DkIT Academic’s Passion for Bugs and Germs
Dr Orla Sherlock is a lecturer in the Department of Life & Health Sciences in DkIT and was the driving force behind the new digital Science Outreach Hub launched recently by the Institute. This Primary and Secondary School digital hub was conceptualised, designed and developed by Dr Sherlock. Orla’s hope for this Outreach Hub is that it will be used by local schools to gain access to the latest regional outreach information, book activities including DkIT site visits and engage with new initiatives including “Request School Talks” and “DkIT Champions”.
Orla is one of the many scientists in DkIT who is making herself available for school talks and workshops for primary and secondary schools under the theme “GERM Lab”. Orla is passionate about Germs! She loves to share information about the good germs around us and indeed in us, reassuring students that microbes are generally good and often actually help us. This is a particularly important subject after the Covid pandemic and the resulting hygiene anxiety that has developed for many people.

Dr Sherlock's love of Biology started in secondary school, she said
“I always liked Biology in school and thought it might be something I would enjoy in college. I was nervous however at the thought of having to do chemistry and physics too when I chose Science!”
Orla stated that when she commenced her science course in DkIT the lecturers’ ensured students got the help they needed via tutorials. Orla says of her experience as a student in DkIT
“We had the best time, both in class and off campus! The many daytrips our lecturers brought us on were a highlight”.
After completing her Level 7 in DkIT, Orla worked in Glanbia as a lab technician and then returned to college to complete a level 8 degree. She did this in SETU where she focused on Biology. While there she completed a research project as part of her studies and this fostered her love of research particularly in the field of Microbiology, which led to Orla pursuing a PhD in Microbiology. During her PhD research, Orla spent time in the US Naval Research Base in Washington DC which she said,“was a rare and wonderful opportunity”. After successfully completing her PhD Orla worked as a Medical Sales Rep, which took her to every county and many of Ireland's laboratories. She said of this time
“This was a fantastic way to see the landscape of Science in Ireland. However, the travel bug bit, so I took myself to Copenhagen and the Danish Technical University where I worked as a research scientist contributing to studies on E.coli biofilms and Urinary tract infections. Next step was Australia, where I took my research and continued it in Brisbane University. Three years in and it was time to go home. My next role was in the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, researching MRSA superbug infections in hospitals. Here I gained experience in lecturing, which finally brought me full circle back to DkIT again”.
When asked what she still loves about science after 20 years in the field Orla says
“What’s not to love! I am particularly interested in and passionate about bugs and germs that make up our Microbiomes! I love learning how invisible microscopic organisms can impact us in our daily lives and how we can manipulate them to help us be healthy and even feel happy!”.
Dr. Sherlock like many of her colleagues in DkIT thoroughly enjoys lecturing:
“I love to share my passion for science, see students’ skills develop and flourish whilst watching them become the next generation of Irelands scientists. Graduation day each year is very special to all the teaching staff in DkIT. We are so delighted when we see our student’s hard work rewarded and their families excitedly and proudly supporting them”.
Dr Sherlock is one of the many Science lecturers who will utilise DkIT’s new Science Building, Orla added
“I’m extremely excited about our new Science facility, I have recently begun working in school outreach and this fabulous new facility can be used to host schools across the region who wish to engage in our many Science Outreach talks and workshops”.
Find Out More About DkIT Science Outreach