Position: Research Scientist

Qualifications: PhD in Microbiology, BSc Honours in Human and Animal Toxicology

Areas of Interest: Medical Devices, Antimicrobial/Antifouling technology, Biopolymers, Packaging, Sustainability.

Dr Yvonne J. Cortese is a Research Scientist within the PRISM research Institute. Dr Cortese holds a BSc Honours in Human and Animal Toxicology and a PhD in Microbiology from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). Dr Cortese’s PhD research focused on developing anatomical in vitro models to study and prevent contamination of urinary catheters and study the mechanisms of infection initiation. This research was co-funded by an industry partner and guided the development and design of two novel urinary catheters designed to prevent catheter associated urinary tract infections.

During her PhD, Dr Cortese was also involved in several national/international academic and industry research projects utilising her expertise in microbiology, toxicology, and method development. Funding bodies of these past projects include Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Science Without Borders, the European Space Agency, Horizon 2020 (BioICEP), the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Irish Research Council New Foundation Programme. These projects were focused on increasing the sustainability of polymer products, development of bio-based drug delivery systems, and in vitro method development for the MedTech industry. 

Currently, Dr Cortese is a Research Scientist within the PRISM research Institute. She is a postdoctoral researcher in the Enterprise Ireland funded Meat Technology Ireland Technology Centre (MTI) and the European Union Horizon Funded BUDDIE-PACK and MAGICBIOMAT consortiums. She is also a principal investigator in several feasibility studies in the areas of reusable packaging, antimicrobial medical devices, and biodegradable materials for medical applications funded by industry partners or the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnership Program. Prior to her academic career, Dr Cortese has varied industry experience in quality and R&D roles across the Irish food & drink, MedTech, and pharmaceutical industries.

Further information relating to Dr Cortese’s research can be found on Google Scholar or via ORCID.