Sinead’s responsibilities are wide-ranging. She works with the NZAGRC Executive Director to help develop and monitor the NZAGRC science programme, leads the Science Team, contributes to policy initiatives, undertakes extension activities and liaises with external visitors.
Sinead grew up in rural Ireland and is keen to help farmers improve their productivity and environmental performance through scientific excellence. She is a microbiologist, specialising in the genomics of microbial communities residing in the gut of ruminant animals.
Sinead completed a BSc (Hons) and PhD in Microbiology and Biochemistry at the University of Cork, Ireland, before undertaking postdoctoral research at the Alimentary Pharmabotic Centre (APC) based at University College, Cork.
In 2006, Sinead emigrated to New Zealand to undertake further postdoctoral research in rumen microbiology at AgResearch in Palmerston North. She progressed to Researcher and Senior Researcher roles, before moving to the NZAGRC in 2016 to coordinate international capability and training programmes delivered under the banner of the Global Research Alliance.
Sinead commenced her current role in mid-2020.
