Researcher in
Ronan’s doctoral research on the aerosol delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) to the lung as a gene vector is part of the Regenerative Medicine Institute’s research program funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). The objective of the research is to optimise the aerosol delivery of viral vector to the lungs of small animals. To date, Ronan’s work has resulted in a highly efficient delivery method representing a large improvement in the efficiency of aerosol delivery to small animals. From the delivery optimization phase of the project, the work has expanded to involve the delivery of AAV vectors carrying reporter genes to the lungs of Sprague Dawley rats. This work has provided the proof of principle for the use of AAV as a gene vector in mechanically ventilated rats and the final phase of the project is currently underway. This final phase involves the delivery of a therapeutic gene in the setting of acute lung injury.
2004-present
PhD Researcher
REMEDI
Aerosol delivery of viral gene vectors to the lungs in the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI)
2000-2005
Research Engineer
Aerogen Ireland Limited
Design and development of aerosol delivery devices incorporating a novel vibrating mesh technology.
2000-2001
Higher Diploma (Ind. Eng.) Quality Assurance
National University of Ireland, Galway
Quality and Regulatory affairs
September 2007
Runner up
British Association for Lung Research Young Scientist Competition.
November 2002
Best poster in mechanical ventilation category
American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) Annual Meeting.
Oral Presentations
A systematic approach to maximising aerosol delivery of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to the lungs. British Association for Lung Research (BALR), 'Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for Lung Diseases', Annual Conference. September 2007.
Poster Presentations
Aerosol delivery of rAAV pseudotypes 2, 2/5 and 2/6.
Irish Society of Gene & Cell Therapy Conference. May 2008.
A systematic approach to maximising aerosol delivery of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to the lungs. British Association for Lung Research (BALR), 'Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for Lung Diseases', Annual Conference. September 2007.
Optimization of aerosol delivery to the lungs of Sprague-Dawley rat, an in vitro study of aerosol performance.
International Society for Aerosols in Medicine (ISAM), June 2007
A study on the effects of aerosolisation of plasmid DNA, Liposomally encased plasmid DNA, and siRNA degradation using the Aeroneb lab Pro Nebuliser. International Society for Aerosols in Medicine (ISAM), 16th Congress. June 2007
Design of an aerosol delivery system for the optimised delivery of rAAV to the lungs. Irish Society of Gene & Cell Therapy Conference. May 2007
In Vitro comparison of a Novel Nebuliser with Ultrasonic and Pneumatic Nebulisers. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Meeting (AAAAI). March 2003
Enhanced pulmonary aerosol delivery during mechanical ventilation using a novel electronic nebuliser system in both continuous and phasic operation. Controlled Release Society 30th Annual Meeting Proceedings. November 2003
Impact of continuous & phasic aerosol generation on drug delivery during mechanical ventilation: An in vitro analysis. American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) Annual Meeting. November 2002
Professional Membership:
• International Society for Aerosols in Medicine (www.isam.org)
• British Association for Lung Research (www.balr.org.uk)
• Aerosol Society (www.aerosol-soc.org.uk)
• Irish Society for Gene and Cell Therapy (www.isgct.ie)
• UK & Ireland Controlled Release Society (www.ukicrs.org)
Interests and hobbies:
• Ronan is a keen fisherman and fly tyer. He has run his own successful fly tying and guiding business for the last 15 years.
• He began judo in September 2006 and has since won an All-Ireland medal in the sport.