Profile - Nitrogen Zone

Curriculum Vitae

Education:

I went to school in Roscommon and then to College in Cork, then Trinity College Dublin, as a Scientist you are always studying/learning- it’s cool not scary!!
Qualifications:

Started off with a Degree in Biomedical Science. I now have what is called a Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists
Work History:

I have worked in lots of hospitals and I also had a research job in a place called Enfer Scientific
Current Job:

I work in a Children’s Hospital and I also work voluntarily as President of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine and also volunteer in Africa

Favourite thing to do in science: I love looking down the microscope and saying that patient isn’t as sick as the doctor thought, it’s always easier when the news is good.
My work

I am a Medical Scientist (Laboratory Haematologist- that’s a very big word!!!), I look at blood! I also lecture and I am President of the professional body for Medical and Clinical Scientists in Ireland- I get to wear a big chain sometimes, a bit like a Lord Mayor!!
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I often spend my day looking at blood. I have attached a picture of what a drop of blood looks like under the microscope, you can see lots of red blood cells ( look like saucers), white blood cells (find 3 in this picture) and little fellas called platelets.
In the last picture there were only 3 white blood cells but when a person gets an infection their blood might look like this, now there are lots and lots of white blood cells, can you count them?

Why is blood red, see this video?
My Typical Day

one minute diagnosing a blood disorder, next minute training a student or answering a phonecall from a doctor.
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Some interesting facts that you can impress your family or friends with-about a drop of blood.

You have asked a question about sleep, what we do when we sleep and why do we need sleep. I am not an expert in this area and only know that I love my sleep, I need lots of sleep to help me to work better, I love my zzzz’s.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65uAa3H3pKQ

You asked a Q re rainbows, here is an interesting answer.
What I'd do with the money

As I am President of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Science, I and a few other scientists will go to all 15 schools over the next year and have a “touchy/feely” science hour- the boys and girls will get to look down the microscope, see how blood clots, there will be some “surprise” work that the boys and girls can do before then- they will get the kit in the post.
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I would like to visit a number of schools and do the following;

(1) I would like to set up a Fun lab for a few Saturdays in the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine offices in Dublin, like this video, for the boys and girls in this competition but for other boys and girls that weren’t lucky enough to do this, it would be great fun !!!

(2)For the Participating Schools: I would bring a microscope and show the boys and girls some interesting blood samples – a few diseases, you too could look down the microscope like this girl.

(3)Show the boys and girls how a person stops bleeding when they cut themselves by using a water bath and a few other things.

(4) Show the boys and girls how we can choose blood for someone when they need some after e.g. an accident.

Of course, I would have to make sure this is all ok with your teachers. I plan also to do something fun with agar plates and you can photograph them – also if your teachers give permission.
My Interview
- How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
  
  Quirky, logical, questioning
  
  Who is your favourite singer or band?
  
  This week it is Fleur East because I love that song Sax
  
  What's your favourite food?
  
  I love Thai food and dark chocolate- not together!!!
  
  What is the most fun thing you've done?
  
  I’ve sailed across the open ocean, meeting lots of dolphins along the way from Galway Bay to Spain.
  
  What did you want to be after you left school?
  
  I always wanted to be a Scientist (and an All Ireland Camogie Winner).
  
  Were you ever in trouble at school?
  
  Always for talking too much, being giddy!!!
  
  What was your favourite subject at school?
  
  Maths and PE
  
  What's the best thing you've done as a scientist?
  
  I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer in Africa and mentor/ train scientists there to do what I do here in Ireland. I now go there at least once a year.
  
  What or who inspired you to become a scientist?
  
  My teachers, My Dad when we worked around the farm.
  
  If you weren't a scientist, what would you be?
  
  I would like to be an All Ireland Camogie Winner or at least an All-Star
  
  If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
  
  I have only one -To never lose my memory
  
  Tell us a joke.
  
  Why is the longest human nose on record only 11 inches long? BECAUSE IF IT WAS 12 INCHES LONG, IT WOULD BE A FOOT! What did the volcano say to his wife? I lava you so much! What do clouds wear in their hair? Rainbows! What did the scientist wear on his first date? Designer jeans
- Work photos:
  
  It’s not always work!! Because I work in a Children’s Hospital it is important that the children have fun eventhough they might be sick. This is me and the people I work with dressed up as the Simpsons last year. Yes, we all made our costumes, that is me as one of the 2 sisters, Patty!
  
  Medical Scientists can do lots of different jobs
  
  I am also President of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine, this is photo of me at our conference in April and can you guess who the person on my right is, yes you’re right- Minister for Health Leo Varadkar- check out my HUGE chain. You can also find out what I do on https://www.acslm.ie.That is ME on the front page!!!
  
  This is me training Scientists in a lab in Tanzania Africa.
My profile link:
https://nitrogenn15.imascientist.ie/profile/ireneregan/

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