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Directors of the Science Learning Centre
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Director Science Learning Centre
Claire O'Brien - MRes, PgDip, BSc(Hons), FHEA
Claire has been the Director of the Science Learning Centre (SLC) since May 2022. Her duties include the management of the SLC staff and directing various activities at the Centre.
Claire's research background is in the Biological Sciences. Claire's professional background includes four years of lecturing at various HE institutions across the UK, as well as three years experience as a learning technologist due to her interest in the growing use of technology in the education sector.
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Academic Director of the Science Learning Centre
Dr. Audrey O' Grady - Dept. of Biological Sciences
Dr. Audrey O' Grady is a lecturer in Biology and Science Education at the University of Limerick since 2010. Her research expertise are in the fields of Science Education and Ecology (particularly Ant Ecology).
Audrey commenced in the role of Academic Director in September 2022. Her duties include the facilitation of collaborative efforts between academic faculties and the Science Learning Centre, promoting Science Learning Centre support services to UL students, and recruitment of tutors.
Current SLC Tutors
Our SLC tutors are typically UL postgraduate students who are researching and teaching in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Engineering. They often have previously studied on the modules that we support as undergraduates themselves. They may work in the Drop-in or as support tutorials tutors or both. They are the SLC's most valuable resource.
You can either drop-in to the centre at our scheduled times or book a session with one of our experienced tutors via our SULIS Site.
Please note: Students cannot request to meet a tutor outside the SLC. Any such queries should be sent to slc@ul.ie.
Becoming an SLC Tutor
Tutors in Physics
Tutors in Engineering
Tutors in Chemistry
Tutors in Biology
Niamh Hickey
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Group Support Tutorials
About Niamh: "I am currently pursuing a PhD in Computational Physics through the SSPC at the Bernal Institute in UL. My research focuses on simulating and modelling pharmaceutical materials through quantum mechanics and molecular modelling. I recently completed a BSc in Applied Physics at UL as well. I have experience in computational, general, atomic and thermal physics, as well as general and physical chemistry. "
About Niamh: "I am currently pursuing a PhD in Computational Physics through the SSPC at the Bernal Institute in UL. My research focuses on simulating and modelling pharmaceutical materials through quantum mechanics and molecular modelling. I recently completed a BSc in Applied Physics at UL as well. I have experience in computational, general, atomic and thermal physics, as well as general and physical chemistry. "
Dinesh Barnana
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments, Support Tutorials
About Dinesh: "I am currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in the Department of Physics. I have solid research and educational background, having earned a master's degree in Material Science and a B.Tech in Metallurgy. I have expertise in teaching Physics and Engineering, specifically Crystal Structures, Phase Diagrams, XRD, SEM, Raman & UV-Vis spectra, FTIR, TGA, and TEM. Dielectrics, ceramic coatings, and semiconductors are among my research interests."
About Dinesh: "I am currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in the Department of Physics. I have solid research and educational background, having earned a master's degree in Material Science and a B.Tech in Metallurgy. I have expertise in teaching Physics and Engineering, specifically Crystal Structures, Phase Diagrams, XRD, SEM, Raman & UV-Vis spectra, FTIR, TGA, and TEM. Dielectrics, ceramic coatings, and semiconductors are among my research interests."
David O' Brien
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Support Tutorials
About David: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Physics UL, and my research focuses on using machine learning to improve the resolution in optical microscopy. I also completed my BSc in Applied Physics at UL."
About David: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Physics UL, and my research focuses on using machine learning to improve the resolution in optical microscopy. I also completed my BSc in Applied Physics at UL."
Geetu Kumari
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments, Support Tutorials
About Geetu: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Department of Physics. Currently, my research involves computational investigation. I'm utilizing high-throughput Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to assess numerous existing biomolecular crystals with the aim of identifying those exhibiting strong piezoelectric properties. I have a Master’s Degree in Physics. "
About Geetu: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Department of Physics. Currently, my research involves computational investigation. I'm utilizing high-throughput Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to assess numerous existing biomolecular crystals with the aim of identifying those exhibiting strong piezoelectric properties. I have a Master’s Degree in Physics. "
Tara Ryan
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments, Support Tutorials
About Tara: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Department of Physics. I have a MSc in Biomedical Device Materials and a BSc in Physics and Chemistry Education. My current research focuses on component interfacing and characterisation of polycrystalline amino acids for piezoelectric device development."
About Tara: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Department of Physics. I have a MSc in Biomedical Device Materials and a BSc in Physics and Chemistry Education. My current research focuses on component interfacing and characterisation of polycrystalline amino acids for piezoelectric device development."
Kristine O' Dwyer
Available for: Unavailable for the Autumn Semester
About Kristine: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Department of Physics. My current research is experimental involving the poling of piezoelectric material and the consequent measurement of contact angles post polarisation. My undergraduate degree is in Medical Technology which I obtained from the Technological University of the Shannon Midwest."
About Kristine: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Department of Physics. My current research is experimental involving the poling of piezoelectric material and the consequent measurement of contact angles post polarisation. My undergraduate degree is in Medical Technology which I obtained from the Technological University of the Shannon Midwest."
Vidit Tiwari
Available for: Unavailable for the Autumn Semester
About Vidit: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Chemical Sciences. I am a chemical engineer with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. My current work at UL focuses on harnessing hydrodynamic cavitation to manufacture desired-quality pharmaceutical crystals."
About Vidit: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Chemical Sciences. I am a chemical engineer with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. My current work at UL focuses on harnessing hydrodynamic cavitation to manufacture desired-quality pharmaceutical crystals."
Maryam Tahertalari
Available for: Group Support Tutorials
About Maryam: "I am currently pursuing my PhD in Chemistry in Bernal Institute at UL. My current research focuses on developing new efficient materials as anode for Li Metal Batteries. I have a Bachelor in Thin Film Physics and a Master degree in Engineering Physics. Based on my background and also current degree studies I have experience in Physics as well as basic Chemistry."
About Maryam: "I am currently pursuing my PhD in Chemistry in Bernal Institute at UL. My current research focuses on developing new efficient materials as anode for Li Metal Batteries. I have a Bachelor in Thin Film Physics and a Master degree in Engineering Physics. Based on my background and also current degree studies I have experience in Physics as well as basic Chemistry."
Caoimhe Cahill
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments, Support Tutorials
About Caoimhe: "I am currently studying the Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. In my degree so far I have studied areas such as mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, vibrations and mechanics of solids. I have also interned at ESB Networks and I completed co-op with DLR (German Aerospace Centre) in the field of automotive safety and FEA."
About Caoimhe: "I am currently studying the Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. In my degree so far I have studied areas such as mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, vibrations and mechanics of solids. I have also interned at ESB Networks and I completed co-op with DLR (German Aerospace Centre) in the field of automotive safety and FEA."
Muhammad Usaid Memon
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments, Support Tutorials
About Usaid: "I am a 1st year PhD student at the Dep of Physics studying design and simulation of biomolecular piezoelectric arrays and developing a Piezoelectric tile for energy harvesting at macro level. I hold a BSc in Electrical Engineering, and a MSc with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. As such, I have a strong background in Electrical Engineering and Physics."
About Usaid: "I am a 1st year PhD student at the Dep of Physics studying design and simulation of biomolecular piezoelectric arrays and developing a Piezoelectric tile for energy harvesting at macro level. I hold a BSc in Electrical Engineering, and a MSc with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. As such, I have a strong background in Electrical Engineering and Physics."
Muhammad Muddasar
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments, Support Tutorials
About Muddasar: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the School of Engineering. I hold a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and a MSc Degree in Energy Systems Engineering, both of which were conferred with gold medals. My research interests encompass sustainable materials, energy storage, bioenergy, and biofuels."
About Muddasar: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the School of Engineering. I hold a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and a MSc Degree in Energy Systems Engineering, both of which were conferred with gold medals. My research interests encompass sustainable materials, energy storage, bioenergy, and biofuels."
Frederick Crowley
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Support Tutorials
About Frederick: "I am a 1st year PhD student studying the surface characterisation of medical devices to fight infection and increase the sustainability of ‘smart implants’. I previously studied Biomedical Engineering at UL and have experience in the areas of Engineering Science, Mechanics and Biology."
About Frederick: "I am a 1st year PhD student studying the surface characterisation of medical devices to fight infection and increase the sustainability of ‘smart implants’. I previously studied Biomedical Engineering at UL and have experience in the areas of Engineering Science, Mechanics and Biology."
Matthew Ryan
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments, Support Tutorials
About Matthew: "I am currently studying the Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I have experience studying a variety of engineering modules including statics, dynamics, mechanics of solids, vibrations, and fluid mechanics"
About Matthew: "I am currently studying the Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I have experience studying a variety of engineering modules including statics, dynamics, mechanics of solids, vibrations, and fluid mechanics"
Sean Kelleher
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments, Support Tutorials
About Sean: "I am currently studying the Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I have external experience in failure analysis and mechanical design."
About Sean: "I am currently studying the Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I have external experience in failure analysis and mechanical design."
Githin Zachariah
Available for: Online 1-1 Appointments, Drop-in Centre, Support Tutorials
About Githin: "I am a 4th year PhD student at Bernal Institute. I completed my master's in chemical engineering from TU Delft, Netherlands, with specialization in transport phenomena and fluid dynamics."
About Githin: "I am a 4th year PhD student at Bernal Institute. I completed my master's in chemical engineering from TU Delft, Netherlands, with specialization in transport phenomena and fluid dynamics."
Ellen Kennedy
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments, Support Tutorials
About Ellen: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Chemical Sciences Department. My research focuses on the synthesis of a customised hydrogel to support the development of an in-vitro intestinal model. I completed my BSc in Industrial Biochemistry here in UL, and then completed my MSc in Biotechnology in UCC."
About Ellen: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Chemical Sciences Department. My research focuses on the synthesis of a customised hydrogel to support the development of an in-vitro intestinal model. I completed my BSc in Industrial Biochemistry here in UL, and then completed my MSc in Biotechnology in UCC."
Enrico Spoletti
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Support Tutorials
About Enrico: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Chemical Sciences at Bernal Institute. I have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry of materials and a master’s in bio-organic chemistry. My current research focuses on the crystal engineering of pharmaceutical and optoelectronic solid solutions."
About Enrico: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Chemical Sciences at Bernal Institute. I have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry of materials and a master’s in bio-organic chemistry. My current research focuses on the crystal engineering of pharmaceutical and optoelectronic solid solutions."
Harsh Barua
Available for: Unavailable for the Autumn semester
About Harsh: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Chemical Sciences. I am a pharmacist with a master's degree in pharmaceutics. My current research focuses on the crystallisation pathway for pharmaceutical molecules."
About Harsh: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Chemical Sciences. I am a pharmacist with a master's degree in pharmaceutics. My current research focuses on the crystallisation pathway for pharmaceutical molecules."
Kelly Murphy
Available for: Unavailable for the Autumn semester
About Kelly: "I am a 4th year PhD researcher in the field of electrochemistry and material science in the Bernal Institute, here in UL. My area of research is focused on synthesising and optimising materials for their use as an anode in sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries."
About Kelly: "I am a 4th year PhD researcher in the field of electrochemistry and material science in the Bernal Institute, here in UL. My area of research is focused on synthesising and optimising materials for their use as an anode in sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries."
Manoj Palabathuni
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments
About Manoj: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Department of Chemical Sciences. I’m a material chemist with a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology. Presently, I am working on Transition Metal Dichalcogenide materials for green energy conversions."
About Manoj: "I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Department of Chemical Sciences. I’m a material chemist with a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology. Presently, I am working on Transition Metal Dichalcogenide materials for green energy conversions."
Alice Parkes
Available for: Unavailable for the Autumn semester
About Alice: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the department of Chemical Sciences. I graduated from Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry at UL. My current project work focuses on pharmaceutical processing and aims to advance the development of fixed-dose combination drugs using continuous methods of manufacture."
About Alice: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the department of Chemical Sciences. I graduated from Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry at UL. My current project work focuses on pharmaceutical processing and aims to advance the development of fixed-dose combination drugs using continuous methods of manufacture."
Niraj Patil
Available for: Unavailable for the Autumn semester
About Niraj: "I am a 4th year PhD student. I have completed my Masters's degree in chemical sciences with specialization in material chemistry. Currently, I am working on the colloidal synthesis of nanocrystals and their application in energy storage."
About Niraj: "I am a 4th year PhD student. I have completed my Masters's degree in chemical sciences with specialization in material chemistry. Currently, I am working on the colloidal synthesis of nanocrystals and their application in energy storage."
Bhawna Kumari
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments, Support Tutorials
About Bhawna: "I am a 2nd year PhD student at the University of Limerick. My research focuses on organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and inorganic chemistry, allowing me to delve into complex, interdisciplinary topics.
In addition to my research, I have practical experience mentoring final-year project students and summer students, guiding them through their academic and research challenges. My role as a teaching assistant at UL has further honed my ability to convey complex concepts clearly and effectively, making learning accessible and engaging for students."
About Bhawna: "I am a 2nd year PhD student at the University of Limerick. My research focuses on organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and inorganic chemistry, allowing me to delve into complex, interdisciplinary topics.
In addition to my research, I have practical experience mentoring final-year project students and summer students, guiding them through their academic and research challenges. My role as a teaching assistant at UL has further honed my ability to convey complex concepts clearly and effectively, making learning accessible and engaging for students."
Process Technology/Chemical Engineering Tutors
Vaishnavi Honavar
Available for: Group Support Tutorials
About Vaishnavi: "I am a 4th year PhD student working on the anti-solvent crystallization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) using fluidic. I completed my Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, India."
About Vaishnavi: "I am a 4th year PhD student working on the anti-solvent crystallization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) using fluidic. I completed my Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, India."
Vidit Tiwari
Available for: Unavailable for the Autumn semester
About Vidit: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Chemical Sciences. I am a chemical engineer with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. My current work at UL focuses on harnessing hydrodynamic cavitation to manufacture desired-quality pharmaceutical crystals."
About Vidit: "I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Chemical Sciences. I am a chemical engineer with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. My current work at UL focuses on harnessing hydrodynamic cavitation to manufacture desired-quality pharmaceutical crystals."
Isabel Andersson
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Group Support Tutorials
About Isabel: "I am a 2nd year PhD student with a MSc in Engineering from Lund, Sweden. I have specialised in biotechnology and have experiences within biotechnological and chemical process engineering. In my PhD project I am working on characterisation of the male reproductive system for the generation of accurate preclinical models and am focusing mainly on mechanical, biophysical and transport properties."
About Isabel: "I am a 2nd year PhD student with a MSc in Engineering from Lund, Sweden. I have specialised in biotechnology and have experiences within biotechnological and chemical process engineering. In my PhD project I am working on characterisation of the male reproductive system for the generation of accurate preclinical models and am focusing mainly on mechanical, biophysical and transport properties."
Githin Zachariah
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Support Tutorials
About Githin: "I am a 4th year PhD student at Bernal Institute. I completed my master's in chemical engineering from TU Delft, Netherlands, with specialization in transport phenomena and fluid dynamics."
About Githin: "I am a 4th year PhD student at Bernal Institute. I completed my master's in chemical engineering from TU Delft, Netherlands, with specialization in transport phenomena and fluid dynamics."
Amravati Gode
Available for: Group Support Tutorials
About Amravati: "I completed a Master's in Technology – Chemical Engineering from IIT-BHU in 2009. After completing this, I worked in the industry sector at a superalloy manufacturing unit (MIDHANI) in India. I also worked as an Assistant Professor at MITAOE, Alandi, India before joining UL as a PhD researcher.
My current work at UL focuses on controlling polymorphism and properties using solid solutions. This involves the synthesis of solid solutions using top-up and bottom-down approaches and investigating their end properties.
Beyond my scientific pursuits, I also hold a profound interest in science communication and endeavours to actively contribute to the educational dimension of scientific discourse."
About Amravati: "I completed a Master's in Technology – Chemical Engineering from IIT-BHU in 2009. After completing this, I worked in the industry sector at a superalloy manufacturing unit (MIDHANI) in India. I also worked as an Assistant Professor at MITAOE, Alandi, India before joining UL as a PhD researcher.
My current work at UL focuses on controlling polymorphism and properties using solid solutions. This involves the synthesis of solid solutions using top-up and bottom-down approaches and investigating their end properties.
Beyond my scientific pursuits, I also hold a profound interest in science communication and endeavours to actively contribute to the educational dimension of scientific discourse."
Paul Tasker
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Group Support Tutorials
About Paul: "I am a 3rd year PhD student studying water purification via application of novel adsorbent materials. I graduated with BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry, and I am in possession of an exceptional understanding of all aspects of chemistry, ranging from organic and inorganic synthesis, physical modelling, process scale-up and troubleshooting, and analytical methods and applications. I have also have experience in 1-1 private tutoring and lab demonstration in Process Technology."
About Paul: "I am a 3rd year PhD student studying water purification via application of novel adsorbent materials. I graduated with BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry, and I am in possession of an exceptional understanding of all aspects of chemistry, ranging from organic and inorganic synthesis, physical modelling, process scale-up and troubleshooting, and analytical methods and applications. I have also have experience in 1-1 private tutoring and lab demonstration in Process Technology."
Erin Reardon
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Support Tutorials
About Erin: "I am a 2nd year PhD student studying the role of the brain-meninges interface in traumatic brain injury. I previously studied Biomedical Science (Pharmacology) in the University of Galway and went on to study a Masters of Research in Integrative Neuroscience in the University of Edinburgh."
About Erin: "I am a 2nd year PhD student studying the role of the brain-meninges interface in traumatic brain injury. I previously studied Biomedical Science (Pharmacology) in the University of Galway and went on to study a Masters of Research in Integrative Neuroscience in the University of Edinburgh."
Jishnu Padacherri
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments, Support Tutorials
About Jishnu: "I am a 2nd year PhD Student in Biomedical Engineering at the Bernal Institute. My research is on merging molecular biology and biomedical engineering, via microfluidic chip development to utilise as a disease progression model. I specialise in molecular biology, cell biology and essential microbiology. I hold a Master’s degree in molecular biology and human genetics, and have prior experience as a research assistant in cancer epigenetics."
About Jishnu: "I am a 2nd year PhD Student in Biomedical Engineering at the Bernal Institute. My research is on merging molecular biology and biomedical engineering, via microfluidic chip development to utilise as a disease progression model. I specialise in molecular biology, cell biology and essential microbiology. I hold a Master’s degree in molecular biology and human genetics, and have prior experience as a research assistant in cancer epigenetics."
Katelyn O' Grady
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Support Tutorials
About Katelyn: "I’m a PhD student working in the Bernal Institute. I have a BSc in Chemistry from UCC and a MSc in Biomolecular Sciences from UL. I have also worked as a Research Assistant in Dr. Andreas Grabrucker’s team researching zinc absorption in the gut and the effect inflammation has on this absorption to further the understanding of the gut-brain axis and how it is implicated in autism spectrum disorders. I was awarded an SDG Sustainability Scholarship from the Doctoral College and have recently started my PhD - the title of my project is “Delivery of zinc-homeostasis targeting nano-formulations for prevention and treatment of prostate cancer”.
About Katelyn: "I’m a PhD student working in the Bernal Institute. I have a BSc in Chemistry from UCC and a MSc in Biomolecular Sciences from UL. I have also worked as a Research Assistant in Dr. Andreas Grabrucker’s team researching zinc absorption in the gut and the effect inflammation has on this absorption to further the understanding of the gut-brain axis and how it is implicated in autism spectrum disorders. I was awarded an SDG Sustainability Scholarship from the Doctoral College and have recently started my PhD - the title of my project is “Delivery of zinc-homeostasis targeting nano-formulations for prevention and treatment of prostate cancer”.
Mahdi Nohtani
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Support Tutorials
About Mahdi: "I am a final year Ph.D. student; my research revolves around unravelling the intricate role of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in various cancers. My academic journey began with a BSc (Honors) in General Biology, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles in the biological sciences. Building upon this, I pursued a two-year master's program in Cell and Molecular Biology.
My background enables me to teach biology related modules and some chemistry modules like organic chemistry and biochemistry."
About Mahdi: "I am a final year Ph.D. student; my research revolves around unravelling the intricate role of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in various cancers. My academic journey began with a BSc (Honors) in General Biology, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles in the biological sciences. Building upon this, I pursued a two-year master's program in Cell and Molecular Biology.
My background enables me to teach biology related modules and some chemistry modules like organic chemistry and biochemistry."
Ruchita Khakhariya
Available for: Drop-in Centre, Online 1-1 Appointments
About Ruchita: "I am a 1st year PhD student in the Department of Biological Sciences. I completed my master's degree in Dairy Microbiology from KU in India. My current research focuses on examining how new processing methods affect the properties of oat and oat okara proteins. I am particularly interested in understanding the potential implications of these changes on the nutritional and functional characteristics of these proteins. My work aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of food science and nutrition."
About Ruchita: "I am a 1st year PhD student in the Department of Biological Sciences. I completed my master's degree in Dairy Microbiology from KU in India. My current research focuses on examining how new processing methods affect the properties of oat and oat okara proteins. I am particularly interested in understanding the potential implications of these changes on the nutritional and functional characteristics of these proteins. My work aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of food science and nutrition."
Contact the Science Learning Centre
Our Location: Science Learning Centre, Room B0-021A, Main Building, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
Email: slc@ul.ie
Phone: Off-campus/Mobile/International: +353 (0)61 202933 | Campus Landline: ext no. 2933