Cois Coiribe‘s ‘Day in the Life’ series showcases the diverse workings of our research and teaching life at University of Galway. We aim to spotlight researchers, academics, and students, sharing their experiences, challenges, and exciting discoveries!
This ‘Day in the Life’ feature focuses on Prof Mark Healy, Personal Professor of Civil Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway.
I am a Personal Professor of Civil Engineering, and I am also Vice-Dean for Student Recruitment and Public Engagement in the College of Science and Engineering. I am PI of a research group called the Geo-Environmental Engineering Research Group, or GENE.
A typical day starts at around 6 AM with a one-hour gym session in the University’s gym. It is an excellent, if sometimes exhausting, way to start the day. Then, it’s back home for breakfast, before heading into work.
My group’s research work is primarily in the area of experimental environmental engineering. In particular, we explore the fate of phosphorus, nitrogen, and other contaminants in soil-plant-water systems, as well as the effects of agricultural management on soil and water quality. We work in all kinds of areas: from soil fertility and management of agricultural wastewater, through to the re-wetting of peatlands and the reuse of ‘waste’ materials for environmental remediation.
The main application of our research work is in agricultural land management: for example, our research informs bodies like Bord na Móna and Teagasc about the environmental implications arising from the ‘re-wetting’ of peatlands on water and air quality (a controversial issue at the moment). Another interesting recent output arising from our research was the development of a product to remediate pesticides from agricultural fields. We have also designed and operated modified reed beds (wetlands) to treat yard runoff and washings from farms, to improve water quality.
As a master’s student, I was very lucky to have met a wonderful researcher, called John Mulqueen, formerly of Teagasc and an adjunct lecturer in Civil Engineering here in University of Galway, before his death in 2005. He had an incredibly vast knowledge of all aspects of agricultural land management. He encouraged me to apply for a PhD in this area. After I became a staff member in Civil Engineering, he mentored me during my first research projects and connected me with colleagues in Teagasc. John was a giant of a man, and possibly the most inspirational person I’ve ever met.
Collaboration is massively important in my field. I am very lucky to have great international and national collaborators. My main Irish collaboration is with my colleagues in Teagasc, in both Moorepark and Johnstown Castle, who have worked closely with me on virtually all my research projects for the last 20 years. I also have wonderful colleagues and collaborators within the University.
I’m very lucky to teach in areas that directly relate to my research. I particularly enjoy teaching master’s classes, because I get to indulge my passion for talking about my research – I’ve a captive audience, admittedly! – and relate it to what is currently happening in the world.
There are numerous challenges in research: some of these are logistical, but others are more practical. For example, trying to encourage excellent students to undertake PhDs is quite difficult now. The jobs market is very good for our civil engineering graduates, so trying to encourage them to spend four or more years on a PhD is quite a difficult ‘sell’.
This is a difficult one! I’d say: do what you love, what gives you passion. Find great collaborators and always be giving of your time. Plus, always surround yourself with people who are cleverer than you!
