PAUL MACEOIN

Masters student in NUI Galway specialising in Cancer Research.

Targeting small businesses who may be unable to afford the huge sums for a professional website, but could still benefit from having a website and don't have the time or knowledge to create one themselves.

Created and managed http://literaryanddebating.com. Set up and managed the society's twitter feed (@litndeb). Updated and managed the society's Facebook page and associated events. Filmed various events and uploaded the files to the society's YouTube page. Was a photographer at most events to aid in the society's records. Aside from these duties, also participated in other events such as teaching debating to school children and organising of events in the university (which included the 2011 European Debating Championship.)

Subjects have included biochemistry, advanced biochemistry, biotechnology, applications of biotechnology, bioprocessing, biopharmaceuticals, microbiology, genetics, genetics, and German. Final year laboratory project entitled “Cloning and Expression of DEK Oncogene” in the Sullivan laboratory at NUI Galway. Final year literature review entitled "Transmissible Cancers; The Devils in the Details" Acted as the Class Representative for the Students' Union for Biotechnology during 3rd year.

Investigated the growth and differentiation potential of C2C12 cell spheroids compared to that of monolayers. Work required diligence and long hours also dedicating many weekends towards lab work. Worked under the supervision of Dr Priya Baraniak in the laboratory of Prof. Todd McDevitt.

Participated in a 3 month research project in the Plant Cell Biology lab at NUI Maynooth under the supervision of Dr Philip Dix and other post graduates. Worked mainly independently to create a co-expression of Retinol Binding Protein (RBP) and a heatshock protein (Hsp104). Work carried out was successful but further time and research would be required as many problems had to be solved throughout the project.

Spent 2 months working in an immunology lab at the Institute of Molecular Biology in the University of Zurich as part of the first international BUSS. My project there was entitled “The Cloning and Purification of Adenovirus Fibres and Fibre Knobs”. I utilised the “Bac-to-Bac Baculovirus Expression System”, and also performed Western Blots, PCR, plasmid isolation (mini-prep), Tissue Culture and Ni-NTA protein purification. As part of the course, students were also required to attend weekly journal clubs and seminars covering a wide range of related biochemical and microbial topics. Other students came from all over the world, and I was the only one selected from Ireland.

BSc Biotechnology in Biochemistry, genetics, biopharmacology

Activities: Literary and Debating Society