Personal profile
Biography
Dervla O’Malley received a first class BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Ulster, Coleraine with a Diploma in industrial studies with commendation from a placement in the University of Nevada, Reno.
She carried out her doctoral studies at the University of Dundee, Scotland, having received a Muir Russell Scholarship and subsequently undertook a post-doctoral fellowship in the University of Cambridge, England followed by a post-doctoral position in the University of Edinburgh. She joined APC Microbiome Ireland in University College Cork as a Senior Post-doctoral Researcher in 2007 before joining the Department of Physiology, UCC as a lecturer and Principal Investigator in 2011.
Research Interests
The theme of Dervla’s research is neuroimmune and neuroendocrine interactions in the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Her group is also investigating cognitive aspects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Teaching Activities
Dervla teaches, or has taught, students from Physiology, Medicine, Medicine and Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Dentistry and Engineering.
She led the development of a professional post-graduate programme, MSc Clinical Measurement Physiology, for which she is now Programme Director.
UCC Futures (primary)
- Future of Health
PhD Supervision
- Available for PhD supervision
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 4 Quality Education
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Astrocyte proliferation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus is suppressed across the lifespan of dystrophin-deficient mdx mice
Stephenson, K. A., Peters, P., Rae, M. G. & O'Malley, D., 1 Apr 2025, In: Experimental Physiology. 110, 4, p. 585-598 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Inhibition of hippocampal interleukin-6 receptor-evoked signalling normalises long-term potentiation in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice
Stephenson, K. A., Barron, A., Rae, M. G. & O'Malley, D., Feb 2025, In: Brain, Behavior, and Immunity - Health. 43, 100935.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Neuronal hyperexcitability in dystrophin-deficient mdx hippocampal neurons: the importance of interleukin-6 and GABAergic regulation
Stephenson, K. A., Xiao, Q., Vaughan, M. B., Peters, P., Denley, C., O’Meara, S., Sheehan, C., Rae, M. G. & O’Malley, D., Dec 2025, In: Scientific Reports. 15, 1, 18984.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Regional and conditional variability of FXR: new lessons on ileal inflammation and gut barrier functions
Joyce, S. A. & O’Malley, D., Nov 2024, In: American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. 327, 5, p. G626-G628Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial
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Physiological Mechanisms Underpinning Heightened Perception of Visceral Afferent Signalling in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
O'Malley, D., 1 Jan 2023, Visceral Pain. Springer International Publishing, p. 129-142 14 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedings › Chapter › peer-review