Profile
James Sullivan
I lecture sustainable chemistry at UCD
My CV
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Education:
Colaiste Chriost Ri Cork (1983-1988), UCC (1988-1996)
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Qualifications:
BSc (1992), PhD (1996)
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Work History:
University of Reading, (1996-1999), Queenโs University Belfast (1999-2000), UCD (2000-present)
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Current Job:
Associate Professor in UCD School of Chemistry
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My work involves preparing and delivering lectures and laboratory sessions to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students on all aspects of chemistry.
I also coordinate an MSc programme in UCD and recently have launched a BSc programme in Chemistry with Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry. This programme looks at all the aspects of chemistry that impinge on the environment – so we study pollution, alternative fuels and solvents, green chemicals production and chemical recycling.
I have a research group at UCD with students that carry out research in the use of solid phase catalysts to promote biofuel formation, artificial photosynthesis, hydrogen storage for use in fuel cells and water pollution control. We also work with a post doctoral fellow researching very novel ways to reduce carbon dioxide using a plasma (an electrically charged gas).
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My Typical Day:
Teaching, researching and administration.
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Depending on the time of year I will either be involved in lecturing to undergraduate students, running laboratory experiments with undergraduate students or preparing or grading examinations.
I might also be reading or writing papers about my research or presenting at conferences or visiting other universities and talking about my work there.
I also spend a lot of time writing grant proposals looking for funding to support postgraduate researchers in my lab – or but laboratory equipment. I look after a group with 5 researchers (2 PhDs, 2 MSc students and 1 post doctoral fellow) and that takes a certain amount of time also.
Finally I direct 2 programmes (1 MSc and 1 BSc) within the school and spend a lot of time on the administration of these.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
undertall, not overweight
What did you want to be after you left school?
a biochemist
Were you ever in trouble at school?
sometimes
Who is your favourite singer or band?
David Bowie, U2, Irish and American folk music
What's your favourite food?
Chips
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Iโd like the hairline, waistline and fitness levels that I had when I was 25.
Tell us a joke.
A neutron walked into a barโฆ He really hurt himself.
What don't you like about your current job?
instruments being broken, lack of funding for experiments
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