Early Career Researchers Network:
ECRN Committee members
Susan Burke
President
Susan Burke is a second year PhD student working between the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, UCC, and the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD. Her work focuses on understanding the effects of co-morbid traumatic brain injury and obesity on both peripheral and neuroinflammation. Outside of the lab, Susan has a passion for musical theatre and loves getting involved in local productions.
Ruth Colbert
Secretary
Ruth is the Secretary of NSI-ECRN and in the 3rd year of her PhD at University College Dublin. Her project is centred around neuroinflammation in spinal cord injury and specifically the role of microglia. Ruth has a BSc in Neuroscience and experience as an anatomy demonstrator in the School of Medicine at University College Dublin. Her non-neuroscience interests include long-distance running, sea swimming & eating good food with friends.
Lauren Barrett
Vice-President
Lauren is a 2nd year PhD student in the Anatomy and Neuroscience department of University College Cork. Her research focuses on Parkinson’s Disease, looking at SKOR1 as a potential therapeutic target. Outside of college, Lauren has a keen interest in sports so spends most of her time playing Gaelic Football and Tag Rugby or training in the gym.
Evie Doherty
OCM
Evie completed a BSc in Psychology at Dublin City University in 2021. Moving to Galway in 2022, she went on to complete a MSc in Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Galway in 2023. Upon completion, Evie commenced a PhD in psychiatric genomics in the department of Biochemistry under the supervision of Prof. Derek Morris and Prof. Gary Donohoe. Evie’s research focuses on exploring the role of genetics in social participation and occupational engagement and investigating how the complex interplay between genes, environment, and neuroimaging contributes to these functional deficits within a psychosis population. Her research is fully funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland. Evie is also a teaching assistant within the disciplines of Anatomy and Psychology and is an active member of the Early Career Research Network committee, an extension of Neuroscience Ireland (NSI-ECRN)
Aurora Delz
OCM
Leah McColgan
OCM
Carolanne McCarthy
OCM
Amiee Cronin
Public Outreach Officer
Amiee is a PhD student in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork (UCC). Her research interests include the gut-microbiome, neuroplasticity, and women’s health. Currently her project investigates the role of the gut-microbiota in mood and memory during transitionary periods of female life. Amiee has a BSc in Neuroscience from UCC, and is passionate about scientific outreach and public engagement. Outside of university, she enjoys traveling with friends and experiencing good food and music in new cities.
Gillian McNaugher
Events co-ordinators
Andrea Pignatelli Espejo
Events co-ordinators
Gideon van der Linden
Sponsorship Officer
Ciara O’Donoghue
Communications Officer