Research Associates
Team Profiles
Andrew Douglas
Research Associate
andrew.douglas
universityofgalway.ie
Andrew obtained a B.Sc in Zoology at Queens University, Belfast and M.Sc in Biotechnology from University of Galway. In CÚRAM he is working under the supervision of Dr Karen Doyle on an industry project that aims to develop novel characterisation methods for thrombi obtained from acute ischemic stroke patients.
Hemendra Worlikar
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
hemendra.worlikaruniversityofgalway.ie
Hemendra obtained a Masters in Biomedical Engineering from University of Galway in 2019. His then primary research aimed at prototyping an embedded model – an adapter for insulin pen, interfacing with the handheld mobile phone over a developed application. As a part of the CÚRAM CARE CONNECT Project, Hemendra is working on the engineering aspects of the connection of patients in critical care to family, under the leadership and guidance of Prof Derek O'Keeffe.
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Karen Butler
Research Assistant
karen.butleruniversityofgalway.ie
Karen obtained her MSc from University of Galway in 2020. Her MSc in Health Psychology focused on topics such as behaviour change, stress, pain and illness perceptions. Working alongside Dr Georgina Gethin, Karen is currently working on several projects, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses on topical interventions for pain and odour in chronic wound care, and qualitative interviews aimed at understanding patient’s experience of pain and odour in chronic wounds and strategies used to alleviate symptoms.
Rossella Giannoccari
Research Assistant
rossella.giannoccariuniversityofgalway.ie
Rossella obtained a BSc in Biotechnology from the University of Piemonte Orientale and an MSc in Industrial Biotechnology from University of Milano Bicocca, Italy. As a part of her studies she undertook a research project in the group of Prof. Abhay Pandit investigating a neuroregenerative ECM-based hydrogel as a potential anti-inflammatory strategy for ischemic stroke treatment. Currently, Rossella is working within the CCMI under the supervision of Andrew Finnerty to develop cell manufacturing techniques suitable for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived MSC production as part of the Factor Bioscience industry Project.
Smiljana Stefanovic
Research Assistant
smiljanastefanovicrcsi.ie
Smiljana received BSc diploma in Chemical Engineering and MSc diploma in Material Engineering from Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia. Her research was based on developing polymeric drug carriers. During her master studies, she was working as Quality Assurance engineer in West pharmaceutical company, Serbia. In 2019, Smiljana has started her PhD project funded by SFI at Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland. She has been working on developing of polypeptide materials used as medical devices for therapeutic delivery. During her CÚRAM fellowship, she will be working on developing novel polymers for functional tissue engineering under supervision of Prof. Andreas Heise.
Xizhe Chen
Research Associate
xizhe.chenuniversityofgalway.ie
Xizhe has a background in oral and maxillofacial surgery and enjoyed a career as a surgeon in the hospital of stomatology in China. Xizhe has successfully created preclinical study models of acute myocardial infarction, hind limb ischemia, carotid artery bypass anastomosis, destabilization medial meniscus arthritis, femur fracture fixation and corneal transplantation since working for REMEDI in University of Galway. He is currently engaged in research within CÚRAM working with Prof. Tim O'Brien.