Meet our people
RCSI is home to educators, clinicians, researchers, policy leaders and much more. Read about some of the people who make RCSI what we are today.
"I joined RCSI as a postdoctoral researcher and progressed to a lecturer and now Senior Lecturer; I have also served a term as a Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Throughout this journey I have always been very supported by RCSI as an institution and by a number of great mentors within the institution. I have been given many opportunities to develop, both personally and professionally.
RCSI offers a range of invaluable supports to allow staff to carry out internationall-recognised research and teaching; I am proud to be part of this world-class institution."
Dr Mary Clarke is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Population Health Sciences at RCSI.
"Four years ago, I began my independent research career at RCSI through the Strategic Academic Recruitment (StAR) programme.
In this time, RCSI has helped me build an amazing research group focused on the role of our body clocks and chronic inflammatory disease and has helped raise our profile.
Making new scientific discoveries is our passion and I feel very fortunate to be at an institute that has helped me and my team begin to reach our ambitions."
Dr Annie Curtis is a Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at RCSI.
"When I was a PhD student I carried out one year of my project at RCSI, I really enjoyed its vibrant and collaborative research environment so I joined the University as a postdoctoral researcher afterwards and I'm still here!
I recently took up the role of Postdoctoral Representative, which allows me a huge opportunity for collaboration with other members of the University to support and assist the small but super dynamic research community at RCSI."
Dr Chiara De Santi is a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at RCSI.
"I moved to RCSI in 2006 working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Physiology and Medical Physics.
In 2014 I established my own research group within the Department, which is focused on the identification of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for epilepsy based on purinergic signalling.
Over my years working at RCSI I have not only made many friends and benefited from the multi-cultural atmosphere, I have also witnessed huge changes which has consolidated RCSI into an excellent place to study and carry out research at very high international standards."
Dr Tobias Engel is a Lecturer in Physiology and Medical Physics at RCSI Dublin.
"I have worked at RCSI for over 15 years. I'm originally from the UK and joined RCSI as a senior lecturer, before progressing to associate professor and finally my current role of Professor of Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience.
I am also the Director of FutureNeuro, a world-leading SFI Research Centre for neurological diseases and am responsible for the overall running of the centre, which in based in RCSI. As you can see, progression opportunities at RCSI are plentiful."
Prof. David Henshall is Professor of Physiology and Medical Physics at RCSI and Director of FutureNeuro.
"I start working in RCSI 10 years ago as a security officer before progressing to head of security. I took up the role of Deputy Head Porter in 2017.
I have always felt very supported at RCSI. The University gives enough space and helps employees to grow. There is a healthy atmosphere of teamwork, good communication, mutual understanding and respect for individuals."
Hamid Khan is the Deputy Head Porter at RCSI Dublin.
"My journey in RCSI began five years ago as a Learning Technologist with the SPHeRE programme.
The new Simulation Centre at 26 York Street presented exciting new opportunities for experiential learning, and I joined the Simulation team in 2017. Throughout my time here, I've been supported by fantastic colleagues and mentors who have always encouraged me to pursue my personal and professional goals. RCSI is the type of workplace where you really feel valued and respected, and every member of the team is empowered to make meaningful change."
Rebecca Kirrane is a Clinical Skills and Simulation Technician with the Department of Simulation in RCSI Dublin.
"I have worked in RCSI for nine years, in my role I feel great pride seeing our graduates develop into great doctors. RCSI is truly a great place to work where everyone’s opinions are listened to and valued."
Susanne Lalor is Intern Administrator for the RCSI, Dublin North East Intern Network.
"After 16 years here, I would say that RCSI is unique and outstanding.
I love the explicit commitment to international engagement, to excellence in healthcare education and research, and the vibrancy, vitality and enthusiasm of the students."
Prof. Sam McConkey is Deputy Dean for International Curriculum development, an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of International Health and Tropical Medicine in RCSI.
"I joined RCSI in 2016 as a StAR lecturer.
I have enjoyed my time working in RCSI as it has excellent facilities to carry out innovative research and I received training to become a better educator. The work environment is friendly and supportive and I feel I am well established in the University."
Dr Marco Monopoli is a Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at RCSI.
"I have been working at RCSI since 2002, initially as a lecturer, and now I am the Chair in Nursing and Head of the School of Nursing & Midwifery.
I think that my journey demonstrates the continuous support and mentorship, which are truly integral components of life in RCSI.
All the time I have been encouraged to really reach out beyond my comfort zone which has enabled me to achieve both my professional and personal goals, I even learned to run 10km! RCSI is a truly 'can do' organisation and is an amazing place to work."
Prof. Zena Moore is Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at RCSI and is the Director of the Skin Wounds and Trauma (SWaT) Research Centre.
"I joined RCSI as the first research lecturer recruited under the Strategic Academic Recruitment 'StAR' programme.
This programme gave me resources to hire a PhD student and provided me with protected time to set-up my research. As a cancer biologist the close connection with Beaumont Hospital is key for progressing translational research."
Dr Triona Ni Chonghaile is a Lecturer in Physiology and Medical Physics at RCSI Dublin.
"I started in RCSI as a lecturer in the Department of Anatomy in 2003. My career has evolved in that time in parallel with the growth of the RCSI Tissue Engineering Research Group that I lead.
I am now Professor of Bioengineering & Regenerative Medicine and in 2019 was appointed Director of Research & Innovation at RCSI.
RCSI’s international profile, collegial nature and sole focus on healthcare provides a unique, dynamic, environment for training healthcare professionals, growing the next generation of academic, industry and clinical leaders and delivering world-class outcomes to the benefit of patients and society."
Prof. Fergal O'Brien is Director of Research at RCSI; Professor of Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine and Head of the Tissue Engineering Research Group in RCSI.
"I moved to RCSI four years ago. The transition went smoothly and I have enjoyed working here. The people, ethos and environment are all first-class. The Office of Research and Innovation has been particularly helpful and are always seeking new opportunities to move forward."
Prof. James O'Donnell a Professor of Vascular Biology and the Director of the Irish Centre for Vascular Biology.
"Starting in RCSI was quite a change for me as I had previously been working in the fitness industry.
Being part of the Bookings team within the Conference & Events Department creates a wonderfully varied role, as I manage the internal bookings for all venues on the St Stephen's Green Campus in Dublin, as well as assisting with the larger annual events such as RCSI Conferring ceremonies.
These events are joyous occasion for the University and can be a great opportunity to engage with staff members from other departments and students, past and present, and their families. The atmosphere in RCSI as a whole makes for a very pleasant and nurturing working environment."
Gabrielle O'Rourke is a Bookings, Events and Switchboard Coordinator, in the Conference & Events Department in RCSI.
"As an alumnus of RCSI, it is a great honour to be working here as a Senior Lecturer in Surgery and giving back to University.
My career as a medical educator has been nurtured by RCSI as it has provided me an opportunity to grow and develop in my role. There has been a huge opportunity for networking with colleagues from sites outside Ireland, in Bahrain and Malaysia; hence broadening my experience and personal growth.
The working environment in RCSI encourages collaboration, teamwork and productivity which has helped me achieve my personal goals."
Dr Gozie Offiah is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Surgery at RCSI and the National Clinical Lead for Intern Training for the Medical Intern Unit, HSE.