Early Career Researchers Network:
ECRN Committee members
Susan Burke
President
Susan Burke is a third year PhD student in 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 in final year of her PhD at the School of Medicine, University College Dublin. Her project is centred around the neuroinflammatory response in spinal cord injury and specifically the role of microglia. Ruth has a BSc in Neuroscience and experience as an anatomy demonstrator in UCD School of Medicine. Apart from neuroscience, she loves being outside and can usually be found running, cycling, hiking or swimming.
Lauren Barrett
Vice-President & Treasurer
Lauren is a 3rd 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, tag rugby, running or training in the gym!
Ross Oglesby
OCM
Ross completed his Bachelor’s in 2021 in Trinity College Dublin, specialising in Neuroscience. He then worked at Ulysses Neuroscience Ltd. as a research assistant for 18 months before moving to Germany to undertake a Master’s in Neurosciences. Having graduated in 2025, Ross returned to Ireland and now works with a science communication podcast called “Giants Shoulder”, and hopes to undertake a PhD in the future. Outside of science, Ross loves surfing and diving, and spends lots of time reading.
Aurora Delz
OCM
Aurora is a second year PhD student at the Maynooth University Department of Psychology. Her project bears the title “A Neural and Behavioural Examination of Decision Making, Learning, and Memory in Old Age” and is supervised by Professor Sean Commins and Dr Peter Murphy. Her research delves into the impact of aging on various cognitive aspects, including decision-making and belief updating. Aurora employs diverse methodologies such as Pupillometry, and Model-Based examinations to explore these facets across different contexts.
Leah McColgan
OCM
Leah McColgan is a second year PhD student in the Personalised Medicine Centre, School of Medicine at Ulster University. Her work focuses on the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in depression and schizophrenia, and testing the efficacy of a therapeutic antibody in disease appropriate cell lines. Outside of the lab, Leah enjoys reading and going on walks with her friends.
Carolanne McCarthy
OCM
Carolanne is a 1st year PhD student and anatomy demonstrator in the School of Medicine at University College Dublin. Her research focuses on investigating the inflammatory response post spinal cord injury, with a focus on microglial activity and the use of hydrogel-based drug delivery systems. Carolanne completed her BSc in Neuroscience at University College Cork and MSc in Neuropharmacology at the University of Galway. Outside of college, she enjoys tag rugby, running, attending movies and gigs and travelling with family and friends.
Amiee Cronin
Public Outreach Officer
Amiee is a PhD student in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience at University College Cork. Her research focuses on neuroplasticity, the gut microbiome, and women’s brain health. Her current project investigates how gut microbiota influence mood and memory during key hormonal transitionary periods across the female lifespan. Amiee completed her BSc in Neuroscience at University College Cork and is passionate about scientific outreach and making research accessible to all. Outside of the lab, she enjoys travelling with friends and experiencing good food and music in new cities.
Gillian McNaugher
Events co-ordinator
I am currently a second year PhD researcher at Ulster University in Northern Ireland. My work investigates the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome and metalloproteinases in neuroinflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of university, I enjoy running, gardening and am a keen yogi.
Andrea Pignatelli Espejo
Events co-ordinator
Andrea is a second year Research Master student at APC Microbiome at University College Cork. Her current research involves the study of the regulation of the microbiome in brain oxytocin in the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Outside of the lab she enjoys swimming, running and reading.
Gideon van der Linden
Sponsorship Officer
Gideon is a first-year PhD student in the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science at UCD. His research focuses on the role of the gut in co-morbid diet-induced obesity and traumatic brain injury. Outside of university, he enjoys playing and watching sports, as well as travelling and exploring new places.
Julia Jaz
OCM
Julia is a Research Master’s student at University College Cork, where she investigates how early-life gut microbiota perturbations influence neuroplasticity in adulthood. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and has a strong interest in the communication between the gut microbiota and the brain. Outside of research, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and taking walks along the beach.