We bid farewell to Jamie Casey from Alabama who has had a very productive project as part of the Arcadia Abroad research mobility programme at UCD (SCI30050), closely supervised by Rosa and Sophie. Jamie did a lot in less than 8 weeks helping progress research into lanthanide metal complexes with macrocyclic ligands.
Sophie, Rosa and Jamie
Finally, the group made our summer outing into the city centre and successfully escaped a “Cabin in the Woods” at Incognito Escape Rooms. Lots of problem-solving skills honed in the lab, finding a very high-stakes application!
Victorious in the Escape Room: Hubert, Yujin, Thomas, Sophie, Finn, Jamie, Rosa, and Joe
A secondary school transition year student Matthew completed some work experience in our lab as part of his Transition Year programme, under Sophie’s guidance. He undertook several experiments, learned about lab work and got to experience several aspects of UCD student life. Matthew had the following to say:
I spent an amazing three days in the chemistry department at UCD. It was such a great opportunity given to me by a PhD student who not only taught me a lot in the lab, but also showed me around the campus and talked about what it’s like to study chemistry.
During my time in the lab, we carried out two experiments: synthesising paracetamol using 4-aminophenol and acetic anhydride, and decaffeinating tea leaves and coffee beans. Through these experiments, I learned a range of skills, including different filtration techniques (gravity, vacuum, heat, and recrystallisation). I also learned how to use lab equipment like a rotary evaporator and was introduced to separation and purification techniques.
I also got the chance to sit in on an undergraduate chemistry lecture, which really showed me the difference between learning in school and studying at college. Having taken part in a number of TY programmes in colleges around Dublin, this was definitely the best experience. It gave me a real understanding of what it’s like to be a student and what a researcher’s work life is actually like.
–Matthew
Thanks to Matthew’s school and family for facilitating this activity and well done to Sophie on her mentorship.
Catherine Chaita, a third-year Pharmaceutical Science students from TU Dublin in Tallaght, joined the lab for two-weeks this summer as part of the RSC RISE Programme, designed to retain, inspire, support, and enhance ethnically-underrepresented groups in the chemical sciences. Catherine had a placement at TU Dublin last summer and came to us this summer. She fit in really well and quickly picked up a lot of skills under Thomas’ tutelage (and contributed to the Link4Lectin project). Catherine had the following to say about her experience:
In the second year [of the RISE programme], I was offered a two-week summer internship at University College Dublin (UCD), where I had the opportunity to work in the laboratory of Professor Joe Byrne, whose research focuses on sugars and inorganic/organic chemistry. During the internship, I worked under the mentorship of PhD graduate Thomas Rabbitte who guided me through a variety of hands-on experiments. I was actively involved in various research projects. This experience greatly enhanced my technical and analytical skills, as I was introduced to a range of instruments and laboratory techniques relevant to pharmaceutical science. I carried out several chemical reactions, including alkylation, click chemistry, and amide coupling reactions. The lab environment was collaborative and inspiring, with a team of postgraduate researchers and undergraduate interns all contributing to ongoing sugar-related research. My time at UCD provided me with a solid foundation of practical skills and deeper insight into real-world pharmaceutical and chemical research, and it further fueled my interest in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
We wish Catherine every success with the rest of her studies and her future career in chemistry and hope to see her again.
Farewell to Romain Neveu, who is returning to his home university in France after a 4-month training mobility visit to our lab. Romain became a well-integrated member of the group and helped progress our investigations into fluorescent boronic acid derivatives.
Romain had the following to say about his visit:
I’m currently in my second year at ENSICaen, studying Materials-Chemistry with a major in Organic Chemistry and Catalysis (Master 1 level), and had the opportunity to do a four-month internship in Ireland as part of my Erasmus program. My main aim was to improve my English and technical skills, so I explored a number of Irish universities. I discovered UCD and the Byrne Group on the university website, which focuses on carbohydrates and inorganic chemistry. I was particularly interested in this field, which led me to contact Joe Byrne. During my internship, I worked on the synthesis of boronic acids and studied their fluorescence in interaction with various sugars. This experience enabled me to acquire technical and analytical skills in a pleasant working environment. I also had the opportunity to share some excellent moments with the team, both in and out of the laboratory. In conclusion, my internship with this group in Ireland was a real asset for me, both professionally and socially.
We wish Romain bon voyage and every success with the rest of his studies!
