Astrophysics

This feature explores Dr Deborah Malone’s journey through her University of Galway PhD in Astronomical Instrumentation, with particular focus on her research that involved working at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) with the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). She discusses her entry into the University via the Foundation Course, moving into a BSc and finally a PhD before joining the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation at Durham University as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. She also speaks to the importance of international collaboration and offers advice for aspiring researchers.     

Cois Coiribe had the chance to reconnect with University of Galway Erasmus alumna, Dr Catarina Alves de Oliveira. Here, we retrace her journey from Erasmus student at University of Galway to Head of the Science Operations Development Division at the European Space Agency. Read below to discover how her Erasmus year helped propel her into a career in space science.    

In this article, Cois Coiribe catches up with Interdisciplinary Physics Professor Aaron Golden, Director of the Centre for Astronomy here at University of Galway. We explore the versatility of physics, ranging from studying the vast unknown of galaxies and star systems to understanding the complex interactions of medical treatments. As we find out, creative problem-solving applies to both, with there being more in common between stars and the clinic than you might think.      

In this article, Cois Coiribe catches up with alumnus Éamonn Harvey, who now works at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory Edinburgh. Éamonn dives into his childhood motivations, discusses several influences and muses from his time at the University, and reminisces about his nostalgia for Galway City. He also talks about his role as an Optical Engineer, the instrumentation he uses, and how collaboration is what moves science forward.     Meet Dr Éamonn Harvey… I am the middle child of five, with parents from Donegal and Carlow. I grew up in Cork, after moving there from France when I was young. Eventually, for one reason or another, Galway’s gravity pulled me in.  I have a four-year-old son, Joel, with my wife Ariel, and most of my time outside work is spent playing and drawing with him. Ariel and I met while studying physics together in Galway, although we didn’t date until I returned from doing a Master’s in Paris, shortly before we started our respective PhDs.  For over 25 years, I was a keen skateboarder, spending my evenings exploring the ledges, steps, and rails of our fair isle. Since our son arrived, I’ve been trying to avoid injuries; however, I have come down with late onset athleticism in recent years. So, I now spend my time outside of work and family swimming, running, and cycling – and a bit of fiddle playing in the evenings. I also have an amateur interest in photography, archaeology, and folklore. 

It’s not every day that researchers discover a new planet, but that’s exactly what happened to researchers at the Centre for Astronomy. Using the latest iterations of the world’s largest telescopes, they were able to study a dust disk, allowing them to eventually discover the planet lurking within. Through collaboration with other universities, the hard work of many student researchers … and maybe a sprinkling of magic dust? … a new planet was found, to the amazement of the scientific community, the media, and even the then President of Ireland.      To discuss this groundbreaking discovery, the Content Unit sat down with University of Galway’s Dr Christian Ginski and PhD student Chloe Lawlor to uncover how their cutting-edge space research is rewriting what we know about the formation of planets.