-12
University College Cork Laboratory Demonstrator26-SEP-13 / 25-MAR-14
Tyndall National Institute Intern with the Life Science Interface group05-AUG-13 / 30-SEP-13

Education

 YearInstituionQualificationSubject
2012Cork Institute of Technology BSCBiomedical Science
2008Bandon Grammar School Leaving CertificateLeaving Cert
2013University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology BSC (HONS)Biomedical Science

Outreach Activities

 Description

Education of transition year students on work experience.

Volunteer at the Discovery exhibition for promotion of science to primary school children.

Supervision of final year biomedical science students on their final year projects.

Research Information

External Collaborators

 NameInstituteCountry
Dr Brian O'Donnell Cork University HospitalIRELAND

Contact details

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School of Chemistry

Scoil na Ceimic

Second Floor, Kane Building, University College Cork, T12 YN60

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