Andreea Factor
Research Profile
Andreea Factor
Biography
Andreea Factor has been a College Lecturer at UCC since 2016.
She completed her MD at Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacology in
Timisoara, Romania. In addition to her medical degree, Andreea holds a research Master's in
Biochemistry, which equips her with a strong foundation in the molecular
mechanisms underlying health and disease. She has also earned a Postgraduate
Diploma in Teaching and Learning from UCC, highlighting her commitment to
effective education. Andreea has extensive clinical experience, having worked
in the fields of neurology and cardiology in Ireland and Romania. This
diverse background enhances her teaching, allowing her to bring real-world
insights into the classroom. Her primary focus lies in teaching anatomy, where
she is passionate about fostering a deep understanding of the subject among
medical professionals and biomedical engineers. She employs innovative teaching
strategies to enhance student engagement and optimize learning experiences,
ensuring her students are well-prepared for future careers. Andreea is actively
involved in various undergraduate and postgraduate programs as a teacher. Moreover, Andreea is keenly interested in
interdisciplinary research, striving to connect various fields of study to
advance knowledge and improve healthcare outcomes.
Research Interests
Andreea's
current research interests center around the dynamic intersection of medical
education and technological innovation. She
is particularly interested on developing anatomy-informed medical devices and exploring
the integration of advanced technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), into
anatomy education to enhance learning outcomes.
She
collaborates with engineers and computer scientists to co-supervise students on
cutting-edge projects involving multimodal analysis of EEG signals, which
feature 3D visualisation of the brain. These innovative projects include the integration
of EEG with VR technology and AI-assisted sonification for seizure detection.
Furthermore, she is working on a novel wearable AI-assisted stethoscope. This
device aims to leverage artificial intelligence to provide healthcare
practitioners with enhanced tools to help identify and diagnose various heart
and lung pathologies.
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2025) | 'Measuring students' perceptions of virtual reality for learning anatomy using the general extended technology acceptance model for E-learning'
Sarah Alturkustani, Ashley Durfee, Olivia F. O'Leary, Siobhain M. O'Mahony, Conor O'Mahony, Mutahira Lone, Andreea Factor (2025) 'Measuring students' perceptions of virtual reality for learning anatomy using the general extended technology acceptance model for E-learning'. Anatomical Sciences Education, [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2025) | 'Denoising of Heart Sounds using Lightweight FCNs and Spectrograms With and Without Context'
D. Duggan, A. Temko, V. Sarana, A. Factor and E. Popovici (2025) 'Denoising of Heart Sounds using Lightweight FCNs and Spectrograms With and Without Context'. IEEE Access, [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2022) | 'Sonif.Ai: empowering the medical professional with fast and accurate interpretation of neonatal EEG'
S. Gomez-Quintana, F. OSullivan, A. Factor, E. Popovici, A. Temko (2022) 'Sonif.Ai: empowering the medical professional with fast and accurate interpretation of neonatal EEG'. Frontiers In Pediatrics, [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2022) | 'Hearttone: An accurate, objective decision support tool for detecting congenital heart disease using phonocardiograms and artificial intelligence'
S. Gomez-Quintana, V. Shelevytska, G. Caracciolo, A. Factor, E. Popovici, A. Temko (2022) 'Hearttone: An accurate, objective decision support tool for detecting congenital heart disease using phonocardiograms and artificial intelligence'. Frontiers In Pediatrics, [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2022) | 'Impact of a multimodal anatomy CPD course on intravenous cannulation skills An Irish radiographers and radiation therapists perspective'
M. Lone, A.H. Sheikh, A. Factor, N. Moore, M.A. Javaid, (2022) 'Impact of a multimodal anatomy CPD course on intravenous cannulation skills An Irish radiographers and radiation therapists perspective'. European Journal Of Anatomy, [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2021) | 'A Framework for AI-Assisted Detection of Patent Ductus Arteriosus from Neonatal Phonocardiogram'
Gómez-Quintana, S.; Schwarz, C.E.; Shelevytsky, I.; Shelevytska, V.; Semenova, O.; Factor, A.; Popovici, E.; Temko, A. (2021) 'A Framework for AI-Assisted Detection of Patent Ductus Arteriosus from Neonatal Phonocardiogram'. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2013) | 'Progressive ascending aortic dilation following aortic valve replacement in bicuspid aortic valve disease'
Andreea Factor, John Hinchion, Ronan Curtin; (2013) 'Progressive ascending aortic dilation following aortic valve replacement in bicuspid aortic valve disease'. European Heart Journal, [Details] |
|
| (2007) | 'The review of 152 cranial meningiomas'
D.C. Jianu , M. Petrica , S. Deme , S.N. Jianu , A. Factor , F. Birsasteanu, H. Ples , N. Ilin (2007) 'The review of 152 cranial meningiomas'. European Journal of Neurology, [Details] |
|
| (2007) | 'The review of 22 cerebral venous thrombosis cases'
Jianu, D. C.; Petrica, M.; Deme, S.; Zolog, A.; Scutelnicu, D.; Jianu, S. N.; Factor, A.; Birsasteanu, F (2007) 'The review of 22 cerebral venous thrombosis cases'. European Journal of Neurology, [Details] |
|
| (2005) | 'Topographic electroencephalographic study of the left middle cerebral artery in ischemic stroke with aphasia,using computed mapping of the EEG'
D.C. Jianu, D. Muresan, C. Zaharia and A. Factor (2005) 'Topographic electroencephalographic study of the left middle cerebral artery in ischemic stroke with aphasia,using computed mapping of the EEG'. European Journal of Neurology, [Details] |
|
| (2005) | 'Supplementary motor area aphasia: Three case reports'
D.C. Jianu, A. Factor, S. Ioncu-Deme, S. Kory Calomfirescuand C. Danc (2005) 'Supplementary motor area aphasia: Three case reports'. European Journal of Neurology, [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | Towards a Wearable, High Precision, Multi-Functional Stethoscope
Declan Duggan, Volodymyr Sarana, Andreea Factor, Viktoriya Shelevytska, Andriy Temko, Emanuel Popovici (2024) 46th Annual International Conference of theIEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society Towards a Wearable, High Precision, Multi-Functional Stethoscope Orlando, Florida, USA July 15-19, [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Exploring Virtual Anatomy Learning: An Irish Students Perception
Mutahira LONE, Sarah ALTURKUSTANI, Ashley DURFEE, Siobhain M. OMAHONY, Olivia F OLEARY, Conor OMAHONY, Andreea FACTOR (2024) 21st Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists Exploring Virtual Anatomy Learning: An Irish Students Perception [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2002) | The 4th International Symposium: Young People and Multidisciplinary Research: Romania-Yugoslavia-Hungary
A7. D. C. Jianu, A. Zolog,L. Matcau, M. Petrica, S. Ioncu-Deme, Andreea Factor, C. Danci (2002) Anatomo-clinical observations about some cases of global aphasia The 4th International Symposium: Young People and Multidisciplinary Research: Romania-Yugoslavia-Hungary , pp.745-752 [Details] |
Articles
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2013) | Psoriatic arthropathy: When it is a good time to look at the heart.
Factor A, Harney S. (2013) Psoriatic arthropathy: When it is a good time to look at the heart. Articles [Details] |
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Best Poster Winner | University College Cork | |
| 2021 | Engineering Publication of the Year | University College Cork | |
| 2006 | Irish Research Council for Science Engineering and Technology (The Embark Initiative) Scholarship | Irish Research Council | |
| 2003 | Best poster award | National Neurological Conference, Bucharest, Romania |
Other Activities
| Description | |
|---|---|
A still image from a video on ear anatomy that I created using 3D Organon and included in the article 'Measuring students' perceptions of virtual reality for learning anatomy using the general extended technology acceptance model for E-learning' was selected as the cover image for Anatomical Sciences Education, Wiley, Volume 18, Issue 6 (June 2025).
Link here: https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19359780/2025/18/6 |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Association for Anatomy | Member | 15-FEB-24 / | |
| Working Group on Development Anatomy and Pathology, European Society of Cardiology | Member | 08-AUG-23 / | |
| European Society of Radiology (ESR) | Associate Member | 16-MAY-23 / | |
| Anatomical Society, UK | Member | 01-MAR-17 / | |
| European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) | Member | 01-JUN-13 / | |
| Heart Failure Association (HFA) | Member | 01-JUN-13 / | |
| Association for Acute CardioVascular Care (ACVC) | Member | 01-JUN-13 / | |
| European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) | Member | 01-JUN-13 / | |
| Medical Council, Ireland | Member | 01-MAY-08 / 01-JUN-16 | |
| Medical Council, Romania | Member | 01-JAN-01 / 01-JUL-04 |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2025) | Anatomical Variation in Vertebral Artery Morphology: Observations from an Irish Cadaveric Population and Implications for Cerebral Development,
Ashley Benge, Savanna Toolis, Shubh Nitesh Oza, Andreea Factor (2025) The Anatomical Society Summer Meeting, July 14-16. [Poster Presentation], Anatomical Variation in Vertebral Artery Morphology: Observations from an Irish Cadaveric Population and Implications for Cerebral Development, St. John's College, Oxford, UK . [Details] |
|
| (2025) | AI Heart Sound Denoising at the Edge,
Declan Duggan, Andriy Temko, Volodymyr Sarana, Andreea Factor and Emanuel Popovici (2025) 10th IEEE International Workshop on Advances in Sensors and Interfaces, July 3-4. [Oral Presentation], AI Heart Sound Denoising at the Edge, Manfredonia, Italy . [Details] |
|
| (2025) | Immersive Virtual Reality Education for Electroencephalography Interpretation,
Adam Creed, David Murphy, Cian McCafferty, Jason Chan, Sergi Gomez Quintana, Andriy Temko, Emanuel Popovici, Andreea Factor (2025) 11th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, June 21-24. [Poster Presentation], Immersive Virtual Reality Education for Electroencephalography Interpretation, Helsinki, Finland . [Details] |
|
| (2025) | Exploration of the Perceptions of Healthcare Students Towards Using Virtual Reality to Learn Heart Anatomy: A Multi-Institutional Study,
Hannah Lee, Sarah Alturkustani, Audrey MK Dempsey, Kieran W. McDermott, Aisling Corbett, Siobhain Mary OMahony, Dearbhla Cullinane, Ashley Durfee, Denis Barry, Andreea Factor, Mutahira Lone (2025) ECA 25, June 23-24. [Poster Presentation], Exploration of the Perceptions of Healthcare Students Towards Using Virtual Reality to Learn Heart Anatomy: A Multi-Institutional Study, Notthingham . [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Anatomical Variability, Morphometric analysis and Clinical Implications,
Ashley Benge, Mutahira Lone, Andreea Factor (2024) CoMH Research Conference Futures 2024 Transforming Tomorrow Health. [Poster Presentation], Anatomical Variability, Morphometric analysis and Clinical Implications, Cork . [Details] |
|
| (2024) | The Course and Variations of the Extracranial Vertebral Arteries: An Irish Cadaveric Study,
Niamh Hennessy, Ashley Benge, Max Shanahan, Mutahira Lone, Andreea Factor (2024) Anatomical Society Summer Meeting 'From Organ Homeostasis to Healthspan:25 Anniversary of Aging Cell. [Poster Presentation], The Course and Variations of the Extracranial Vertebral Arteries: An Irish Cadaveric Study, Edinburgh, Scotland 24th - 26th July . [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Perceptions of Medical and Dental Students Towards Using VR to Learn Cardiac Anatomy: A Multi-Institutional Study,
Hannah Lee, Sarah Alturkustani, Audrey MK Dempsey, Kieran W. McDermott, Aisling Corbett, Siobhain M. OMahony, Dearbhla Cullinane, Ashley Durfee, Denis Barry, Mutahira Lone, Andreea Factor (2024) Anatomical Society Summer Meeting From Organ Homeostasis to Healthspan: 25th Anniversary of Aging Cell. [Poster Presentation], Perceptions of Medical and Dental Students Towards Using VR to Learn Cardiac Anatomy: A Multi-Institutional Study, Edinburgh, Scotland , 24-JUL-24 - 26-JUL-24. [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Students Perception on Using Virtual Reality Technology to Learn Heart Anatomy,
Hannah Lee, Sarah Alturkustani, Audrey MK Dempsey, Kieran W McDermott, Aisling Corbett, Siobhain M. OMahony, Dearbhla Cullinane, Ashley Durfee, Denis Barry, Mutahira Lone, Andreea Factor (2024) College of Medicine and Health Learning and Teaching Showcase. [Poster Presentation], Students Perception on Using Virtual Reality Technology to Learn Heart Anatomy, Cork . [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Future Learning: Enhancing Students' Anatomy Understanding Using Virtual Reality Technology,
Durfee AA, Alturkustani S, OLeary OF, OMahony SM, Lone M, OMahony C, Factor A (2023) College of Medicine and Health Learning and Teaching Showcase. [Poster Presentation], Future Learning: Enhancing Students' Anatomy Understanding Using Virtual Reality Technology, Cork . [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Fast and accurate seizure detection in neonatal EEG using AI-assisted sonification and its implementation on digital technologies,
E.Popovici, S. Gomez-Quintana, A. Daly, T. Van Nguyen, F. O Sullivan, A. Factor, A. Temko (2023) 4th International Congress on Mobile Health and Digital Technology in Epilepsy. [Poster Presentation], Fast and accurate seizure detection in neonatal EEG using AI-assisted sonification and its implementation on digital technologies, Lausanne, Switzerland . [Details] |
|
| (2021) | Significance of learning anatomy during an IV cannulation course: Irish radiographers and radiation therapists perspective,
N. Moore , A. Sheikh , M. Lone , A. Factor , M. Javaid; (2021) European Congress of Radiology. [Poster Presentation], Significance of learning anatomy during an IV cannulation course: Irish radiographers and radiation therapists perspective, Online . [Details] |
|
| (2007) | Influence of calcium on FKBP12 and correlations with ryanodine receptor activity,
Andreea Factor, John Mackrill, Tommie McCarthy (2007) Joint Health Research Day to incorporate Cork University Hospital Annual Research Day. [Poster Presentation], Influence of calcium on FKBP12 and correlations with ryanodine receptor activity, Cork, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2007) | A report on three cases of carotid body tumours: contributions of Color Doppler and other imaging techniques,
Jianu DC, Petrica M, Deme S, Muresanu DF, Zaharia C, Jianu SN, Factor A, Birsasteanu F; (2007) Neurosonolgy Conference. [Poster Presentation], A report on three cases of carotid body tumours: contributions of Color Doppler and other imaging techniques, Budapest, Hungary . [Details] |
|
| (2006) | Cerebral venous thrombosis: a review of few cases,
D.C. Jianu , A. Factor , S. Deme , D. Muresan , M. Petrica , S. Kory , C. Zaharia , F. Barsasteanu; (2006) 10th Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies-EFNS. [Poster Presentation], Cerebral venous thrombosis: a review of few cases, Glasgow, UK . [Details] |
|
| (2005) | Peculiar aphasia from herpes simplex encephalitis,
DC Jianu, A. Factor, M. Petrica, A. Zolog (2005) 9th Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies-EFNS 2005. [Poster Presentation], Peculiar aphasia from herpes simplex encephalitis, Athens, Greece . [Details] |
|
| (2005) | Symptomatic vasospasm after rezection of a juxtasellar tumor: case report and possible pathogenesis,
DC Jianu, S. Jianu, A. Factor, F. Birsasteanu (2005) 9th Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies-EFNS 2005. [Poster Presentation], Symptomatic vasospasm after rezection of a juxtasellar tumor: case report and possible pathogenesis, Athens, Greece . [Details] |
|
| (2003) | Primary Progressive Aphasia,
D.C. Jianu, A.Zolog, M.Petrica, Sanda Ioncu-Deme, F.Barsasteanu, Rodica Popa, Andreea Factor (2003) National Neurological Conference. [Poster Presentation], Primary Progressive Aphasia, Bucharest, Romania . [Details] |
|
| (2002) | Aphasia in multiple sclerosis,
D. C. Jianu, M. Petrica, A. Zolog, S. Ioncu-Deme, D. Scutelnicu, R. Popa, A. Factor. (2002) The National Conference of Neurology. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], Aphasia in multiple sclerosis, Bucharest . [Details] |
|
| (2002) | Assessment of cerebrovascular reactivity by Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound in patients with heamodynamic stroke and severe homolateral carotid artery lesions,
M. Petrica, D. C. Jianu, L. Matacu, Alina Murariu, Ruxandra Dana Chirileanu, Dorina Scutelnicu, Adriana Gaina, Daciana Balint, Andreea Factor (2002) The 5th National Conference of Stroke (AVC). [Poster Presentation], Assessment of cerebrovascular reactivity by Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound in patients with heamodynamic stroke and severe homolateral carotid artery lesions, Bucharest, Romania . [Details] |
|
| (2002) | Cerebral venous thrombosis. A review of 8 cases,
D. C. Jianu, M. Petrica, L. Matcau, A. Zolog, S. Ioncu-Deme, D. Scutelnicu, Andreea Factor; (2002) C7th Romanian National Congress of Phlebology, Timisoara,. [Poster Presentation], Cerebral venous thrombosis. A review of 8 cases, Timisoara, Romania . [Details] |
|
| (2002) | Cardiac causes of stroke,
D. C. Jianu, A. Zolog, L. Matcau, M. Petrica, Dorina Scutelnicu, S. Ioncu-Deme, Andreea Factor (2002) The 4th International Congress of Angiology-Vascular Pathology and Ambulant Surgery. [Poster Presentation], Cardiac causes of stroke, Timisoara, Romania . [Details] |
|
| (2002) | Aphasia in subdural hematoma,
D. C. Jianu, M. Petrica, L. Matcau, A. Zolog, Andreea Factor, C. Danci, I. Dragota; (2002) The 5th National Conference of Stroke (AVC). [Poster Presentation], Aphasia in subdural hematoma, Bucharest, Romania . [Details] |
|
| (2002) | Anatomo-clinical observations about some cases of global aphasia,
D. C. Jianu, A. Zolog,L. Matcau, M. Petrica, S. Ioncu-Deme, Andreea Factor, C. Danci; (2002) The 4th International Symposium: Young People and Multidisciplinary Research: Romania-Yugoslavia-Hungary. [Poster Presentation], Anatomo-clinical observations about some cases of global aphasia, Timisoara, Romania . [Details] |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Research Ethics Committee | Member | 2024 / | |
| CoMH - Interprofessional Learning (IPL) | Member | 2023 / 2024 | |
| Departmental Teaching and Learning Committee | Member | 2023 / | |
| Programme and Curriculum Committee for BSc Paramedic Studies Practitioner Entry | Member | 2016 / 2020 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | University College Cork | Diploma | Teaching | |
| 2019 | University College Cork | Certificate | Teaching | |
| 2009 | University College Cork | MSc | Biochemistry | |
| 2000 | University of Medicine and Pharmacology of Timisoara, Romania | Medical doctor (MD) | Medicine |
Teaching Interests
Dr Factor teaches anatomy in several Medicine and Health programmes at University College Cork and as a UCC service lecturer in Biomedical Engineering at Munster Technological University.
Her teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) principles, emphasising a reflective, research-based approach to education. She achieves this by integrating traditional teaching methods, including structured lectures and interactive practical demonstrations, with cutting-edge strategies such as 3D virtual reality technology, which enables students to visualize complex anatomical structures in immersive ways. Dr. Factor aims to inspire her students to become active participants in their education, fostering a deeper understanding of anatomy that is essential for their future careers.
Her teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) principles, emphasising a reflective, research-based approach to education. She achieves this by integrating traditional teaching methods, including structured lectures and interactive practical demonstrations, with cutting-edge strategies such as 3D virtual reality technology, which enables students to visualize complex anatomical structures in immersive ways. Dr. Factor aims to inspire her students to become active participants in their education, fostering a deeper understanding of anatomy that is essential for their future careers.
Current Postgraduate
Students Degree type
Declan Duggan MEngSc (Research)Recent Postgraduates
| Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Adam Creed | University College Cork | Master of Engineering Science | Interactive EEG visualisation in Virtual Reality: design and implementation |