Dr F. Jerry Reen did a BSc in Biochemistry at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), subsequently pursuing a PhD in the Molecular GlycoBiotechnology Group at NUIG, being awarded both an Enterprise Ireland Scholarship and an NUI Teaching Fellowship. In Oct 2002, Jerry took up a PostDoctoral position in the lab of Dr. E. Fidelma Boyd in the Department of Microbiology at University College Cork (UCC). During that time he was a visiting scientist at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, San Diego, USA and was awarded an IRCSET Postdoctoral Fellowship to study bacteriophage-host interactions. He subsequently took up a fixed term lecturing position in the School of Microbiology, while also joining the BIOMERIT Research Centre where he developed an interest in small molecule research and host-microbe interactions in chronic disease. In 2011, he won the inaugural Science Foundation Ireland TIDA ‘Dragons Den’ and was hosted in Silicon Valley, San Jose by the Irish Technology Leadership Group. He has since won several awards for his research and has published over 80 peer reviewed scientific papers (h-index 26). Jerry has been a member of faculty in the School of Microbiology at UCC since 2017, where his research interests are in deciphering the communication systems underpinning polymicrobial-host interactions for human and ecosystem health, as well as delivering green sustainable solutions for the (Bio)Pharma industry. His teaching has led to several innovations based on universality, inclusivity, and neurodiversity, with particular focus on the development of student partnered virtual reality simulations as a pedagogical tool enabling access to challenging abstract concepts.

Throughout my research career I have developed a strong interdisciplinary background in biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, and bioinformatics. This experience has resulted in several interdisciplinary collaborations being established with colleagues from other Schools within UCC and further afield, links which I am keen to continue to develop going forward. Deciphering the common signatures that define distantly related organisms provides a unique perspective on the dynamic interactions that govern their co-existence. From a translational perspective, developing a network of compounds that modulate cellular behaviour provides the template for a synthetic diversity approach that is being used to develop antagonistic compounds for drug development. Understanding small molecule signalling in microbial communities for ecosystem and human health: The foundation of microbial behaviour, whether the expression of virulence, persistence through community formations called biofilms, or the expression of novel biosynthetic gene clusters and natural products, is governed by cell-cell communication. The emergence of technologies that enable us to appreciate and investigate the microbial communities that colonise diverse ecological and clinical niches has led to a new understanding of disease progression. The lungs, previously considered a sterile environment periodically colonised by harmful pathogens, are now known to carry a rich and diverse microbial community. Deciphering the cell-cell communication systems that govern the interactions between these diverse species is key to delivering innovative and effective new therapies for disease management. Interactions between established and emerging pathogens is of particular interest. A major part of this discovery based programme is the development of systems-based approaches and appropriate models in which to study microbial behaviour. This will lead to a better understanding of micro

Thematic Areas:Teaching interests reflect a strong commitment to research and innovation in medicine and health, sustainable ecosystems, and microbial biotechnology. (i) The molecular ecological basis of how microbial communities interact with their host and their ecosystem is a key teaching interest sustained over many years, underpinned by a commitment to foster an interest amongst the students for what amount to the greatest challenges of our time.(ii) Advanced molecular and systems biotechnology with an emphasis on microbial systems that can deliver sustainable green solutions for Pharma and Industry. (iii) Microbe-host interactions and bi-directional signalling/communication in the context of clinical and environmental ecosystems. Small molecule signalling, signal transduction systems, and virulence control within complex polymicrobial communities.(iv) Genetically Modified Microorganisms for Adult Continuing Education and the Pharmaceutical Industry. Pedagogical Innovations:Student partnered innovation in learning and assessment is a keen and sustained interest of mine.(i) Teaching innovations developed around 'learning by doing' through e.g. signal transduction enactment, molecular jigsaws (ii) Applied performances of understanding e.g. Molecular Canvas(iii) Cross-discipline internationalisation (iv) Digitalisation e,g, Bespoke award winning Virtual Reality simulations Scholarship of Inclusive Teaching and Learning:Commitment to the research and scholarship underpinning Universal Design for Learning and inclusive neurodiverse teaching.(i) Publication in discipline peer-reviewed journals (ii) Provision of student-partnered insights for digital badge