Dr Caoimhin Griffin
Biography
Dr. Caoimhín Griffin is a Lecturer in the Department of Life and Health Sciences at Dundalk Institute of Technology. He completed his PhD in Cell Biology at DkIT in 2018 and subsequently worked as a Postdoctoral Research Scholar and Lecturer at the University of Nevada, Reno, before returning to DkIT in 2021.
His teaching and research expertise span smooth muscle physiology, biopharmaceutical science, and innovative approaches to pedagogy. He is Principal Investigator at the Smooth Muscle Research Centre, where his work focuses on the molecular mechanisms regulating smooth muscle excitability in the lower urinary tract.
Teaching
BSc (Hons) in Biopharmaceutical Science
BSc in Pharmaceutical Science
BSc in Bioscience
BSc (Hons) in Nutrition and Health
Higher Diploma in Science in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Certificate in Science in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing New course
Qualifications & Awards
Qualifications
2023 - Certificate in Learning and Teaching (Level 9), Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), Ireland
2018 - PhD. Cell Biology (Level 10), (DkIT), Ireland
2014 - Bachelor of Science (Level 8), Biopharmaceutical Science (1st Class), (DkIT)
Academic Awards & Honours
2024 - Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Enhancement - (HCI Virtual Labs Project).
2024 - Best collaboration project – Irish Times Education Awards - (HCI Virtual Labs Project).
2020 - Super-resolution microscopy image selected to be featured on the cover of the prestigious journal Science
Signaling (June 2020 edition).
2018 - “Article of the Week” June 2018 issue of the British Journal of Urology
2017 - “Paper of the Year” The American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology
Research & Interests
Together with colleagues in the DkIT Smooth Muscle Research Centre (SMRC), my research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that regulate smooth muscle excitability and contractility in the lower urinary tract. Using advanced Ca²⁺ imaging and electrophysiological techniques, I investigate how ion channels and Ca²⁺-dependent signalling pathways shape smooth muscle function, with the aim of identifying novel mechanisms that contribute to health and disease.
Alongside laboratory research, I also have a strong interest in teaching and learning, particularly in developing innovative approaches to enhance student engagement and practical skills in STEM education.
Publications
The publications listed below represent my 10 most recent works as recorded on ORCiD
Scientific reports
19 May 2025
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-00953-z
Type: Journal article
Advances in physiology education
31 January 2025
DOI: 10.1152/advan.00227.2024
Type: Journal article
The Journal of physiology
25 September 2024
DOI: 10.1113/jp284744
Type: Journal article
Cell calcium
22 July 2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2024.102931
Type: Journal article
Advances in physiology education
9 May 2024
DOI: 10.1152/advan.00257.2023
Type: Journal article
Cell calcium
24 March 2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102721
Type: Journal article
American journal of physiology. Cell physiology
25 July 2022
DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00011.2022
Type: Journal article
eLife
11 February 2022
DOI: 10.7554/elife.70278
Type: Journal article
British journal of pharmacology
16 December 2021
DOI: 10.1111/bph.15728
Type: Journal article
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
1 September 2021
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108094118
Type: Journal article