Niamh Clarke, BSc MSc
Barrett’s Biobank Manager, IBD Research Co-ordinator
Niamh graduated with a first class honours Bachelor of Science degree from DIT in 2012. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree she continued her education receiving a Masters of Science in Healthcare Infection Management from Trinity College Dublin. Her research area focused on antimicrobial resistance and serotyping of Group B Streptococcus isolates from adult and neonatal populations.
Niamh is currently employed by the Department of Surgery; St.James’s Hospital and manages the Barrett’s Oesophagus Biobank. This biorespository stores blood and tissue samples from consented patients, combined with health information for use in translational research. Such patient involvement underpins our translational work in the Department. By carrying out cellular and molecular work on these samples we aim to increase our understanding of the development of Barrett’s oesophagus, and its possible progression to Oesophageal Cancer. This may lead to new drug targets and treatments for our patients.
Niamh is also currently involved in IBD patient focused research involving Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease patients. She works closely with a multidisciplinary team and patients alike, in both national and international projects.
Niamh is particularly passionate about science communication and patient and public involvement (PPI) in Research. She especially enjoys the patient interaction and engagement her job involves. She regularly speaks to school students about careers in Science and hopes to increase PPI within the Departments work in the future.
Keywords: Biobanking, Oesophageal Cancer, Barrett’s Oesophagus, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Translational Research, Science Communication, Ethics, Patient and Public Involvement, Clinical Trials.