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Biography

I am a graduate of Queen's University, Belfast where I obtained a BSc(Hons) in Pure and Applied Physics in 1984. I then did my doctorate at the University of Leeds in the area of Polymer Physics. My thesis was titled "Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Oriented Polymer Blends". On completion of my PhD, I worked for two years as a Chemical Physicist at BP Research Research Centre in Sunbury-on-Thames. In 1990, I returned to Ireland to take up a position as a Lecturer in Physics at Cork RTC before moving to Waterford RTC (now SETU) in 1991. Since arriving, I have taught on a wide range of programmes in Science, Computing, Engineering and Humanities and was, at one stage, course leader on the HC Glass Technology. In recent years I have given a range of talks to school children on topics such as Isaac Newton and his discoveries and the Bizarre Nature of Quantum Mechanics.

 

I am currently a member of the Environmental Radiation Research Group at SETU where we use gamma ray spectrometry to analyse the gamma-emitting radioisotopes present in a variety of natural environments. I am also the Radiation Protection Officer for SETU and liaise between staff and the EPA to ensure that SETU is a safe working environment for anyone using ionizing radiation.

I have taught on a wide range of undergraduate courses in the science, engineering and computing areas. Modules taught include:

  • Glass Technology
  • Science, Universe and Society
  • Applied Fluid Mechanics
  • Materials Science
  • Engineering Science
  • Electromagnetism and Physical Optics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Measurement Science
  • Programming
  • Alternative Energy
  • Thermodynamics

I have also developed a number of talks aimed at school children and would be happy to visit any school to talk about physics or to deliver one of these presentations.

I have research experience in the field of polymer physics and have the following peer-reviewed publications:

G. A. Gallagher, R. Jakeways, and I. M. Ward, The Structure and Properties of Drawn Blends of Polyethylene and Polypropylene, J. of Appl. Polym. Sci, 43, 1399 (1991)

G. A. Gallagher, R. Jakeways, and I. M. Ward, The Structure and Properties of Drawn Blends of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Poly(methyl methacrylate), J. of Polym. Sci B Polym. Phys, 29, 1147 (1991)

I am a member of the Institute of Physics and act as the IOP representative in SETU, Waterford. I'd be happy to field any requests for information on the IOP, its publications and the benefits of membership.