Sandra has been fascinated with science since childhood and her keen interest in organic chemistry was sparked during undergraduate studies, especially during practical laboratories. After obtaining her Honours Bachelors of Science degree with specialisation in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology from University College Dublin in 2017, she has undertaken PhD studies in Professor Pat Guiry’s group in the same university.

It is hoped that developing a novel chemical application for lactose will provide a use for this multi-tonne waste product in the milk processing industry. Sandra, is working on the design and development of lactose-derived ligands for application in asymmetric catalysis. Her PhD project involves performing chemical reactions under inert conditions, working with sensitive substances, synthesis, purification and analysis of compounds, and supervision of undergraduate laboratories.

She also has a keen interest in the application of organic chemistry in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, which was the topic of her 4th year undergraduate project, and she hopes to pursue application of her chemistry skills in that area in the future.