What is endometriosis and why did you start research on it?
Endometriosis is when a tissue, similar to the lining of the womb, grows outside of the womb, causing lots of pain.
It can also lead to infertility and impact mental and physical health in everyday life.
It may affect as many as one in 10 women of reproductive age, but I had never heard of it until I was looking for a research project to do in my final year of my bioSciences degree at the University of Limerick (UL). I spoke to Jason Bennett, who was researching endometriosis, and I wanted to know more about it.
You won a special distinction award for academic excellence from UL’s Faculty of Science and Engineering for the project. What did you look at, specifically?
My final-year project looked at the inflammation that arises in endometriosis, to explore ways to decrease it. I was particularly interested to see how vitamin K might affect that.
READ MORE
How did you find out more?
We grew cells in the lab that represent endometriotic tissue, and because they are growing in a dish we can find out how they react to different things. I exposed the cells to vitamin K and measured how the levels of inflammation changed.
We got some interesting results, but it was a short study, so I was keen to learn more.
How are you developing the project now?
This year, I’m doing a research master’s degree with Dr Bennett. We are not just looking at vitamin K, we are treating the cells with other bioactive molecules too and seeing how the inflammation levels change.
After that I’d like to go on and do a PhD where we can explore the immune environment of endometriosis, to see what kind of immune cells are involved. If we understand the condition better, the idea is that we can look for more effective ways to treat it.
What do you find most rewarding about the research?
What I like about researching endometriosis is that it’s so topical, and there’s a good chance that it could make a difference for people with the condition.
[ Endometriosis in Ireland: What is it, and how is it treated?Opens in new window ]
When did you realise you wanted to become a scientist?
When I was in school, I was interested in how the body works and what happens in disease. For my Leaving Cert, I chose all three science subjects - biology, chemistry and physics.
I entered projects into the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition too - one was about over prescribing of anti-microbial resistance, and the other was about how to use kettles in an energy-efficient way - the bottom line was don’t fill the kettle with more water than you need. Then I chose to study bioSciences in UL, which I loved.
You are an advocate for the Irish language and culture, tell us more.
I grew up speaking Irish at home, in Quin, Co Clare. Our parents didn’t grow up speaking Irish, but they wanted us to, and we all went to Gaelscoileanna for primary and secondary education.
I play the fiddle with a traditional group too, Tigh na Coille. We performed at Electric Picnic this year, and we won first place in the Senior Grúpaí Ceoil category at Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford.
When you are not carrying out research or playing the fiddle, what do you like to do?
I’m in the hiking club in UL, so once a week we go for a hike somewhere in Ireland. It’s nice to get away from everything, there’s no phone signal and you’re just out in the fresh air. That and the music keeps me going.
