Jennifer Dicks

Personal profile
PhD Student in Queens University Belfast. The title of my project is “Catalytic Conversion of Biomass
Derived Feedstocks to Value Added Products.” As part of this project, I will develop a catalyst and process
to convert cellulose to value added products, characterise, fit kinetic models and develop analytical
methods.

My most recent employment was as a R&D scientist working in Randox Toxicology. My final project
involved the creation of a biochip urine array to work on MultiSTAT for 21 different drugs of abuse,
including new psychoactive substances, pharmaceutical and classic drugs. I also assisted in training
support staff and assisting with customer queries.

I possess a good knowledge of analytical instrumentation, HPLC, GC, IC and UV/VIS Spectrophotometers.
My fourth-year thesis involved using the QuEChERS and solid phase extraction methods of sample
preparation to detect pharmaceutical and personal care products in wastewater and to further analyse
using HPLC and diode array detection.

Assisted lecturers and colleagues during SciFest and college open days, during which I presented
information about forensics and the college to various audiences. During third-year work experience, a
colleague and I brought a Forensics workshop to schools encouraging interest in forensic sciences and I.T
Sligo. My abilities in analytical chemistry lead to me being chosen to compete in Eurachem 2014 in L.I.T
representing I.T Sligo. I currently assist in open days and events at QUB and taking undergraduate
tutorials.

Education
2017-2020 Queens University Belfast
PhD in Chemical Engineering.
Project Title: Catalytic Conversion of Biomass derived feed stocks to Value Added
Products.
Key words: Hydrogenation, Reactor Design, Catalysis, Biomass.

2012-2016 Institute of Technology, Sligo

Forensic Investigation and Analysis Award: 1.1 (71%)
Modules include;
Fourth year: Molecular Biology (68%), Forensic Analysis (57%), Work practice (83%),
Project part one (70%), Environmental Forensics (66%), Analytical Toxicology (70%),
Advanced Crime Scene Management (74%) Project part two (73%) and Advanced
Chemistry (67%).
Fourth year thesis: QuEChERS method of sample preparation for
determination of pharmaceutical and personal care products in wastewater.
Analysis using HPLC-diode array detection.

Courses
2015
• HTML, CSS Training.
• Customer Service Training.
• Lean Six Sigma- Green and Black Belt.
2017
• First Aid Training.

1
 • Defibrillator Training.
• Social Innovation Training.

Achievements
• Represented I.T Sligo in Eurachem 2014.
• Tutoring local students improving many grades to A and B level.
• Achieved a merit in Grade one and two ballet.
• Elected course representative for year one PhD Chemical Engineering, representing all first year
Chemical Engineering PhD students.
• Completed social innovation course to help underprivileged Belfast communities overcome
educational difficulties.

Work Experience
2016- 2017 Randox Laboratories Ltd.
R&D scientist, Forensic Toxicology
 Operating Evidence Investigator instrumentation and MultiSTAT.
 Using biochip array technology to detect up to 21 drugs simultaneously.
 Validating methods and creating new methods to customer
specifications.
 Feasibility and verification of new arrays.
 Presenting concise data to senior scientists.

2014-2016 Tubbercurry Foroige

Youth leader (volunteer)
 Working with children from 10-18 years of age.
 Encouraging work and play in a safe environment, with activities prepared each
week, such as, baking, cooking, games nights.
 Organising trips and outings to cinema, activity centres and concerts.
 Helping the older groups set up their own committees and providing guidance in
leadership courses.

2010-2012 Dunnes Stores, Clonroad, Ennis

Customer service Representative
 Handled sales and dealt with customer, management and staff queries and
complaints, while maintaining a calm and approachable manner.
 Operated the store intercom to make announcements to staff and customers.
 Worked under pressure as the only customer service representative, handling
both grocery and drapery customers.
 Trusted with handling large volumes of money daily and keeping sole control of
the safe and its contents.

Other Skills
• Bilingual- German and English.
• Research skills- Developing design specifications within a short space of time to a high level for different
drugs, method development and experiment preparation.
• Social skills- Demonstrated while volunteering, completing social innovation with Queens University and
being elected as course representative.

Hobbies
Horse riding, singing, ballet, reading novels, socialising, fitness (Camogie, dancing, swimming, running and gym).

References
Available upon request