S&E from Campus to Career: Gavin Byrne - PhD by research in Heart Biomechanics at TU Delft

Tipperary native Gavin Byrne has just graduated from the integrated Masters in Biomedical Engineering at University of Limerick.

Now pursuing a 4 year PhD in heart biomechanics in TU Delft in the Netherlands, We caught up with Gavin to ask about the course, his time at UL, and any advice he might have for Leaving Certificate students.

Why did you choose to Study at University of Limerick?

I was born and raised in Clonmel in Co. Tipperary, surrounded by a dense network of industrial manufacturing companies ranging from all forms of pharmaceutical and engineering. This gave an incentive to engross myself in all things science and engineering and allowed me to become interested in technical problem solving and take on as many science subjects as possible in school. Following secondary school I identified UL as my university of choice due to its vast facilities that would satisfy my pursuit of problem solving while allowing the freedom to relax, explore, and try new things.

Why did you choose the integrated ME in Biomedical Engineering?

As a type 1 diabetic, I have always been enthralled with medical devices and how they help patients. With my keen interest in all things STEM, combined with my desire to create new and innovative ways to transform peoples’ lives, I decided to choose biomedical engineering.

What did you enjoy most about the course?

I was part of the first cohort to undertake the integrated ME in Biomedical Engineering. Due to this, in the later years of the 5 year course, we began to design biomedical devices and materials and showcase them in seminars both in the college and nationally. This gave a well rounded  experience as to the fine details of solving a biomedical engineering problem, solving the problems that the original solution created and repeating this to then identify the best method of presenting/selling this solution to a market – reflecting the in depth reality of biomedical engineering.

What did you enjoy about UL and what is student life like here?

UL is a great campus that has something for everyone. I was introduced to various alternate sports and activities that I still participate in. The student life is good in UL and allows a balance between social life and work.

Where did you complete your Cooperative Education Experience?

I completed my Cooperative Education Experience in Johnson & Johnson Medtech (then DePuy Synthes) in Ringaskiddy in Co. Cork.

How did UL support you throughout your studies?

UL was good in supporting me and provided additional assistance that allowed me to complete my studies with my diabetes.

Can you update us on your career, does it still hold relevance to what you would have studied in UL?

I am pursuing a 4 year PhD in TU Delft in the Netherlands. This career surrounds heart research and links directly with my studies in UL as it based on biomechanics and computational modelling, both topics that are vital parts of biomedical engineering in UL.

What advice would you give to Leaving Certificate students considering the next step in their career journey?

I would suggest that students identify the subjects they enjoyed in secondary school and search for careers and courses that these subjects are primary parts of. Students should research and filter these to identify a career path that combines topics they enjoy, and provides a good path to a job that is personally and financially satisfactory.

More information on the BE/ME in Biomedical Engineering can be found on the UL website.