Dr. Ronan Bree joined Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in 2009 as a Lecturer in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from ICON Clinical Research, one of Ireland’s largest indigenous employers. Prior to this, based in NUI Galway, he spent 8 years immersed in scientific research. His Ph.D successfully identified novel genes expressed during zebrafish embryo development (Supervisors: Prof. Lucy Byrnes & Dr. Maura Grealy). A highlight of the research was the identification and characterisation of a novel gene, named nanor. nanor’s expression profile and localisation in the developing zebrafish embryo was published in a key manuscript. His post-doctoral research, performed under the guidance of Professor Noel Lowndes, centered on our cells’ response to DNA damage. For the latter project, funded by the Health Research Board, the goal of the research was to understand how our cells detect and repair DNA damage and how defects in these processes could lead to Cancer. Improving this understanding can lead to the development of diagnostic markers for this disease and the potential for targeted therapies. Ronan’s scientific research, while primarily based in Galway also encompassed valuable stints in the University of California (San Francisco), The Beatson Institute (Glasgow) and the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (Strasbourg). He maintains his research interest in the DNA damage response and links to his former mentors at NUIG. In DkIT, he has supervised numerous undergraduate research projects on the B.Sc (Hons) Biopharmaceutical Science course. Feel free to look at BreeBio.com, an online science and career resource designed and developed by Ronan in 2011.

In 2013, Ronan was awarded a Masters in Arts in Learning and Teaching from DkIT, an experience that allowed him to carry forward his research skills from the laboratory to the classroom environment.  His MA centered on enhancing the assessment format and learning environment of undergraduate practical sessions in science. His research findings have been presented at various workshops and conferences in addition to being published in peer-reviewed journal publications and book chapters (see Bree et al., 2014; Bree & Gallagher, 2016; Bree, 2017). Ronan also acts as a peer-reviewer for journals in the learning and teaching field. He has served on DkIT’s Institute Research Ethics Committee for 5 years, while currently acts as the vice chair of the Academic Council sub-committee for Learning and Teaching and is a committee member of the All Ireland Society for Higher Education. Ronan is the DkIT Academic Lead on the TEAM project (funded by The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education) and a member of its steering committee.

Outside of work, Ronan has a passion for coastal landscape photography and in 2010 was awarded his licentiateship from the Irish Photographic Federation.