Hugh giving a presentation at the University of Limerick with UL Research Logo in the background.

Hugh Geaney

Principal Investigator

Hugh finished a degree in Industrial Chemistry in 2008 and a PhD in Chemistry in 2012 (both from UL). He subsequently moved to UCC as a postdoctoral researcher on the EU FP7 project STABLE, working on Li-O2 batteries. Following that, he was a senior postdoctoral researcher in UCC, investigating porous materials for Li-ion battery applications. In 2016 he returned to UL as a postdoctoral researcher on an Enterprise Ireland commercialization project. In 2019, he received a SIRG (starting investigator research grant) and became an independent, Principal Investigator. Since 2020, Hugh has been a lecturer in Chemistry in the Department of Chemical Sciences. His research is focused on Li-ion and beyond Li-ion battery materials. He is particularly interested in developing sustainable materials for future batteries and delivering insight into failure mechanisms of battery materials. His teaching includes inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry.

Syed Abdul Ahad Image

Syed Abdul Ahad

PhD Researcher

Co-Supervised with Prof Tadhg Kennedy

Kelly received her BSc. in Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry from the University of Limerick (2021), in which she was awarded a first-class honours. Kelly worked with Dr. Hugh Geaney and his group during her final year project and will now continue this work as a PhD student in the Bernal Institute, University of Limerick. Her research is focused on developing earth abundant anode materials for Na-ion batteries and is funded by an individual Irish Research Council Scholarship.

Maryam smiling outdoors in a garden with colorful flowers.

Maryam Tahertalari

PhD Researcher

Co-Supervised with Prof Kevin M. Ryan

Zain received his Bachelors and Masters Degree in Energy Systems Engineering from Pakistan, Currently Continuing his PhD in Chemical Sciences at Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, working Europe Horizon Funded SIGNE Project which based to research on “Silicon Nanowires/Graphite Based Composite materials for Lithium Ion Batteries

Postdoctoral Researcher

Syed obtained his Bachelors in Materials Engineering from Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI -Pakistan) in 2013 followed by a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST – South Korea) in 2016. Following that, he worked as a researcher in Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST – South Korea) investigating high-performance Li-Sulfur batteries both in half and full cell configurations. In 2019, he joined UL as a PhD student in the Department of Chemical Science. His current research includes development of Si and Ge based nanomaterials for Li-ion, Na-ion and metal anode batteries. Since completing his PhD in March 2023, Syed has been working as a postdoctoral researcher within the group. in 2024 he received a prestigious Irish Research Council Postdoctoral Researcher Fellowship.

Kelly wearing a black cardigan and a polka dot skirt, against a dark gray background.

Kelly Murphy

PhD Researcher

Co-Supervised with Prof Damien Thompson

Maryam received her M.Sc. Degree in Thin Film Physics from Materials and Energy Research Center in Iran, having focus on developing cathode materials for Li-ion Batteries. She is currently a Ph.D. student in Chemistry at the Bernal Institute in the University of Limerick. Her research is focused on developing Lithium Metal Anodes using both experimental and theoretical approaches. 

Aaron wearing a black button-up shirt, standing in front of a window with greenery outside.

Aaron Hennessy

PhD Researcher

Co-Supervised with Prof Kevin M. Ryan

Gaurav received a BS in Physics from Sharda University and a MSc in Material Science from Technische Universitat Darmstadt. He is now working on his PhD in Chemical Sciences at Bernal Institute, on the Europe Horizon Funded SIGNE Project.

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Zain wearing a gray beanie and olive green jacket standing outdoors at night near water with city buildings in the background.

Muhammad Zain Bin Amjad

PhD Researcher

Co-Supervised with Prof Kevin M. Ryan

Aaron received a BSc in Applied Physics from UL before starting a PhD on a SFI CONFIRM project based on next generation Li-ion batteries.

Gaurav in a blue suit standing outdoors with trees in the background, smiling and holding his hands in front of him.

Gaurav Nath

Group Alumni

  • Rebecca Forde Headshot

    Rebecca Forde

    PhD. Defended 2025. Co-supervised with Prof. Kevin M. Ryan and Prof. David McNulty

  • Abinaya Sankaran Headshot

    Abinaya Sankaran

    PhD. Defended 2024. Co-supervised with Prof. Kevin M. Ryan

  • Dylan Storan Headshot

    Dylan Storan

    PhD. Defended 2022. Co-supervised with Prof. Kevin M. Ryan

  • Gearoid Collins Headshot

    Gearoid Collins

    PhD Defended 2022. Co-supervised with Prof. Kevin M. Ryan

  • Muhammad Rashad Headshot

    Muhammad Rashad

    Postdoctoral Researcher. 2020-2023

  • Marco Cornago Headshot

    Marco Cornago

    PhD Defended 2024. Co-supervised with Prof. Kevin M. Ryan