Research Profile

Biography

RESEARCH DATA:Total Career Publications: 13Publications 2008 - 2016: 9Total Citations: 31h-Index: 4Total Career Research Income: €289,667Research Income (2008 - 2016): €230,660Patents: 0PhD's graduated (career): 1PhD's graduated (2008 - 2016): 1
EDUCATION1992-1996 - BSc (Pharm) - Trinity College Dublin1996-1997 - Pre-registration year - Pharmacy Department, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin1997 - MPSI - Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland1997-2001 - PhD - School of Pharmacy, Trinity College Dublin2001 - Dip (Quality Improvement) - Trinity College Dublin2002 - Post-doctoral fellow, School of Pharmacy, Trinity College Dublin2005 - DVetPharm - Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain2009 - CChem, MRSC - Royal Society of Chemistry2009 - CSci (Chartered Scientist)2013 - Postgraduate Certificate (Teaching and Learning in Higher Education), UCC2014 - Postgraduate Diploma (Teaching and Learning in Higher Education), UCC2019 - MA (Teaching and Learning in Higher Education), UCC

Research Interests

My current main research interest is the impurity profiling of amphetamine-type drugs of abuse. 

Impurity profiling of drugs of abuse is an tool widely used by forensic scientists in the on-going fight against illegal drug trafficking and abuse.  My main focus concerns the impurity profiling of newly emerging hallucinogenic amphetamines which have been reported in Europe.

While the impurity profiles of many drugs of abuse, including cocaine and heroin, have been well documented in the literature, newer amphetamine derivatives are constantly emerging on the European market.  Recent examples include MBDB, 4-MTA, DOB and BromoDragonfly. 

Characterisation and impurity profiling of seized amphetamines are used in conjunction with investigative work:

  • To establish chemical links between batches of related drugs. 
  • To help identify new clandestine drug manufacturing laboratories and to monitor synthetic routes widely used in the synthesis of illicit amphetamines.
  • To determine the toxicity, if any, of impurities which arise from the synthesis of amphetamines employing various different routes. 

Impact of discipline:

  • Results from my research group provide valuable information on the determination of how novel, so called “designer” hallucinogenic amphetamines are synthesised in clandestine laboratories.  There are usually little published synthetic, analytical and detection method data available on these compounds upon their appearance ad drugs of abuse.  The research area helps to fill this knowledge gap which is extremely important to national and international forensic detection facilities.
  • My research also focuses on the independent synthesis of many of the novel impurities which are isolated.   
  • The ability to efficiently impurity profile a chemical process is a core skill of an industrial chemist.  With the large number of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Ireland, postgraduates with specific experience in impurity profiling and strategies to minimise impurity formation are an obvious attraction to the industry.  The experience gained by postgraduate students undertaking research in my chosen area will therefore be invaluable to the pharmaceutical industry.

I have being collaborating with Dr Dara Fitzpatrick in the capacity of provision of examples for applications of the analytical tool "Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadband_acoustic_resonance_dissolution_spectroscopy

I have also developed much interest in the theory and scholarship of teaching and learning.  I am the pharmaceutical chemistry representative of the School of Pharmacy Teaching and Curriculum Committee.  The School is currently in transition with the BPharm programme to an integrated 5 year format which is requiring a lot of redevelopment of the current programme.

My past PhD student, Dr. Dawn Griffin, is currently based at Pfizer in Ringaskiddy, Cork.

 


Research Grants

 ProjectFunding
Body
Start DateEnd DateAward
[IRCSET RS/2002/50] {Keating Dr. J.J.} NIrish Research Council for Science, Engineering & Technology (IRCSET)01-OCT-0331-MAR-07€59,007.00
Imparity profiling of DOB and Derivatives and their Specific SynthesisIrish Research Council for Science, Engineering & Technology (IRCSET)01-OCT-0431-MAR-08€75,962.00
CEM Discover SP Microwave.Miscellaneous01-OCT-1330-SEP-14€10,689.00
Synthesis, analysis and impurity profiling of the hallucinogenic amphetamine BromoDragonFly.Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering & Technology (IRCSET)01-OCT-1230-SEP-15€72,000.00
Forensic impurity profiling and synthesis of Hallucinogenic Amphetamine-type drugs of abuse.Irish Research Council01-OCT-0930-SEP-13€72,009.00

Publications

Book Chapters

 YearPublication
(2011)
Steven B Kayne (2011) In: An Introduction to Veterinary Medicine. UK: Satire Books. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

 YearPublication
(2014)'Characterization of synthetic routes to 'Bromo-DragonFLY' and benzodifuranyl isopropylamine homologues utilizing ketone intermediates. Part 1: Synthesis of ketone precursors'
O'Connor, RE,Keating, JJ (2014) 'Characterization of synthetic routes to 'Bromo-DragonFLY' and benzodifuranyl isopropylamine homologues utilizing ketone intermediates. Part 1: Synthesis of ketone precursors'. Drug Testing and Analysis, 6 :658-667 [DOI] [Details]
(2011)'Synthesis and serotonin transporter activity of 1,3-bis(aryl)-2-nitro-1-propenes as a new class of anticancer agents'
Yvonne M. McNamara, Suzanne M. Cloonan, John J. Keating, Stephen G. Butler, Günther H. Peters, Mary J. Meegan and D. Clive Williams (2011) 'Synthesis and serotonin transporter activity of 1,3-bis(aryl)-2-nitro-1-propenes as a new class of anticancer agents'. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, 19 :1328-1348 [Details]
(2010)'Misuse of Drugs Statutory Instruments S.I. 199-202/2010'
Keating JJ (2010) 'Misuse of Drugs Statutory Instruments S.I. 199-202/2010'. Irish Pharmacy Journal, [Details]
(2010)'Synthesis and in vitro toxicity of 4-MTA, its characteristic clandestine synthesis byproducts and related sulfur substituted alpha-alkylthioamphetamines'
Cloonan, S.M; Keating, JJ; Dorrigan, D; O'Brien, JE; Kavanagh, PV; Williams, DC; Meegan, MJ; (2010) 'Synthesis and in vitro toxicity of 4-MTA, its characteristic clandestine synthesis byproducts and related sulfur substituted alpha-alkylthioamphetamines'. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, [DOI] [Details]
(2009)'Synthesis and Serotonin Activity of Sulphur-substituted Alpha-Alkyl Phenethylamines as a New class of Anti-Cancer Agents'
Cloonan, S.M; Keating, J.J; Butler, SG; Knox, AJ; Jorgensen, AM; Peters, GHh; Rai, D; Corrigan, D; Lloyd, DG; Williams, DC; Meegan, M.J; (2009) 'Synthesis and Serotonin Activity of Sulphur-substituted Alpha-Alkyl Phenethylamines as a New class of Anti-Cancer Agents'. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 44 :4862-4888 [DOI] [Details]
(2001)'Phenylalkylamine abuse among opiate addicts attending a methadone treatment programme in the Republic of Ireland'
Kavanagh P.V., Dunne J., Feely J., Maguire R., Corrigan D., Keating J.J., Meegan M.J., Clancy J.M., Burdett J.; (2001) 'Phenylalkylamine abuse among opiate addicts attending a methadone treatment programme in the Republic of Ireland'. Addiction: Biology, 6 (2):177-181 [Details]
(1999)'Excretion Profile of 4-Methylthioamphetamine'
Kavanagh P.V., Corrigan D., Maguire R.T., Meegan M.J., Keating J.J., Clancy J., Burdett J.; (1999) 'Excretion Profile of 4-Methylthioamphetamine'. Pharmacy and Pharmacology Communications, 5 (*):653-655 [Details]

Other Journals

 YearPublication
(2007)'New degree in Ireland includes veterinary module'
Keating J.J.; (2007) 'New degree in Ireland includes veterinary module' Pharmaceutical Journal, 278 . [Details]

Conference Publications

 YearPublication
(2013)5th Eurovariety in Chemistry Education Conference
J.J. Keating, E.M. O'Leary and T.P. O'Sullivan (2013) Teaching Chemistry Through ‘Discipline’ Eyes’ 5th Eurovariety in Chemistry Education Conference Limerick, Ireland, [Details]

Abstract

 YearPublication
(2009)CINF 85-Anticancer activity of SERT binding sulfur-substituted alpha-alkyl phenethylamines.
Knox, AJS,Cloonan, S,Keating, JJ,Butler, SG,Golfis, G,Jorgensen, AM,Peters, GH,Rai, D,Lloyd, DG,Williams, DC,Meegan, MJ (2009) CINF 85-Anticancer activity of SERT binding sulfur-substituted alpha-alkyl phenethylamines. Abstract [Details]

Bill/Resolution

 YearPublication
(2011)Irish Statutory Instrument S.I. 551-553/2011.
Members of the Department of Health and Children Designer Drug Committee (2011) Irish Statutory Instrument S.I. 551-553/2011. Bill/Resolution [Details]

Newspaper Articles

 YearPublication
(2010)Banning mephedrone won't stop next wave.
Keating J.J., Cryan J.F.; (2010) Banning mephedrone won't stop next wave. Irish Examiner: Newspaper Articles [Details]

Professional Activities

Conference Contributions

 YearPublication
(2014)8th Irish Variety in Chemistry Education Conference,
E.M. O'Leary, T.P. O'Sullivan and J.J. Keating (2014) Assessment and Feedback in Chemistry Teaching; How can Technology Help?. [Oral Presentation], 8th Irish Variety in Chemistry Education Conference, Dublin Institute of Technology . [Details]
(2012)The First International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS),
O'Connor R; Keating JJ (2012) Investigation into the Synthesis and Impurity Profiling of Known and Novel Routes to the Alpha-Methylphenethylamine known as BromoDragonFLY. [Poster Presentation], The First International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS), Hotel Benzcur, Budapest, Hungary , 12-MAR-12 - 13-MAR-12. [Details]
(2012)The First International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS),
Quille, J; Keating JJ; Fitzpatrick D (2012) Forensic Impurity Profiling and Synthesis of Precursors to the Hallucinogenic Amphetamine DOB. [Poster Presentation], The First International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS), Hotel Benzcur, Budapest, Hungary , 12-MAR-12 - 13-MAR-12. [Details]
(2008)All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar,
J. J. Keating; (2008) Impurity Profile of 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine. [Oral Presentation], All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar, University College Cork , 01-APR-08 - 01-APR-08. [Details]
(2008)The Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules IV,
J. J. Keating; (2008) Impurity Profiling of Amphetamine-type Drugs of Abuse. [Oral Presentation], The Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules IV, University College Cork , 01-JUL-08 - 01-JUL-08. [Details]
(2007)Modern Techniques in Forensic Analysis,
J. J. Keating; (2007) Impurity Profiling of the Leuckart route towards the synthesis of the hallucinogen 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine. [Oral Presentation], Modern Techniques in Forensic Analysis, Dublin Institute of Technology , 03-MAR-07 - 03-MAR-07. [Details]
(2007)All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar,
J. J. Keating; (2007) Studies in the Synthesis of Novel Derivatives of MDMA Type Drugs of Abuse. [Oral Presentation], All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland , 01-MAR-07 - 01-MAR-07. [Details]
(2007)All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar,
J. J. Keating; (2007) Impurity Profiling of the Leuckart route towards the synthesis of the hallucinogen 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine. [Oral Presentation], All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland , 02-MAR-07 - 02-MAR-07. [Details]
(2006)Irish Universities Chemistry Research Colloquium,
J. J. Keating; (2006) Impurity Profiling of the Leuckart route towards the synthesis of the hallucinogen 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine. [Oral Presentation], Irish Universities Chemistry Research Colloquium, National College of Ireland, Galway , 01-JUN-06 - 01-JUN-06. [Details]
(2006)All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar,
J. J. Keating; (2006) Studies in the Synthesis of Novel Derivatives of MDMA Type Drugs of Abuse. [Oral Presentation], All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar, Queen¿s University, Belfast , 02-APR-06 - 02-APR-06. [Details]
(2006)All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar,
J. J. Keating; (2006) Impurity Profiling of the Leuckart route towards the synthesis of the hallucinogen 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine. [Oral Presentation], All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar, Queen¿s University, Belfast , 01-APR-06 - 01-APR-06. [Details]
(2005)All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar,
J. J. Keating; (2005) Impurity Profiling of an Hallucinogenic Amphetamine 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine. [Oral Presentation], All-Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Seminar, Trinity College, Dublin , 01-MAR-05 - 01-MAR-05. [Details]
(2005)Tetrahedron Symposium,
J. J. Keating; (2005) Studies in the Synthesis of Novel Derivatives of MDMA Type Drugs of Abuse. [Oral Presentation], Tetrahedron Symposium, Bordeaux, France , 01-JUN-05 - 01-JUN-05. [Details]
(2004)ABCRF Research Symposium,
Keating J.J., Meegan M.J., Corrigan D.; (2004) Impurity Profiling of PMK and PEK (key Ketone Precursors of the Amphetamine Derivatives MDMA and MBDB), Synthesised via the Prilazhaev Route. [Poster Presentation], ABCRF Research Symposium, University College Cork , 22-APR-04 - 22-APR-04. [Details]
(2003)Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium,
Keating J.J., Meegan M.J.; (2003) Impurity Profiling of PMK and PEK (key Ketone Precursors of the Amphetamine Derivatives MDMA and MBDB), Synthesised via the Prilazhaev route. [Poster Presentation], Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium, Trinity College, Dublin , 27-MAR-03 - 28-MAR-03. [Details]
(2003)Center for Synthesis and Chemical Biology Symposium,
Keating J.J., Meegan M.J.; (2003) Impurity Profiling of PMK and PEK (key Ketone Precursors of the Amphetamine Derivatives MDMA and MBDB), Synthesised via the Prilazhaev Route. [Poster Presentation], Center for Synthesis and Chemical Biology Symposium, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland , 17-DEC-03 - 17-DEC-03. [Details]
(2002)Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium,
Keating J.J., Meegan M.J., Maguire R.T., Corrigan D.; (2002) 6-Halo Derivatives of MDMA and MBDB: Synthesis and Pharmacological Activity. [Poster Presentation], Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium, Trinity College, Dublin , 27-MAR-02 - 28-MAR-02. [Details]
(2002)Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology Symposium,
Keating J.J., Meegan M.J., Maguire R.T., Corrigan D.; (2002) 6-Halo Derivatives of MDMA and MBDB: Synthesis and Pharmacological Activity. [Poster Presentation], Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology Symposium, University College Dublin , 17-DEC-02 - 17-DEC-03. [Details]
(2000)Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium,
Keating J.J., Meegan M.J., Maguire R.T., Corrigan D.; (2000) Analytical and Synthetic Profiling of 4-Methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA). [Poster Presentation], Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium, Dublin Castle, Dublin , 27-MAY-00 - 30-MAR-00. [Details]
(2000)Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium,
Keating J.J., Meegan M.J., Corrigan D., Maguire R.T.; (2000) Analytical and Synthetic Profiling of 4-Methylthioamphetamine. [Oral Presentation], Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium, Trintiy College, Dublin , 28-MAR-00 - 29-MAR-00. [Details]
(1999)Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium,
Keating J.J., Meegan M.J., Maguire R.T., Corrigan D.; (1999) Analytical and Synthetic Profiling of the Ecstasy Analogue MBDB. [Poster Presentation], Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium, Queens University, Belfast , 28-MAR-99 - 29-MAR-99. [Details]
(1998)Queens University Belfast/Trinity College Dublin Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium,
Keating J.J., Meegan M.J., Maguire R.T., Corrigan D.; (1998) Analytical and Synthetic Profiles of MDMA (Ecstasy) and its Analogues. [Poster Presentation], Queens University Belfast/Trinity College Dublin Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium, Trintiy College, Dublin , 27-MAR-98 - 28-MAR-98. [Details]
(1997)All Iteland Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium,
J. J. Keating; (1997) Impurity Profiling of Amphetamine-type Drugs of Abuse. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], All Iteland Schools of Pharmacy Colloquium, Trinity College, Dublin , 01-FEB-97 - 01-FEB-97. [Details]

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2014Top 100 Dynamic Irish Pharmacists 2014 Irish Pharmacy News
2013Top 100 Dynamic Irish Pharmacists 2013 Irish Pharmacy News
2013Teaching Award, University College Cork UCC
2001Best Poster TCD/QUB Pharmacy Colloquium
2000Best Oral Presentation TCD/QUB Pharmacy Colloquium
1998Best Poster TCD/QUB Annual Pharmacy Colloquium
1997Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Gold Medal Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
1996Trinity College Gold Meal Trinity College Dublin
1996Jim Hegarty Memorial Medal in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Trinity College Dublin

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Member01-DEC-97 /
Royal Society of Chemistry Member01-FEB-09 /

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
Teaching and Curriculum Committee, Pharmacy Member2005 /
School of Chemistry Board Member2002 /
Pharmacy School Board Member2003 /
Director, Pharmacy Mature Student Entry Route Chair2011 /

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
University College Cork Lecturer01-JAN-03 /
Trinity College Dublin Postgraduate Research Student01-JAN-97 / 01-JAN-01
Trinity College Dublin Post-doctoral Research Fellow01-JAN-02 / 01-JAN-03
University College Cork Temporary Lecturer of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry01-JAN-02 / 01-JAN-03
Community Pharmacy Locum community pharmacist15-NOV-97 / 31-DEC-14

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
1996Trinity College Dublin B.Sc.(Pharm.)Pharmacy
2001Trinity College Dublin Ph.D.Medicinal Chemistry
2001Trinity College Dublin Diploma in Quality ImprovementQuality Improvement
2006Royal Pharamceutical Society of Great Britain Diploma in Veterinary PharmacyVeterinary Pharmacy
2014University College Cork Postgrad Cert. in Teaching & Learning in HETeaching and Learning

Languages

 LanguageReadingWritingSpeaking
French BasicBasicBasic

Outreach Activities

 Description

From the period 2005 to February 2010, I was Chair of the Chemistry Department Promotion of Chemistry Committee.  The committee was involved in organising events related to chemistry for primary and secondary school students and their parents. 

Other Activities

 Description

Scientific Advice to the Irish Department of Health and the Health Service Executive regarding the emergence of drugs of abuse in Ireland

I am a Member of the Irish Institute of Pharmacy (IIOP) Steering Group which is responsible for overseeing the development of Continuing Professional Development for pharmacists in Ireland

I provide Continuing Professional Development lectures and seminars to practising pharmacists through the Irish Pharmaceutical Union CPD Academy

Teaching Activities

Teaching Interests

My main teaching interests are in the area of medicinal chemistry and organic chemistry.

Within these fields, I am particularly interested in the synthesis, characterisation and quality control of drugs and medicines used in both human and veterinary medicine, in addition to natural products which are used or can be adapted for use as medicines. 

I teach and contribute on modules PF1009, PF1012, PF3009, PF3012, PF3015, PF3016, PF3109, PF4001, PF4004, PF6200, PT4447, CM3102, CM3022, CM3028, CM3101, CM4101, CM4108, CM4022, CM4100, CM4201, CM4202, CM7001, CM7002, CM7003

In recent years, I have developed increased interest in the theory of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, and how medicinal chemistry can be integrated into the UCC BPharm curriculum in a meaningful way. I am currently (2016) undertaking an MA in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education at UCC.

I have also developed a keen interest in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of registered Irish pharmacists.  As a result, I deliver CPD talks on behalf of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) Autumn and Spring CPD programmes to qualified pharmacists.  I am also on the Irish Institute of Pharmacy (IIOP) Steering Group which is involved in the establishment of structures CPD for Irish Pharmacists under the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland(PSI).  I am also a member of the UCC Committee which is involved in establishing a CPD Centre in the College of Medicine and Health.

I am a member of the UCC School of Pharmacy Teaching and Curriculum Committee and was a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Accreditation Team for the Trinity College Dublin Pharmacy programme in March 2013.




Recent Postgraduates

 Graduation YearStudent NameInstitutionDegree TypeThesis Title
2010Margaret Denise Howard University College CorkMSc2010 Outlook on the Guidance to Process Validation for Finished Products and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
2009Dawn Griffin PHDStudies in the Synthesis and Impurity Profiling of 2,5-Dimethoxy Amphetamines

Research Information

Internal Collaborators

 NameInstituteCountry
Dr Dara Fitzpatrick Chemistry DepartmentIRELAND
Dr Tim O'Sullivan School of PharmacyIRELAND

External Collaborators

 NameOrganisation / InstituteCountry
Prof Mary Jane Meegan Trinity College DublinIRELAND

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