Krishna Hari

“I am not a product of my circumstances; I am a product of my decisions.”

I’m Krishna Hari, a chemistry postgraduate turned aspiring scientist. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD at the Bernal Institute of University of Limerick, Ireland. My research focuses on the growth and characterisation of crystallisation of several polycrystalline amino acid films to modulate their piezoelectric response for Structural Health Monitoring application.  In parallel to my research, I support efforts to promote open, collaborative, and reproducible science. In my free time, I enjoy singing, dancing, travelling, gardening.

Education

MSc in Chemistry | Sep 2019 – Mar 2022 | SETU, Waterford Institute of Technology

   Bachelor of Science - Master of Science | Aug 2014 – June 2019 | Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, India.

Krishna’s project is funded by Science Foundation Ireland.

Geetu Kumari

I'm Geetu Kumari, a dedicated academic researcher with 3 years of material modelling experience. I have networked with elite research teams from the CHARISMA project, the Sorbonne University in Paris, and the VUB in Brussels to develop and improve field research protocols. In general chemistry, I modelled various bulk systems and their surfaces, as well as performed their Raman calculations.

My primary focus is on simulation and modelling of new materials and devices. Using first-principles Density Functional Theory calculations, I theoretically investigated spin dynamical properties (Spintronics applications) of ultrathin ferromagnetic materials and successfully published some work in the Journal of Physical Review B. This provided me with a solid understanding of various ab-initio packages such as VASP, Quantum Espresso, and QuantumATK.

At Bernal institute, University of Limerick, I will be developing high-throughput VASP screenings for piezoelectric crystals.

Geetu’s project is funded by the European Union.

Tara Ryan

Tara E. Ryan is a graduate of a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and physics education. Her final year project was "An Investigation of the Scientific Analysis of Giant Hogweed for Transition Year Students" under the supervision of Dr. JJ Leahy. Tara then continued her studies and completed a Master of Science in Biomedical Device Materials. Her thesis was "A Comparative Analysis of Manual and Automated Methods of Decellularization of Female Porcine Tissue" under the supervision of Dr. Eoghan Cunnane. In 2022, Tara joined the EPI*STEM team as a STEM Researcher with the HEA performance fund project. She has worked with the research and design team in science education to design and bring to completion a number of on-line CPD resources and the publication of five books for science teachers in post-primary schools. During her time at UL, Tara has been involved in the SOPHia physics outreach project, which promotes physics to girls in schools.

Tara’s PhD research focuses on the insulation and characterisation of biomolecular crystal resonators, funded by the European Union.

Muhammad Usaid

I'm Muhammad Usaid, an accomplished professional with a strong background in Electrical Engineering. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, and I further specialized in the field by obtaining a Master's degree with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. With a solid educational foundation, I have honed my skills and knowledge in this dynamic field.

Over the course of my career, I have gained three years of invaluable experience across various domains, allowing me to develop a versatile skill set. I have had the opportunity to work on diverse projects, each contributing to my growth and expertise. Some notable projects I have been involved in include 'Sustainable Power Generation by Piezoelectric Transducers,' where I explored innovative approaches to harnessing renewable energy sources. Additionally, I worked on 'Sound Classification using Deep Learning,' applying state-of-the-art techniques to identify and classify audio signals. Another significant endeavor involved 'Image Processing using Nvidia Shelf Controller,' where I leveraged advanced image processing algorithms to optimize visual data analysis. Furthermore, I had the privilege of setting up a robust network infrastructure for Physical Layer devices, ensuring seamless communication and connectivity.

Outside of my professional life, I am an avid learner and explorer. I thrive on embracing new challenges and staying abreast of the latest advancements in technology. I believe in the power of continuous learning to expand horizons and unlock new possibilities.

Muhammad’s PhD research focuses on design and simulation of biomolecular piezoelectric arrays, funded by the European Union.