About Me
I'm a creative and results-oriented leader. I strive to inspire and drive change through implementation of technological projects that can transform business for the better.
Experienced in ideation (built novel software for drug discovery), building coalitions for change (ensured EU-wide agreement to interoperability of large-scale IT systems as a paradigm shift in operational approaches) and project/program management (managed Smart Borders testing, delivery of the ICAO masterlist).
I love dealing with people and speaking publically. I've got an appetite for new knowledge. I'm an ENTP.
I am most skilled in innovation, project management and leading and managing people, both in-office and remotely (having completed a blended learning MBA with extensive online teamwork and project coordination, as well as having led a team of 5 spread across two countries as well as a team of 14 more traditionally in office)
Projects
KiT SmartPhone app
Always eager to learn new things, I'm currently preparing this new Android app for public release.
Watch this space! A new app prepared in my spare time that should deserve pride of place in my CV once it's launched
ICAO master list
https://www.icao.int/Security/FAL/PKD/Pages/ICAO-Master-List.aspxA new resource for easing State challenges in validating electronic passports, delivered within 9 months of taking up a new role.
The ICAO master list of CSCA certificates is used by States and other entities globally to obtain up-to-date data necessary for electornic passport authentication in a convenient, machine-usable format. The first master list was published in March 2019 having been sought by the community for years before, containing several hundred national certificates. It is signed by the United Nations private key for added trust.
EU Interoperability
https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/index.cfm?do=groupDetail.groupDetailDoc&id=32600&no=1Ideating new paradigms for EU IT system operation with diverse stakeholders, assessing feasibility, motivating buy-in and delivering legislative change
I was the main eu-LISA coordinator to the EU High-Level Expert Group on Information Systems and Interoperability, managing all Agency input. Taking into account discussions therein, I participated in several feasbility studies, managing delivery of the shared Biometric Matching System study. Continued outreach at both technical and poltical levels to eventual successful approval of new legislation.
EU Smart Borders pilot
https://www.eulisa.europa.eu/Activities/Pilot-ProjectsTesting new border control technologies in real-life settings across Europe
I was a team member for the Smart Borders pilot, managing testing at 7 different border control points in 4 European countries. I also took responsibility for all industry engagement within the pilot, attaining free-of-charge technological offerings from more than 20 companies within the pilot.
Experience
International Civil Aviation Organization, Montreal/Canada
icao.intProgramme Manager (PKD)
August 2019 - Present
Managing and evolving the PKD IT system, a fundamental cornerstone of international passport infrastructure
Electronic tools and devices facilitate modern travel. The electronic passport, as defined by ICAO, is one such tool now issued by more than 140 States. I administer the PKD, a system sharing data necessary for validation of global electronic passports. I manage the PKD team and contribute to the overall development of ICAO's facilitation program
EU Agency for Large-Scale IT Systems, Tallinn/Estonia and Strasbourg/France
eulisa.europa.euHead of Sector External Affairs and Capacity Building
2017-2019
Head of the Interoperability Team
2016-2019
Research & Development Officer
2013-2019
Leading internal ideation and external partnerships to drive change and build capacities for proper usage of advanced EU IT Systems for border management and law enforcement
I managed all Research and Development activities and outreach related to innovation related to eu-LISA's large-scale IT systems, including through organization of content for annual international Agency conferences and coordinating all industry engagement, including organization and moderation of biannual industry roundtables. Lead a team of 5 responsible for defining new interoperability infrastructure based on extensive internal and external liaison and represented the Agency, alongside high-ranking national officials as part of the High-Level Expert Group on Information Systems and Interoperability and its subgroups. Managed a sector team of 14 responsible for R&D, training, policy and external stakeholder management.
European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg/Germany and Cambridge/UK
embl.orgPostdoctoral Researcher
2009-2013
Developing new methods for object recognition in X-ray diffraction patterns, implementing them within the globally used ARP/wARP software suite and applying them to novel drug discovery projects
Developed a first-of-its-kind software for modelling drugs and other small molecules bound to proteins using statistical modelling and big data analysis, collaborating with researchers in Russia, France, Germany, UK and elsewhere. Trained software users in software schools on 5 continents. 24 peer-reviewed articles have been published on foot of this research, together cited more than 250 times.
Education
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
PhD (Computational and Pharmaceutical Chemistry)
2005-2008
Discovering new drugs in Ireland's most globally-recognized and prestigious university.
My PhD was focussed on combining computational analyses with laboratory testing and investigation to discover new drug candidates for Alzheimer’s Disease. The work contributed to discovery of 2 patented drug compounds and at least one compound currently subject to commercial development. My work was funded by the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology.
IE Business School, Madrid, Spain
MBA
2018-2019
A comprehensive business education with entrepreneurship at its heart at an internationally number-1 ranked educational institution
Completed the blended Global MBA program with GPA 3.95. Won the award for best student across the 100-student cohort. Selected to participate in the global study week in Silicon Valley
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
BSc (Pharmacy)
2000-2004
A basic education in pharmaceutical and biological sciences
Graduated with a first class honours degree. Spent much of my free time as a committee member of the orienteering club, spending time as Chairperson and Treasurer across several national-championship winning years.
Interests
My hobbies include
- Running long distances, including marathons, albeit rather slowly…I'm a short-distance triathlete in training
- Working on my golf handicap, which edges lower at a snail's pace
- Trying all sports that Canada has to offer as a new home, principally skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
- Sourdough baking (as everybody else is at it in the current lockdown)
- Playing with my children