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Valentine Turpin
Regional Manager Cork
Postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience (UCC) working on the link between our brain development and our gut microbiome in autism spectrum disorder. I love yoga, reading and long walks with friends (when it’s not raining!).
Léa Roussin
Event Manager
I am a post-doctoral researcher in the physiology department at University College Cork. I study how gut‑connected neuronal circuits influence memory. In my free time, I enjoy baking, swimming, seaside walks around Cork, or chilling at home with a TV show or video game.
Clotilde Formica
Event Manager
I’m a PhD Student at MTU. Originally from Italy, I studied in Denmark and Sweden before moving to Ireland. My research explores how citizen science and storytelling can support regenerative practices in urban areas. I’m interested in participatory research methods and community engagement.
Andrew Octavian Sasmita
Event Manager
Postdoctoral researcher interested in glial biology, gut microbiome, and sex differences in Alzheimer's disease.
Amelie Türling
Event Manager
Master student/ Research Assistant at UCC, doing research on the “love hormone” and its connection to Autism spectrum disorder. Fascinated by space and the universe and in love with plants!
Mckenna Autumn Williams
Event Manager
PhD researcher from Canada based at UCC. My research focuses on the role of the gut-microbiome-brain axis in motivation/reward neural circuits and behaviour. Outside of work, I spend my time running, cycling, hiking, and rock climbing - anything that gets me outside!
Armand Pollin
Event Manager
Hello everyone! I am a 2nd year undergrad student, studying biotechnology at MTU, Cork. I enjoy listening to music, reading, and practicing martial arts.
Elisabeth O'Flaherty
Volunteer
I am a postdoctoral researcher looking at how infant gut bacteria can be used to improve human nutrition and gut health. In my spare time I enjoy sea swimming and saunas!
David Zelaya Sierra
Volunteer
Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology obtained at University College Cork. Currently working as a Laboratory Manager and Researcher at APC Microbiome Ireland focused in the Gut Microbe Restore.
Ilayda
Volunteer
I’m a Turkish academic with international experience across education, hospitality and tourism. I have lived in 4 countries, studied in Italy and the U.S, and I am now a PhD candidate in Ireland. I have strong people skills, and enjoy horse riding, knitting, and travel.
Sonia Mirjam Rizzo
Volunteer
Postdoctoral researcher at APC Microbiome Ireland (UCC), working on bifidobacterial consortia and host-relevant responses in advanced in vitro models. I’m also passionate about books, movies, and cats!
Clara Colombo
Volunteer
Italian master’s student in the Netherlands, currently in Cork for my thesis internship. Passionate about neuroscience and the gut microbiome, fascinated by brain–body communication. Former national gymnast, nature lover, and always down to try a new hobby or chase a fun adventure!
Aman Sharma
Volunteer
Biotechnology enthusiast studying Pharmaceutical Biotechnology in MTU, Cork. Working on to figure out bacterial strains which can counteract against UTI causing bacteria in Urobiome as my Final Year Project. When I am free, I like to play Chess and I follow Formula 1.
Yueyue Chen
Volunteer
I'm Yueyue Chen, a PhD student located at Teagasc (Munster Technological University). My subject is focused on the in vitro digestion, bioavailability & muscle bioactivity of plant based beverages, as a part of the DAFM project SO-PLANTS. I like hiking, traveling, movies and exploring the world.
Cristine Marie Yde Ohki
Volunteer
Postdoctoral researcher at APC Microbiome (UCC) studying the effects of gut microbiota metabolites in brain cells derived from patients diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and going to the theater.
Nishtha Pange
Volunteer
Originally from India, I recently began to pursue my PhD at University College Cork. My project would try to elucidate the neural pathways responsible for social memory and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of schizophrenia, and how gut microbiome alterations contribute to the same.
Yalú Panta
Volunteer
I'm an Erasmus student in the Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology. I'm currently completing my Final Year Project (FYP) at APC in the cell culture laboratory. I enjoy walking, dancing, and trying new restaurants. I'm very excited to take part in this enriching activity!
Michaela Wentz
Volunteer
With a background in semiconductor manufacturing and development, Michaela is currently a Master's of Research student at UCC. Her research is in evaluating iron as a material for seasonal energy storage
Zehra Ajabshah
Volunteer
With a Master of Science in Molecular Cell Biology from University College Cork, I work as a researcher at APC Microbiome Ireland, exploring ways to improve gut health. Outside the lab, you’ll find me swimming, chasing great food, or befriending local felines!
Matilda Ennion
Volunteer
Master’s student in Neuroscience currently studying how specific neurons are organised in space and whether this might be affected by the gut microbiome. I’m fascinated by how the brain and body interact to shape behaviour and mental health, and am passionate about creative ways to share this scienc…
Cristian Mendoza Ortiz
Volunteer
I am a computational biologist, and my passion is using mathematics, statistics, and engineering to study biological systems through sequencing data. I am currently working to unravel the complexities of the gut-brain axis.
Felicia Moruz Mihu
Volunteer
Biotechnology enthusiast from Spain, currently completing my Final Biotechnology Degree thesis at APC Microbiome Ireland. Outside the lab, I'm a handball player who enjoys staying active, outdoor adventures, and good food.
Tess Kelly
Volunteer
My name is Tess and I am currently completing my Masters by Research in APC Microbiome Ireland. My research focuses on fermented foods and the gut microbiome.
Atreye Majumdar
Volunteer
Atreye Majumdar is a scientist with an endless fascination for life on earth - from the tiniest molecules to elusive birds. She is an avid reader, birdwatcher and a classical Indian dancer. As an educator, she is showing her 4 year old, a budding biologist, the wonders of science.
Serena Ekoyata
Volunteer
Currently in my least year of Pharmaceutical biotechnology in MTU Co. Cork. My hobbies include walking my dog, baking, cooking and learning to play the piano.
Moira Louise Burre
Volunteer
Hi everyone! I'm excited to be joining this year's Pint of Science. I am currently in my final year of university studying Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Apart from my studies, I enjoy taking part in sports, art and puzzle games.
Poorvaja Muley
Volunteer
I’m a research assistant working on IBD, excited about science communication and public engagement. I enjoy sharing ideas, meeting new people, and helping make science accessible and engaging.
Nikki van Munsteren
Volunteer
I am from The Netherlands where I also did my bachelor's in biomedical research. Currently I am pursuing a master's in research with the department of pharmacology at University College Cork. My focus is on the effect of the gut microbiota and the noradrenergic system and their effect on mood.
Constanze von Randow
Volunteer
My science journey started in neuroscience research, exploring the brain’s mysteries. Now, as a Medical Science Liaison, I connect the pharmaceutical industry with clinical practice. I’m passionate about the microbiome’s impact on health.
Matteo Guernieri
Volunteer
I'm a visiting Master’s student from the University of Bologna (Italy). I love running, hiking and explore new places.
Francisco José Vidal Sánchez
Volunteer
I'm a PhD student in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the university of Murcia (Spain), researching bioactive compounds from mulberry. I previously served as president of BiotecMur, where I helped organise biotech conferences and many science outreach events.
Lucas Souto Manning
Volunteer
My name is Lucas, and I work on the Microbiota Gut-Brain Axis in Human Studies, looking at the effect of diet on the brain via the gut, mostly through mood, stress, and different cognitive functions like memory, decision making, etc.