You will earn 6 research credits over 8 weeks, conducting faculty-supervised, hands-on, directed study research projects with results that will culminate in the preparation of a research paper. You will complete a minimum of 240 hours on research in and out of the laboratory.
Faculty mentors will work closely with you to direct your continued growth and knowledge development in the chosen research topic discipline.
| Course ID | Title | Credits | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIME RSLW 392S | International Independent Research in STEM Fields | 6 |
Background: Concussion awareness is increasing almost daily in most mainstream sports. Concussion is one of the mildest forms of brain damage. However, it is this mildness of injury which makes it one of the most insidious, as repeated and undetected concussions can lead to permanently altered brain function. There is currently no scientific test for concussion – only a subjective assessment. There is no established replicative model of concussion for repeated tests that mimics the rotational and linear accelerations of a human model that includes the neck structures. The purpose of this project is to further develop an ex vivo model of the human and neck that can apply forces and rotations that mimic that of sports injuries. The ex vivo model can also be used to test the effect of helmet designs on the rotational accelerations in altered neck muscle conditions.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Can an experimental model of the human head and neck be created to replicate varying concussion scenarios with repeatable results?
Background that the student needs to have: The students should have some knowledge in product/mechanical design and project management. The students should have a basic background in biology and experimental design.
Analytical techniques to be employed: Triaxial accelerometer, in-house designed model of the human head and neck, labview
Keywords: soft tissue biomechanics, concussion
Background: Neural networks pervade modern society and are now making decisions in a wide range of scenarios such as medical diagnosis, fraud detection, self-driving cars, and industrial process modelling, among many others. However, there is growing concern that these models lack statistical development. Consequently, they tend to be overly complex and may overfit data. On the other hand, while balancing data fit and model complexity is a core aspect of statistical modelling, neural networks have not historically been developed from a statistical perspective. Therefore, the aim of this project is to take a statistical modelling approach to neural networks by applying a stepwise information-criteria-based input- and hidden-neuron selection procedure. Using both real and simulated data, the neural networks selected using this procedure will be compared to more complex networks that lack selection.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Neural networks can be simplified using statistical procedures without any significant loss in prediction performance.
Background that the student needs to have: The student should have a quantitative background, for example, in statistics, data science, or computer science. Some background in either neural networks or statistical model selection procedures would be helpful but is not necessary (and it is unlikely that any student would have advanced knowledge of either of these areas).
Analytical techniques to be employed: statistical stepwise selection, neural networks
Keywords: information criteria; model selection; neural networks; statistics
Background: Berry extracts contain sugars, soluble fibres, and other compounds that do not present any biological effect against reactive oxygen species. Thus, we aim to purify berry extracts to eliminate impurities and concentrate anthocyanins, pigmented compounds responsible for the red-bluish colour of different berry species. Then, the crude and purified extracts will be compared regarding their antioxidant capacity using chemical- and biological-based methods, such as FRAP, CUPRAC, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and protection of human plasma against oxidation.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Are the crude extracts from berries antioxidants in human plasma?
Is the purification process using microporous resins efficient to increase the antioxidant activity?
Is there an association between the anthocyanin composition and the antioxidant activity?
Background that the student needs to have: Analytical chemistry and organic chemistry
Analytical techniques to be employed: UV-Vis spectrophotometry; HPLC analysis; fluorimetry
Keywords: organic chemistry; sustainability; green chemistry; food science
Background: The decomposition of biomass derived formic acid is finding an increased prominence, as we seek a sustainable source of molecular hydrogen for hydrogenating biomass platform compounds into advanced biofuels and biosolvents. Producing hydrogen from formic acid has led to appreciable improvements in the light of cost-effective green process. Formic acid is produced along with levulinc acid in an equimolar ratio by the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass under acidic conditions. The low cost, abundance, and ability to hold molecular hydrogen up to 4.4 wt.% of formic acid, are an added advantage. Exploiting the in situ produced hydrogen enables us to avoid the use of expensive external source of molecular hydrogen in addition to its transport handling. Our research group has its main focus on developing a novel heterogeneous catalyst of a low cost, enabling us to decompose formic acid while hydrogenating levulinic acid, where this adds to sustainability, circular utilization of catalyst as well as more economic atomic steps.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Our approach is problem-oriented and we seek to maintain metal active sites that would have dehydrogenation/hydrogenation potential. Therefore, we propose co-doping process as a further step while investigating its effect on both conversion and selectivity.
Background that the student needs to have: completed 1st year science or engineering course
Analytical techniques to be employed: HPLC-UV
Keywords: chemical engineering, analytical chemistry, environmental science
Background: Ireland has become one important seaweed producer, with more than 10 mid-sized companies that export to the EU. However, not much information is available regarding the effects of water and ethanol on the recovery of antioxidants from Irish seaweeds. Thus, we aim to use different ethanol/H2O combinations and analyse their antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential using in vitro methodologies. The main compounds will be quantified by HPLC and a structure-activity relationship will be unveiled and explored.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Which seaweed is the best to provide antioxidant compounds? Which solvent (water, ethanol) combination is more effective in extracting antioxidants? Do the extracts exhibit antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential?
Background that the student needs to have: Analytical chemistry, and organic chemistry
Analytical techniques to be employed: UV-Vis spectrophotometry; HPLC analysis; fluorimetry
Keywords: organic chemistry; sustainability; green chemistry; food science
Background: Photosalient behaviour occurs when crystals show jumping, splitting, rolling, swelling, and breaking when exposed to UV irradiation. Crystals that exhibit this behaviour are rare, and a fundamental understanding of how this process occurs are limited. In this project the student will use quantum mechanical calculations to study and understand this phenomenon, by calculating in-silico stress-strain curves and a variety of other mechanical properties on the national supercomputer. Prospective students should be interested in learning new coding languages, investigating mysterious phenomena, and working with large datasets.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Can quantum mechanical simulations explain macroscopic molecular crystal actuation?
Background that the student needs to have: Any science and engineering background, coding experience an advantage
Analytical techniques to be employed: Can quantum mechanical simulations explain macroscopic molecular crystal actuation?
Keywords: computational chemistry; computational physics; actuators
Background: Polymorphism is the existence of two different crystalline phases for a single material. With the development of diffraction science and computer programming, there has been an exponential increase in the number of polymorphic phases of a material. As the chemical identity of polymorphic phases are identical, a comparative correlation of observed physical properties of interest can be easily correlated with the crystal structure. The project will involve data mining of the Cambridge Crystal Structural Database to identify organic polymorphic materials for which all crystal forms or at least once crystallise in shapes that allow for functional properties for sensor applications. Organic materials may include single-component crystals, multi-component crystals like cocrystals and organic solvates/hydrates. Observed piezoresponses will be correlated with the respective crystal structure to understand the tunability of the piezoresponses with respect to the structure. Prospective students should be interested in learning hands-on physical chemistry, data mining, and crystal growth
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Can polymorphism in molecular crystals be used to engineer high-performance. eco-friendly piezoelectric materials?
Background that the student needs to have: Any science and engineering background.
Analytical techniques to be employed: Data mining, crystallisation, x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, piezoelectric measurement techniques
Keywords: solid-state physics, piezoelectricity, crystallization, functional materials
Background: Piezoelectric polycrystalline films of small molecule, biomolecular materials are of increasing interest in the field of eco-friendly sensors. This project will focus on amplifying the piezoelectric activity of these films by directed crystallisation using additives. The student will identify piezoelectric biomolecular systems exhibiting poor crystal growth properties, design and identify additives that can modulate morphological and crystal growth characteristics and grow and characterise polycrystalline films of these systems. Prospective students should be interested in learning hands-on physical chemistry, microscopy, and crystal growth.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Can polymorphism in molecular crystals be used to engineer high-performance. eco-friendly piezoelectric materials?
Background that the student needs to have: Any science & engineering background, chemistry knowledge an advantage
Analytical techniques to be employed: Data mining, crystallisation, x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, piezoelectric measurement techniques
Keywords: solid-state physics, piezoelectricity, crystallization, functional materials
Background: Battery replacement represents a significant barrier to the widespread use of wireless sensor nodes for IoT applications. Vibrational energy harvesting represents an alternative to batteries since there is often an abundance of available kinetic energy in the vicinity of a sensor that can be converted by using piezoelectric materials. This project will exploit dynamic nonlinear geometrical effects on a 3D-printed thin-walled vibrational energy harvester to increase both the bandwidth and the output power of the device. A finite element model (FEM) will be constructed with Abaqus to investigate the dynamic nonlinear geometrical response of thin-walled structures made with 3D printable materials. The FEM will provide insights into the parameters (i.e. geometrical and mechanical) giving the largest contribution to the amount of harvested energy due to buckling phenomena. Finally, a demonstrator will be manufactured and tested, and its results will be compared with numerical results obtained with the FEM.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: assessing the harvested energy given by piezoelectric materials in a dynamic geometrically regime
Background that the student needs to have: basic knowledge of structural finite element analysis, basic knowledge of structural vibration theory, and basic experience in data acquisition.
Analytical techniques to be employed: numerical structural analysis with the finite element technique, data acquisition with LabVIEW, and data analysis with Matlab
Keywords: vibrational energy harvesting, finite element analysis, 3D printing, buckling
Background: Endometriosis (EM) is a gynecological condition characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue-like lesions in areas outside the uterine cavity. Although non-lethal, EM is a debilitating condition that negatively impacts many aspects of life, including fertility. Currently there is no cure for endometriosis with management options limited to surgical removal of ectopic tissue, hormonal treatment to suppress and delay recurrence and progression of disease and pain suppression strategies. Recent evidence points to a pathogenic role for the NF-κB family of inducible transcription factors in EM where NF-κB drives endometriotic cell survival, resistance to apoptosis, proliferation, invasion and adhesion. This project will further our understanding of the role for NF-κB in endometriosis pathophysiology by establishing a cell model system to decipher NF-κB’s pathogenic function in ectopic endometriotic cell survival.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Does NF-κB drive cell survival in endometriosis lesions? Can we identify the non-redundant downstream genes involved in NF-κB’s pathogenic survival function in endometriosis?
Background that the student needs to have: Students should have a sound background in Cell Biology, Biochemistry or other Life Sciences with a particular interest in cell signalling. Practical experience in cell culture techniques is preferred but not necessary, as full training will be provided.
Analytical techniques to be employed: Cell cultivation, Lentiviral knockdown model systems, Protein expression analysis (Western blotting), Gene expression analysis (qRT-PCR), viability assays and statistics.
Keywords: endometriosis, cell survival, NF-κB signalling pathway, targeted therapies.
Background: Smart Grids are gaining popularity due to smart and intelligent data collection and monitoring processes. A smart grid is a modernized electrical grid that incorporates advanced technologies, digital communication, and intelligent devices to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of electricity generation, distribution, and consumption. However, due to open nature of these networks, the nodes are vulnerable and easy target for attackers. The smart grids network services can be compromised or interrupted by using DoS, jamming, black hole, worm and sinkhole, floods, and sybil attacks. Data security has a direct connection with trust value of neighbor devices. Secure data communication and trustworthy devices with proper authentication mechanism are the fundamental and essential requirements of these networks.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: This project will investigate the security issues and attacks behavior of smart grids devices. Project will outline the secure and trust based solutions for smart grids networks.
Background that the student needs to have: The student should have a basic background in data communications and security.
Analytical techniques to be employed: Attacks models usage and trust, authentication and security provision methods to secure the smart grids networks and make the nodes trustworthy and authenticated in the network.
Keywords: computer engineering/science & security
Background: Internet of Everything (IoE) is one of the area of IoT and smart cities networks where the devices are connected with internet. However, these networks are at high risks in terms of security violations. Different kind of attacks have been conducted on these networks where the user lost their data. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are used to detect and prevent the cyber-attacks. These systems are based on machine and deep learning techniques and still suffered with under fitting or overfitting issues.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: This project investigates the security issues in IoE networks. The anomaly based intrusion detection for smart home networks will also investigate to address the overfitting/under fitting issues and ensure the high performance in terms of hybridization.
Background that the student needs to have: The student should have a basic background in data communications and security.
Analytical techniques to be employed: Machine and deep learning approaches and how these are used in IDS and IPS systems to secure the Internet of Everything networks.
Keywords: computer engineering/science & security
Background: Flying Ad-Hoc Network (FANET) is a type of mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, communicate with each other to form a network. FANETs are designed for scenarios where drones need to work together and exchange data without relying on pre-established infrastructure like ground-based communication towers. FANETs face challenges related to connectivity maintenance, interference, energy efficiency, and security. The mobility of drones and the variability of environmental conditions can make network management complex. The routing is one of the significant requirements for these networks for finding best path in the network and address the routing and data forwarding challenges.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: This project investigates the routing issues in FANET networks. Findings a best path for drone’s communication will be investigated to ensure the high performance and data communication.
Background that the student needs to have: The student should have a basic background in data communications and computer networks.
Analytical techniques to be employed: Routing protocols usage in FANET networks are used in simulation to design the enhanced protocol for better data communication services.
Keywords: computer engineering/science & security
Background: Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs) have gained the popularity due to smart traffic management, monitoring and controlling capabilities. Electric Vehicles (EVs) is one of the main component of these networks to control the air pollution and Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions and reducing operational expenses. However, the increasing demand of these vehicles lead to various infrastructure and charging issues. This project will design a charging system to manage the EVs charging management. This project provides a EV charging schedule for effective and efficient charging operations and schedule the EV charging considering the limited number of charging points.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: This project investigates the EVs charging systems to ensure the charging operations and schedule the EV charging considering the limited number of charging points.
Background that the student needs to have: The student should have a basic background in data communications and computer networks.
Analytical techniques to be employed: Charging systems operations for EVs are used in simulation to design the enhanced scheduling solution for EVs vehicles.
Keywords: computer engineering/computer science
Background: The Product Design and Performing Arts HRI Cluster are breaking new ground with Irish Dancing injury prevention research. In the past 12 months, three Invention Disclosures have been filed along with numerous publications and presentations relating to Irish dancing lower limb injury and footwear solutions. The work outlined for this scholarship recipient is to participate in three of the cluster's projects all at different stages in their development. The Hard Irish Dancing shoe, An innovative lacing system, and the Soft Irish Dancing shoe. This project encompasses: Assisting in facilitating Irish Dancing field research, supporting lab-based materials tests for the development of Irish Dancing footwear solutions, and prototyping alterations and interventions as part of design ideation and concept development. Carry out patent searches and design registrations. Sourcing materials and suppliers.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: The development of design solutions that reduce the risk of injury and cater for the needs of the dancer in terms of usability and performance.
Background that the student needs to have: Product design or industrial design or relevant discipline.
Analytical techniques to be employed: The planned tasks involve assisting in facilitating primary research, design iterations of product solutions through sketching, liaising with material suppliers, supporting lab-based materials tests, and prototyping as part of design ideation and concept development. Iterative testing of solutions with dancers, patent and design registration searches and feasibility studies of design solutions to develop a business case. Packaging design and branding. The student will be exposed to a depth of expertise from the cluster collaborators from biomechanics, physiotherapy, entrepreneurship, product design, and Irish dance performance choreography.
Keywords: field research, materials sourcing and tests, footwear solutions, prototyping, alterations, interventions, design ideation, concept development
Background: The Product Design and Performing Arts HRI Cluster are breaking new ground with Irish Dancing injury prevention research. In the past 12 months, three Invention Disclosures have been filed along with numerous publications and presentations relating to Irish dancing lower limb injury and footwear solutions. The work outlined for this scholarship recipient is to participate in three of the cluster's projects all at different stages in their development. The Hard Irish Dancing shoe, An innovative lacing system, and the Soft Irish Dancing shoe. This project encompasses: Assisting in facilitating bio-mechanical testing with dance athletes along with the testing of shoe prototypes, supporting lab-based materials and climate tests for the development of Irish Dancing footwear solutions, and supporting the prototyping of alterations and interventions as part of concept development. Carry out patent searches and design registrations. Sourcing materials and suppliers.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: The development of design solutions that reduce the risk of injury and cater for the needs of the dancer in terms of usability and performance.
Analytical techniques to be employed: The planned tasks involve assisting in, bio-mechanical testing, supporting lab-based materials and climate tests, design iterations of product solutions through testing, liaising with material suppliers and the assisting in prototyping as part of concept development. Patent and design registration searches and feasibility studies of design solutions to develop a business case. The student will be exposed to a depth of expertise from the cluster collaborators from biomechanics, physiotherapy, entrepreneurship, product design, and Irish dance performance choreography.
Keywords: bio-mechanical testing, design iterations, prototyping, concept development, feasibility, sports science, climate tests
Background: The mismanagement of contaminants of emerging concern like pharmaceuticals, and industrial waste chemicals are causing numerous public health crises. This proposed research project will therefore focus on the design and synthesis of the newly emerging transition metal oxy-sulfide heterostructures and nanocomposites for the photocatalytic degradation of these chemical pollutants in the laboratory and onsite, and insure the wellbeing of human health. The nanocatalysts will by synthesized through simple experimental procedures using environmentally friendly precursor transition metal salts and solvents. The catalytically efficient nanocatalysts will be characterized using the state-of-the-art characterizing technique.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Develop a crystal system of the given transition-metal sulphide nanomaterials for the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical and industrial waste chemical products.
Background that the student needs to have: completed 1st year science or engineering course
Keywords: chemical engineering, analytical chemistry, environmental science
Analytical techniques to be employed: : XRD, SEM/EDX, Photoluminescence spectroscopy
Background: Soil quality and productivity is related to the Soil Organic Matter (SOM) content. Long-term tillage negatively affects soil quality, and therefore crop production. Given that, determining C content in soil allows to monitor the negative changes. The classical method (still widely used in soil science) to quantify Organic Carbon is WalkleyBlack titration - based on the oxidation of organic matter. However, this method has some disadvantages. One of them is high volume of toxic heavy metal waste production. Consequently, accurate and more environmentally friendly methods are sought. In this project analysis on soil samples taken from the surface and deeper horizons of soils that had been under long-term uncultivated and cultivation field experiments in Ireland and Great Britain will be conducted. Two analytical methods will be applied: dry combustion (elemental analysis) and ATR-FTIR. The combination of these methods is worth studying since it is rapid and reduces the production of toxic waste. Additionally, the FTIR-ATR method is non-destructive and requires a small amount of soil. A student will be able to apply chemometric techniques to process the spectral data and develop calibration model to improve the method.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Long-term tillage negatively affects soil quality, and therefore crop production.
Background that the student needs to have: completed 1st year science or engineering course
Analytical techniques to be employed: statistical stepwise selection, neural networks
Keywords: Dry combustion in Elemental Analysis, ATR-FTIR and chemometric techniques.
Background: The main objective of this research topic will be to determine the energy potential of solid (hydrochars) and liquid (liquors) products of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) obtained in high-pressure chemical reactors in a variable pH environment. For this purpose, doses of a commercial acid catalyst will be selected for digested sludge, with a constant initial moisture content, under established reactor operating conditions: temperature and residence time. In addition to conducting HTC experiments, during the training the student will learn to perform the proximate and ultimate analyses of solid residue and liquid after HTC as well as determining a higher heating value by calorimetric technique, biomethane potential test and operation and analysis by gas-liquid chromatograph.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: HTC technique should be implemented to every wastewater treatment plant
Background that the student needs to have: Completed first year science or engineering course.
Analytical techniques to be employed: gas-liquid chromatograph, biomethane potential test analyses, calorimetric bomb
Keywords: biochemistry, environmental science, chemical engineering
Background: The aim of this study is to design, 3D print, and assess microfluidic chip efficacy through optimisation of the microstructure of the chip, material use, and orientation of the chip on the print bed. Microfluidics chips play a pivotal role in various scientific and medical applications, facilitating precise manipulation of tiny fluid volumes for tasks such as diagnostics, drug testing, and biotechnology research. This research is built on current work whereby chip moulds are printed and the chip cast.By leveraging 3D printing's precision and adaptability while incorporating biocompatible materials, the results of this study can enhance low-volume chip production while ensuring compatibility with biological systems. By merging these advancements, the research could deliver superior, cost-effective, and customisable microfluidics chips, with profound implications for healthcare, biotechnology, and scientific research.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: By optimising the microstructure, material composition, and orientation of 3D-printed microfluidic chips, we hypothesise that the resulting chips will exhibit improved fluid flow characteristics, enhanced biocompatibility, and increased functionality in comparison to traditionally manufactured microfluidic chips. This enhanced design will lead to superior performance in a variety of scientific and medical applications, ultimately enabling more precise and cost-effective manipulation of tiny fluid volumes for diagnostics, drug testing, and biotechnology research.
Background that the student needs to have: Design research skills (literature review, communication skills, sketching). Engineering skills – CAD skills (SolidWorks), 3D printing experience, CNC machining experience. Design validation skills – develop and implement a testing protocol to assess concept efficacy.
Analytical techniques to be employed: Concept development, prototyping, and assessment against current solutions – A/B testing, prototyping testing, usability testing, and heuristic evaluation
Keywords: design, engineering, rapid prototyping, biocompatibility, microfluidics
Background: While taking blood pressure, with the use of manual aneroid sphygmomanometer, the nurse (or a healthcare practitioner) needs to keep the diaphragm of the stethoscope directly over the brachial artery (please see picture below, from Elsevier Clinical Skills, Blood Pressure Recording: Manual Aneroid Sphygmomanometer, Skills list). This leads the nurse (or a healthcare practitioner) to use one hand for keeping the diaphragm of the stethoscope in place. In order to free the hand, a device needs to be designed to keep the diaphragm of the stethoscope in place.
Specifications: Material: polymer. Needs to be adjustable to all patients’ arm sizes. Needs to place adequate pressure to the diaphragm of the stethoscope so nurse or healthcare practitioner can hear Korotkoff sounds. Needs to make sure that no part of the device is putting excessive localised pressure to skin (especially the back part of the device or any part that has direct contact with skin). Needs to provide specified securing place for the diaphragm of the stethoscope to hold it securely in place. Needs to have feature to be adjusted to cuff when stored for easiness of storage and access when needed. A 3D printed device would need to be designed and manufactured for this purpose.
Scientific hypothesis being tested: Can a new device design: Meet the user needs as a reliable measurement instrument? Promote sustainability by reducing or eliminating the need for electrically powered instruments? Enable the users in less developed countries, where there is sparse or no access to electronic measurement devices?
Background that the student needs to have: The student needs to have a background in SolidWorks (or other CAD software), FE analysis (or taking the module this semester) and preferably some exposure to 3D printing (though it is expected to develop the necessary skills for design & manufacture during the project). The student will use the Prusa 3D printer available in the School of Engineering (prior experience on 3D printing is desirable).
Analytical techniques to be employed: Apply engineering design and ergonomics’ principles, combining with experimental data analysis.
Keywords: additive manufacturing, design, medical device, ergonomics
The following information is vetted and provided by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) on the Electronic Database for Global Education (EDGE).
| Letter Grade | Percentage | Ranking | U.S. Equivalent |
| A+/A/A- | 70 - 100% | First Class Honours | A |
| B+/B/B- | 60 - 69% | Second Class Honours Upper | B+ |
| C+/C/C- | 50 - 59% | Second Class Honours Lower | B |
| D+ | 45 - 49% | Third Class Honours | C+ |
| D/D- | 40 - 44% | Pass | C |
| F | 0 - 39% | Fail | F |