Ronán McCann
"I look at how we make things, and figure out how to make them better."
Ronán is an I-Form researcher based at Dublin City University.
Growing up
Do you remember what you wanted to be (when you grew up) when you were 5 years old?
An astronaut. I guess I was a very ambitious child!
At age 10?
A Formula 1 driver or, failing that, Chief Engineer of the Starship Enterprise (on Star Trek). Staying ambitious!
At age 15?
By the time I was 15, I knew I wanted to do something in physics or engineering. My father was an aircraft engineer so I was thinking about something along those lines.
What were you like as a school student around age 15/16?
I wasn’t particularly studious. While I found most subjects really interesting, I hated homework (which I occasionally “forgot” to do!) and did fairly poorly in tests. Ironically, I often did the worst in physics and Spanish, the two things I’m quite good at these days.
What hobbies did you have as a teenager?
I was a big gamer back then. I still sort of am these days, but I’m not quite as good at Call of Duty anymore – I just don’t have as much time to practice!
College days
What did you study at college, and where?
I studied Applied Physics in DCU. It was my first choice, and I had just enough points to get in!
How did you choose the course you applied for?
The career counsellor in my school gave me some great advice: Apply for courses in the subjects you like and find interesting; worry about getting a job after that. And she was right! I had a great time in my degree, and learnt a lot about something I love.
What is your fondest memory of college days?
So many things, but mostly all the time spent with my friends. I made so many new friends in college, and we’re all still friends today! A lot of us were on the Ultimate Frisbee team too, so I’ve a lot of good memories about travelling around Ireland and Europe to tournaments representing DCU, which was so much fun.
The present
How would your parents describe what you do?
Something like I “work up in the lab in DCU”.
How would your friends describe what you do?
They’d say I play with lasers all day. And they wouldn’t be wrong!
What do you actually do?
I look at how to make 3D printing and other manufacturing techniques more efficient and more sustainable for the future.
If an alien came to Earth right now and demanded you describe what you do in one sentence, what would you say so that they would understand?
I look at how we make things, and figure out how to make them better!
Tell me something cool about being a researcher.
Being a researcher means having access to a whole lab with lots of equipment (handy when I have to fix my bike!). In the lab you also get to try new ideas and see how they work right then and there. We’re always doing something new, so no two days are ever the same!
The future
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
I suppose something similar enough to what I’m doing now. Still working in R&D (research and development), either in a university or in a company, looking at 3D printing and lasers. The field is moving very fast, so who knows where it’ll be in a decade!
If we could time travel to 2050 and you had to choose a job to do right now (real or imagined), what would it be?
Something to do with space travel. I’m absolutely fascinated with space, and I’m always glued to YouTube whenever SpaceX are launching a rocket. By 2050, who knows what stage we’ll be at, but I’d definitely want to be a part of it.
Read more about Ronán's research
Tríona Ryan
"I use data from machines to tell stories."
Tríona is an I-Form researcher based at NUI Maynooth.
Growing up
Do you remember what you wanted to be (when you grew up) when you were 5 years old? Outdoor adventurer.
At age 10? Fruit picker.
Age 15? Musician / mathematician.
What were you like as a school student around age 15/16?
Mischievous, fun-loving, a little self-conscious.
What hobbies did you have as a teenager?
Swimming, clarinet playing, singing, reading.
College days
What did you study at college?
Mathematical science at UCD.
How did you choose this course?
I was impressed by an open day visit at UCD and by the breadth of choices and future options in the course.
What is your fondest memory of college days?
Sitting by the lake in the sunshine with friends.
The present
How would your parents describe what you do?
Not a clue!
How would your friends describe what you do?
3D printing.
What do you actually do?
I harness valuable information from data produced during 3D printing.
If an alien came to Earth right now and demanded you describe what you do in one sentence, what would you say so that they would understand?
I use data from machines to tell stories.
Tell me something cool about being a researcher.
Being a researcher means never being bored; working on challenging problems with intelligent and fun people!
The future
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
Enjoying a healthy, happy life and solving interesting problems that contribute to the betterment of our society.
If we could time travel to 2050 and you had to choose a job to do right now (real or imagined), what would it be?
Engineering a sustainable future.
Read more about Tríona's research
Gowthaman Parivendhan
“I use a machine to predict the working of another machine.”
Gowthaman is an I-Form researcher based at University College Dublin.
Growing up
Do you remember what you wanted to be (when you grew up) when you were 5 years old?
I don’t remember a lot from when I was 5, but my parents say I was keen on building things using LEGO, all the time.
At age 15?
At this point I was very interested in automobile engineering and wanted to be a Mechanical Engineer.
What were you like as a school student around age 15/16?
I was a bit studious and mischievous back in school. I have no idea how I balanced it right!
What hobbies did you have as a teenager?
I used to sketch and played a tonne of videogames.
College days
What did you study at college, and where?
I studied Mechanical Engineering in Chennai, India.
What is your fondest memory of college days?
For my undergraduate thesis, I designed exhaust mounting systems for trucks. I got to test drive trucks around the tracks in the R&D facility where I did my thesis - that was fun!
The present
How would your friends describe what you do?
He uses a computer to see how a 3D printer works.
What do you actually do?
I develop mathematical models that predict the 3D printing process, to understand the physics behind it.
If an alien came to Earth right now and demanded you describe what you do in one sentence, what would you say so that they would understand?
This is going to be so difficult! I’d have to first explain to them what a computer is and then all about a 3D printer. Let’s just say “I use a machine to predict the working of another machine”.
Tell me something cool about being a researcher.
It’s ‘casual Friday’ everyday :D
The future
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
Ideally, I would like to be a lecturer.
If we could time travel to 2050 and you had to choose a job to do right now (real or imagined), what would it be?
By 2050, 3D printing would hopefully be the major manufacturing technology. I can ease into the future as a manufacturing engineer with my current knowledge ;)
Read more about Gowthaman's research
Eleni Zavrakli
"You get a front row seat and get to contribute to the advancement of science."
Eleni is an I-Form researcher based at NUI Maynooth.
Growing up
Do you remember what you wanted to be (when you grew up) when you were 5 years old?
Hairdresser or rock star.
At age 10? Tennis player, actress or musician.
Age 15? Mathematician.
What were you like as a school student around age 15/16?
I was a very good student and enjoyed going to school. I also had an awesome group of friends in school, which made my school years great.
What hobbies did you have as a teenager?
Tennis, volleyball, dancing, board games, reading fiction.
College days
What did you study at college, and where?
I studied Mathematics in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
How did you choose the college courses you applied for?
Mostly based on my preferences. I believe there is no point in studying something you don’t like.
What is your fondest memory of college days?
Being with friends 24/7! Attending classes together, hanging out afterwards, studying together. Also taking part in the Erasmus exchange programme, which was an incredible experience where I got to travel overseas.
The present
How would your parents describe what you do?
Self-correcting 3D printing. Diagnosing and correcting problems in the manufacturing process.
How would your friends describe what you do?
Improving the way a 3D printer functions so that a lot of the tasks can be performed automatically.
What do you actually do?
I investigate the use of Artificial Intelligence and Control Theory to improve the decision-making aspects of additive manufacturing (3D printing). I am attempting to come up with ways for a 3D printer to make decisions on its own to correct flaws - or stop the print if it is beyond correction.
Why or how did you choose your current role?
Mathematics and Control Theory are my passion and I have always wanted to explore real-life applications of them. 3D printing is the future of manufacturing. Being able to use my skills to contribute to breakthroughs in this field is exciting.
Tell me something cool about being a researcher.
You get a front row seat and get to contribute to the advancement of science. You get to travel, communicate, share ideas and meet new people with similar interests.
The future
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
Still be conducting research and teaching the new generation of scientists.
If we could time travel to 2050 and you had to choose a job to do right now (real or imagined), what would it be?
I would still love to be a mathematician and a researcher. I can’t think of anything I would rather do. Perhaps I would like to work on robotics too, since by that time the field will be even bigger.
Read more about Eleni's research
Ayesha Sharif
"In research, you interact with others and learn more by exchanging ideas."
Ayesha is an I-Form researcher based at NUI Galway.
Growing up
Do you remember what you wanted to be (when you grew up) when you were 5 years old?
I wanted to be a doctor.
At age 10?
The same.
Age 15?
I wanted to be an engineer.
What hobbies did you have as a teenager?
I was huge fan of watching wrestling, watching cartoons, and reading story books. My favourite wrestler was John Cena, and I loved Barbie movies and Tom & Jerry cartoons.
College days
What did you study at college, and where?
I studied Applied Physics at GCU Lahore, Pakistan.
How did you choose the course you applied for?
I decided to study Physics as I liked this more than other subjects. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I chose Applied Physics for my master’s degree.
What is your fondest memory of college days?
Happiness of having free lectures, summer rain, hanging out with my friends, developing photography skills. :D
The present
How would your parents describe what you do?
They say “Our daughter is getting higher studies in Physics.”
How would your friends describe what you do?
They mostly describe it as doing a PhD in Physics. Closer ones generally specify that it is in laser research.
What do you actually do?
I am working on optimizing ways to make materials more conductive, for their better and improved applications. I am working on the inkjet printing of metal nanoparticles, and then sintering them using ultrashort laser pulses, making them more electrically conductive. A laser is a powerful energy source which produces very small beam of light. I am using this narrow beam of laser to modify the material properties.
Why or how did you choose your current role?
I got inspiration from my research group teachers during my master’s. I decided to pursue higher studies during an international conference. I was excited to see the diverse work from other countries and then I thought “I can’t stop; I have to explore more”.
If an alien came to Earth right now and demanded you describe what you do in one sentence, what would you say so that they would understand?
“I am working to improve the sensitivity of my devices, so that I can prepare the feast in advance before my guests arrive from another planet.”
Tell me something cool about being a researcher.
Being a researcher is cool in the way that it’s all about finding answers to ‘what’ and ‘why’. It is fantastic because in research you interact with other researchers and learn more by exchanging ideas.
The future
If we could time travel to 2050 and you had to choose a job to do right now (real or imagined), what would it be?
A music composer, who plays music for her soul (imaginary job)! In the real world, I would like to work in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Read more about Ayesha's research
Xinyu Yang
"I research the mechanical behaviour of 3D printed material."
Xinyu is an I-Form researcher based at NUI Galway.
Growing up
Do you remember what you wanted to be (when you grew up) when you were 5 years old?
Superman.
Same question at age 10? Age 15?
Scientist for both.
What were you like as a school student around age 15/16?
Creative, and showing great interest in maths and physics.
What hobbies did you have as a teenager?
Basketball and strategy games.
College days
What did you study at college, and where?
Mechanical Engineering in Nanjing, China.
How did you choose the college courses you applied for?
I’m good at maths and physics and interested in different machines.
What is your fondest memory of college days?
Collective life - lots of classmates studying, eating and playing together.
The present
How would your parents describe what you do?
Material scientist.
How would your friends describe what you do?
3D printing researcher.
What do you actually do?
Research the mechanical behaviour of 3D printed material.
Tell me something cool about being a researcher.
You can do something different with others.
The future
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
Lecturer in college.
If we could time travel to 2050 and you had to choose a job to do right now (real or imagined), what would it be?
Time traveller!
Read more about Xinyu's research
Axieh Bagasol
"You have the opportunity to learn new things that not many people know about."
Axieh Bagasol is an I-Form researcher based at University College Dublin.
Growing up
Do you remember what you wanted to be (when you grew up) when you were 5 years old?
I wanted to be a nurse just like my mom.
Same question at age 15?
I was very much into healthy lifestyle, diet, etc so I wanted to be a nutritionist.
What were you like as a school student around age 15/16?
I would say an introvert. My routine was going to school and coming back home straight from school. I enjoyed reading e-books and watching television series.
College days
What did you study at college, and where?
I studied Medicinal Chemistry at Dublin Institute of Technology (now known as TUD).
How did you choose the college courses you applied for?
During 6th Year in secondary school, I really enjoyed Chemistry as a subject. I thought that I wanted this as a career path, hence I chose Medicinal Chemistry.
What is your fondest memory of college days?
I loved hanging out with my friends. We used to study together in the library and after, we’d have a nice dinner, which was very helpful to ease out any stress during college days.
The present
How would your parents describe what you do?
My parents know very little about my work. They only know that I do 3D printing for medical use.
How would your friends describe what you do?
My friends would describe it as working with the research industry for the advancement of medical devices.
What do you actually do?
In simple terms, my research involves the 3D printing of titanium alloys for use in biomedical applications. Currently, 3D printing is still a very complex technology. My research aims to fundamentally understand the process of 3D printing and how to improve this process for better efficiency in manufacturing.
Why or how did you choose your current role?
I chose to work in the advanced manufacturing sector because it’s growing exponentially. Industries are now leaning towards the use of advanced manufacturing for the production of high-end applications. I want to be a part of this growing sector and help develop this technology to its full potential.
Tell me something cool about being a researcher.
Being a researcher means you have the opportunity to learn new things that not many people know about, which is very special! We also attend conferences/gatherings and meet other researchers across the world. It’s an opportunity to expand your network.
The future
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years, I would like to enjoy life in my 30s and travel the whole world!
If we could time travel to 2050 and you had to choose a job to do right now (real or imagined), what would it be?
I think by 2050, sustainability will be very important. As I am already working with 3D printing, which promotes sustainable manufacturing, I will still stay in this sector.
Read more about Axieh's research
Reza Kadivar
"Many outstanding scientific discoveries have been made through mistakes."
Reza is an I-Form researcher based at IT Sligo.
Growing up
Do you remember what you wanted to be (when you grew up) when you were 5 years old?
I wanted to be an astronaut, to see the universe and experience beyond the Earth, among stars and planets.
Same question at age 15?
As I was growing up, I became interested in engineering. Therefore, I decided to choose engineering as my future career.
What hobbies did you have as a teenager?
As a teenager, nothing could entertain me more than watching a good movie or reading an exciting book. I spent a lot of time in libraries reading sci-fi books by great authors such as Jules Verne and Isaac Asimov.
College days
What did you study at college, and where?
I studied mechanical engineering in my local college in Iran. After graduating with a bachelor's degree, I went on to study for a master's degree in mechanical engineering at Shiraz University, also in Iran.
How did you choose the college courses you applied for?
The higher education system in Iran is a bit different to Ireland. A national entrance exam must be taken to get into universities. Then the course and the college is selected based on the results of the exam.
What is your fondest memory of college days?
My fondest memory of college days is spending time and having fun with my friends in student accommodation. I cannot stop smiling when I reminisce about those memories.
The present
How would your parents describe what you do?
They would say that "Reza is researching how to make things smarter and more efficient."
How would your friends describe what you do?
My friends would say that "Reza is researching how to expand the frontiers of knowledge"!
What do you actually do?
I am planning to use the technology of 3D printing to fabricate high-performance cooling systems for engineering applications. These applications include the cooling of the manufacturing process, electronic cooling, and aerospace applications.
Why or how did you choose your current role?
I searched for PhD positions related to my interest on the internet. I applied for many positions and I got three acceptances from three different research institutes. I decided to accept my current role as a PhD researcher at IT Sligo.
If an alien came to Earth right now and demanded you describe what you do in one sentence, what would you say so that they would understand?
I would say I am trying to improve the efficiency of mechanical and electrical systems.
Tell me something cool about being a researcher.
To me, the coolest thing about being a researcher is that you can turn mistakes into learning or discovery. Many outstanding scientific discoveries have been made through mistakes. Some examples of these scientific discoveries are X-rays, radioactivity, penicillin, and Insulin.
The future
What would you like to be doing in 10 years' time?
I would like to establish a research-based company in the field of energy.
If we could time travel to 2050 and you had to choose a job to do right now (real or imagined), what would it be?
I would be an astronaut, travelling in space. Then I might be able to find answers for questions such as where did we come from? and how did the universe form?
Read more about Reza's research
Yuhui Tu
"Every experience you have might add value to your future."
Yuhui is an I-Form researcher based at NUI Galway.
Growing up
Do you remember what you wanted to be (when you grew up) when you were 5 years old?
President.
Same question at age 10?
Astronaut.
At age 15?
Nobel Prize holder!
What were you like around age 15/16?
I would seize every chance to play basketball during my busy study schedule. I also played violin, and was into PC gaming.
College days
What did you study at college, and where?
Material forming engineering, at Nanjing, China.
How did you choose the college courses you applied for?
My interest at that time was in practical engineering, probably influenced by my father’s career as a combustion engine designer.
What is your fondest memory of college days?
Together with my classmates, as a team, we crafted a customized hammer during a metalworking internship.
The present
How would your parents describe what you do?
A PhD in 3D printing.
How would your friends describe what you do?
He prints anime figures in metal, like a blacksmith.
What do you actually do?
I investigate structure-property relationships using micromechanical theories.
Why or how did you choose your current role?
My current role combines my undergraduate background in manufacturing with my postgraduate interest in material science. Every experience you have might add value to your future.
If an alien came to Earth right now and demanded you describe what you do in one sentence, what would you say so that they would understand?
Man is a tool-using animal. Modern people are distinguished from their ancestors by improving tools, which is also my current effort.
Tell me something cool about being a researcher.
There’s always a surprise waiting; you are never bored.
The future
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
Be an academic staff member, guiding research students who are my current age.
If we could time travel to 2050 and you had to choose a job to do right now (real or imagined), what would it be?
I would choose to be a musician because art is never out of style.
Read more about Yuhui's research