Dr. Jennifer Gaughran
Dr. Jennifer Gaughran is an Associate Professor in the School of Physical Sciences at Dublin City University, and is the Research Convenor for the school. She completed her PhD in Biomedical Diagnostics and Microfluidics at DCU in 2016, focusing on fluidic control and valving technologies. Following her PhD, she taught secondary school physics and science in the Isle of Man before returning to DCU as Centre Manager for the APT Research Centre, rejoining the school of Physical Sciences as an Assistant Professor in 2017. SHe was promoted to Associate Professor in 2025.
Her interdisciplinary research sits at the intersection of physics, material science, and bioanalysis. She lead the Grain-4-Lab project, which explored sustainable biopolymer alternatives for laboratory plastics derived from food and beverage waste. Her broader research collaborations focus on challenge-based environmental and diagnostic solutions, including chemical textile recycling through the PureTex project, aquaculture disease detection with NanoSA, and public science literacy through Climate Talk. Alongside her research, she is actively involved in teaching, undergraduate student mentorship, and working with industry partners to bridge academic physics and sustainable materials development.
Research Interests
Dr. Jennifer Gaughran’s interdisciplinary research sits at the intersection of physics, materials science, and biomedical diagnostics. Her primary focus is on biopolymer development and sustainable material solutions, notably leading the Grain-4-Lab project to produce compostable bioplastic lab consumables from food and beverage industry waste to reduce single-use plastic in laboratories. Additionally, her research encompasses challenge-based environmental initiatives, such as chemically recycling waste polyester clothing into building insulation through co-leading the PureTex project and developing nanostructure-based methods for on-site disease detection in aquaculture via the NanoSA project. Her background also includes extensive work in microfluidic flow control, phase-selective membranes, and functionalized nanostructures for DNA binding and bioanalysis.
Teaching Interests
Since 2017, I have coordinated and taught a wide range of undergraduate modules at DCU covering fundamental physics, wave optics, renewable energy, and bioanalysis. Prior to this, my teaching experience included working as an A-Level Physics and GCSE Science teacher in the Isle of Man, which helped shape my focus on creative, student-centered pedagogy. I served as Programme Chair for the BSc in Physics with Biomedical Sciences from 2018 to 2025, leading curriculum enhancements. I have developed two brand-new modules—BioAnalysis Techniques (BIO1008) and Life, the Universe, and Everything (PHY1021)—where I incorporate active learning methods such as student-led peer lectures, CAD design projects, and structured debate. Beyond the classroom, my teaching experience extends to individual mentorship, having supervised 28 undergraduate final-year projects and 11 INTRA placement students. I also regularly deliver guest lectures at TU Dublin in Microfluidics.
Funding Highlights
Jennifer was the Lead-PI of the €2.25 million SFI Future Innovator Prize-winning Grain-4-Lab project, she pioneered DCU’s research in biopolymer development and circular economy materials. Her research portfolio spans over €3.2 million in competitive funding, driving impactful challenge-based initiatives including textile recycling (PureTex), aquaculture disease detection (NanoSA), and climate literacy (ClimateTalk).
CV
Academic Qualifications
- PhD, Dublin City UniversityField of study: Natural sciencesProject: Development of Novel Advanced Flow Control Systems on Centrifugal Microfluidic Platforms for Nucleic Acid TestingAward date: 01/10/2016
- Bachelor's Degree, Dublin City UniversityField of study: Natural sciencesProject: Physics with AstronomyAward date: 02/11/2011