Innovation Partners for Aerobiology & Biomedical Research

Angela Southey PhD
Head of Virology & Environmental Testing Chambers

Angela has responsibility for the running of our Virology Laboratory and Environmental Testing Chambers.

Angela qualified with a BSc. in Microbiology from UCC, before going on to complete a PhD in Lung Fibrosis in UCD. She then spent two years working in Japan on Ulcerative Colitis with Tanabe Seiyaku Ltd. Returning to Ireland she took up a senior research position in the Veterinary College, UCD followed by extensive industry experience in the diagnostic area with Wyeth Biopharma and Abbott Diagnostics.

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Máire Fox
Head of Allergen Testing Laboratory/Quality Manager

Máire is Head of Allergen Testing Laboratory. Maire graduated from NUIM with a BSc in Biology followed by laboratory analyst positions in the Biotechnology Unit in NUIM and the Vitamin Research Laboratory in TCD.

Máire completed a research MSc. in Prion Disease while working as a Laboratory Analyst in the Prion Research Laboratory in UCD. She subsequently worked in the Department of Agriculture investigating the molecular characteristics of BSE strains in Ireland.

As quality manager Máire coordinates the activities required to meet quality standards.

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Vivienne Mahon PhD
Senior Scientific Officer/Laboratory Research

Vivienne graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a B.A. (Mod) degree in microbiology and then remained at Trinity to complete a Ph.D. in molecular microbiology that focused on the regulation of gene expression in enterotoxigenic E.coli.

Vivienne then spent two years as a post-doctoral scientist in the National Institute for Bioprocessing, Research and Training (NIBRT) working on mammalian cell culture media development and optimisation.

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Natasha Gordon, PhD

Natasha graduated from the University of Auckland with a BSc (Hons) First class in biomedical science; she then went on the complete her PhD in Molecular Medicine, studying the effects Staphylococcus aureus proteins have on the innate immune system. Following her PhD Natasha spent two years as a post-doctoral research fellow at the National University of Ireland Maynooth

John Fallon PhD
Senior Scientific Officer - Microbiology Testing Laboratory

John graduated from the National University of Ireland Maynooth with a BSc in Biological Sciences. Following completion of his undergraduate studies John remained at NUIM to complete a PhD in the medical mycology unit examining the disease causing potential of environmental isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus in vertebrate and invertebrate immune systems.

John has significant experience in the field of mould culture and phenotypic analysis as well as having published data concerning the detrimental effects of mycotoxins produced by A. fumigatus on the function of immune cells.

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Noelle Dromgoole
Occupational Hygienist

Noelle has responsibility for the occupational hygiene and workplace environmental monitoring for the airmid healthgroup health friendly air^TM programme and develops and delivers tailored quality indoor air sampling strategies for enclosed settings. Following completion of a science degree in Environmental Health in Dublin Institute of Technology, Noelle went on to complete a Masters in Occupational Health & Safety & Ergonomics in the National University of Ireland, Galway.

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Claire Mernagh BSc

Claire graduated with a BSc in General Science from UCD and then went on to do a Higher Diploma and Higher Certificate in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices programme from ITT. She has previously held a position in the microbiology lab in Slaney Foods International, ensuring quality assurance in all their food products.

Claire joined our team as part of the Jobbridge Internship Scheme and is now employed as a Scientist on our team. She works in the Allergen and Microbiology laboratories as well as the Environmental Chamber. She has also coordinated our International field studies in the UK and the US.

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Feargus O'Flaherty
NUIM intern

AHG are pleased to welcome Feargus O'Flaherty to the science team on a 3 month work placement module from NUIM. Feargus is a 4th year undergraduate studying a BSc. in Biotechnology. While at AHG, Feargus will be involved in research and development with Dr. Natasha Gordon, R&D manager.

AHG are delighted to take part in this scheme with NUIM and further extend our collaborations with Universities in Ireland. Work placement in a Third Level Program is an essential part of a student's pathway into an industry such as AHG. As a leading biomedical organisation the student gains experience in a real-life working environment helping companies to develop & differentiate their products and services through data generated in the field, environmental chambers and the laboratory.

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Amy Donoghue
Work Placement

AHG are pleased to welcome Amy Donoghue to the science team on a DCU INTRA Work Placement Scheme.

Amy, who is a third year undergraduate, studying a BSc. in Genetics & Cell Biology, joins a team of Clinicians, Industrial Hygienists, Occupational Health Advisers, and Specialist Laboratory Scientists. While at AHG, Amy will be working on the isolation, enumeration and identification of fungi and bacteria under the direction of Dr. Ingrid C. Apetrei, Head of Microbiology. Amy will also be involved in on-going projects in the Environmental Chamber where she will carry out claim verification and product assessment in relation to indoor air quality through techniques such as particle counter monitoring and air sampling.

AHG is delighted to join with DCU and the INTRA (Integrated Training) scheme which integrates the student's academic study with co-ordinated realistic jobs, based on the work abilities of the student and the objectives of each programme.

Geraldine Hughes
Scientist/Bed Bug Research

In 2006, Geraldine graduated with BSc. in Industrial Microbiology for UCD. She then spent 3 years working in Microbiology and vaccine development positions in Diageo and Wyeth Biopharma respectively.

Geraldine subsequently completed an MSc in Medical Microbiology from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine before joining Airmid Healthgroup.

Currently, Geraldine works in both the Allergen testing laboratory and the Microbiology laboratory. She is also responsible for Bed Bug research and testing.

Louise O'Herlihy
Researcher

Having just completed her degree in Marketing at IT Tallaght, Dublin, Louise has joined the AHG team to assist in the research aspect of the group and to accumulate knowledge of the working business world. She is developing in the position of researcher and continues to gain experience in research practices.