(opens in a new window)Professor Emma Sokell took up her appointment as UCD Dean of Graduate Studies in January 2025. Prior to this she was Head of the School of Physics in UCD (2021-2024). She has been co-chair of the UCD Gender Equality Action Group (GEAG) since 2021, including the period when UCD achieved institutional Silver Athena Swan Accreditation for the first time. The GEAG oversees the implementation of the institutional Gender Equality Action Plan and also acts as the Steering Group for University Athena SWAN applications. She is also currently a member of the UCD Governing Authority.
Professor Sokell holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Manchester and is an active researcher in (opens in a new window)atomic, molecular and plasma physics. Current projects that she is involved in include a Science Foundation Ireland/Irish Research award: xLuminate (aimed at the development of lab-scale x-ray sources) and an ERC SYNERGY grant HEAVYMETAL, concerned with the creation of heavy elements in neutron star collisions.
I am pleased to be taking up the role of Dean of Graduate Studies just after the recent launch of the UCD Strategy to 2030, “Breaking Boundaries”. UCD Graduate Studies is well positioned to support a diverse community of postgraduate students & seeks to foster a sense of community and institutional belonging among students, supervisors and those who are invested in their education.
Emer supports UCD’s graduate research education policy and strategy development, which aligns to the National Framework for Doctoral Education. Emer can provide advice in all aspects of graduate education and governance of graduate education in the University.
Janet oversees research supervisor support and development through the implementation of a support framework at UCD. She delivers the University-wide Research Supervisor Support and Development programme (RSSDp) and leads on strategic initiatives supporting the recognition, enhancement and professionalisation of research supervisory practice. Janet is the current Vice President of ORPHEUS.
Elizabeth has responsibility for planning, management and successful delivery of a variety of project initiatives relating to institutional educational strategy and policy and regulatory development.
Ioanna is responsible for overseeing specialist projects in the areas of research student experience, and supervisor support and professional development. Additionally, she offers technical assistance in the realms of IT, web and communications.
Ciara oversees the administration of the Graduate Research Board (GRB) and the governance model for graduate research students. She is also key to the development of resources for staff as well as logistics and communications for the GRB.
Aisling supports colleagues within the College of Engineering and Architecture and the College of Health and Agricultural Sciences on Board-related matters.
Jennifer supports colleagues within the College of Science and the College of Social Sciences and Law on Board-related matters.
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Caitriona supports colleagues within the College of Arts and Humanities and the College of Business on Board-related matters.
Eamonn is based in the UCD Student Advisory Service and is dedicated to supporting graduate research students. He can assist students to find pathways to deal with personal, social and emotional issues and can provide advice on UCD policies, procedure and services.
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Tara focuses on the mobility of Research Master's and Doctoral Candidates beyond the PhD. She does so by delivering a programme of professional skills training, one-to-one guidance and employer networking opportunities, to enhance researcher competitiveness in a global environment.