Bio

I am a Data Scientist at LexisNexis Risk Solutions UK&I. My role within the analytics team focuses on turning complex and large-scale vehicle data into predictive insights that help insurers price policies fairly, reduce fraud, and improve decision-making. I hold a PhD in astrophysics from Queen's University Belfast. My research focused on observing the Sun and other stars using some of the largest and most advanced telescopes in the world to better understand stellar dynamics. Throughout my PhD I have presented my research at international conferences, and published peer reviewed research, collaborating with colleagues across the globe.

I am also an experienced science communicator, and have presented to groups of all ages. I have represented Ireland and won awards for science outreach and public engagement.

Profile photo, out of focus galaxy in the background.

Skills and Experience

I have developed extensive experience in data aquisition, data management and data science through
internships, my degree and PhD. I am also highly skilled in public speaking and communication.

Throughout my PhD at Queen’s University Belfast, I have experience of leading collaborative research projects focused on space weather monitoring. I have developed and implemented large-scale data analysis pipelines in Python to process and visualise terabyte-scale astronomical datasets. My work has involved high-performance computing, statistical analysis of time-series and spatial data. From working as part of an Agile software development team to leading projects spanning multiple continents, I have been fortunate to gain valuable experience and skills that are transferrable across industry and academia.

Using a Celestron telescope within the House Dome at Dunsink Observatory. Ryanair Flight FR2970 from Tenerife to Edinburgh passing in front of a 50% illuminated moon. Film photo I took of Dunsink Observatory edited to show JWST image of Casseopeia A in the background. Optical image of the Sun taken from a solar telescope at Dunsink Observatory.

Public Speaking

Public speaking was a significant aspect of my PhD. I have presented at scientific conferences, data school workshops, societies, public events and college groups. I have also won awards for my presentation skills. I am adept at distilling complex topics to a wide range of audiences.

Education

  • Queen's University Belfast

    2020 - 2024
    Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD.) from the School of Mathematics and Physics

  • University College Dublin

    2016 - 2020
    BSc. (Honours) in Physics with Astronomy and Space Science

  • Internships

    2014 - 2019
    Accepted to internships developing research and data science skills.

Projects

I will be uploading projects I have been working on over the years
to Github, Keep an eye on my profile for some appearing soon!