COMMITTEE

Eva Woods joined the McMackin Lab in the Discipline of Physiology, Trinity College Dublin in September 2023 as a Ph. D student, funded by the Discipline of Physiology scholarship fund. Her research focuses on integrating neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques, including EEG, neuronavigated TMS, and MRI, to identify early biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Eva completed a BSc in Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Maynooth University, where her undergraduate thesis involved collaborating with the Electronic Engineering Department on Brain-Computer Interfaces and Neurofeedback Training. Her research interests lie in computational neuroscience, neural engineering, and neurotechnology.

Eva is an former member of the Early Career Researchers Network committee of Neuroscience Ireland and an active member of the European Huntington's Disease Network's Imaging Working Group, contributing to the development of best practices for neuroimaging data in Huntington’s Disease. She has presented her work at both national and international conferences, sharing insights into the intersection of advanced neuroimaging and electrophysiology.

As the Director of Women in Research Ireland, Eva is deeply passionate about creating inclusive spaces for women, nonbinary, and underrepresented researchers. Having benefited from women-in-STEM initiatives during her education, she understands the transformative impact of mentorship and support networks. Eva is committed to driving WIRI’s mission to empower diverse voices in research and foster a collaborative, equitable academic community.

Dr Joanne Kenny is a researcher at Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, where she uses machine learning and neuroimaging to study the relationship between physical and mental illness. She earned her PhD in Medicine (Anatomy) from the University of Galway.

A passionate advocate for women and minorities in science, Joanne co-founded Women in Research Ireland (WIRI) and was its director from 2019 to 2021. She served as President of Trinity Women Graduates in 2023 and currently chairs the Trinity College Dublin Alumni Association in London. Joanne is excited to re-engage with WIRI at a time when supporting women and minorities in research is more important than ever.

Danielle Briody is an undergraduate student studying law and political science in Trinity College Dublin. She has a specific interest in human rights and international law and has undertaken research under these disciplines with a focus on women's rights.

Danielle is excited about what WIRI can achieve in the research space and recognises the paramount importance of its work.

Dr Roisin McMackin is an assistant professor in physiology leading electrophysiology and neurodegenerative disease research.

WIRI is important to her because of the numerous obstacles and biases against women in research that remain today. She believes that we need to work harder to level the playing field.

Cathy has enjoyed a career in Higher Education for over twenty years, in many areas including graduate administration, assessment and program review and accreditation compliance. She returned to Ireland recently after living in the U.S. She earned a BA in English and French and an MA in Women’s Studies from University College Dublin. She earned a Doctorate in Education in Organization and Leadership from University of San Francisco in 2009. A chapter on her doctoral dissertation on Women College Presidents and Authentic Leadership Theory and Development was published in 2013 in Cracking the Wall 20 Years Later: Women in Higher Education Leadership, Edited by Patricia Turner Mitchell, PhD.

Cathy served on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls through education, advocacy and research. She served as President for three years, and Treasurer for five years. She was awarded the Sarah Dix Hamlin Leadership Award in 2016 for her contributions to the branch. Cathy is a member of the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) and serves on the committee of Women in Research Ireland (WIRI). Cathy is a staunch supporter of women's, minority, and LGBTQ+ rights.