People

Dr Esen Efeoglu Maher is an Assistant Lecturer in Cellular Biotechnology & Nutraceutical Science within the School of Food Science and Environmental Health at Technological University Dublin. Her interdisciplinary research bridges cellular and molecular biotechnology with nutraceutical science and translational health research. She investigates the biological activity of bioactive compounds using molecular biology, proteomics, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, and bioinformatics to better understand their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential.

Her research also focuses on the development of physiologically relevant 3D gastrointestinal tract models to support the scientific substantiation of health claims and the evaluation of functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals. Through this translational approach, she aims to provide mechanistic evidence that links discoveries in molecular science to applications in nutrition and health.

Dr Maher completed her PhD at Dublin Institute of Technology and subsequently held postdoctoral research positions at Indiana University Bloomington, University College Dublin, and Dublin City University. She has secured competitive research funding, supervises postgraduate researchers, and has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications.

Prajwal Venugopal Rao- PhD Student

Sarah Vickers-Breakthrough Cancer Research Summer Scholarship intern