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INSIDE
Research into
brought to life
prisoners’ health
SPRING 2019
5. Concussion 9. An eye for 11. Fraud detection 13. Research into
in rugby impact from UCD system could help prisoners’ health
Research protect elderly elderly brought to life
Contents
Features
EC CIETA &
A D E MI C
SO
ONOMIC
IMPACT
AC
L
5 Concussion
in rugby 9 An eye for
impact from
UCD research
11 Fraud detection
system could
help protect
13 Research into
prisoners’ health
brought to life
elderly
CAO First Preferences –
working to retain No 1
The traditional 1 February CAO deadline serves as an indicator of
interest and demand among school-leavers for UCD degrees and this
year we have retained our position as university-of-first-choice among
Level 8 colleges with 8,483 placing UCD first on their applications.
The performance is good, especially as we admit over 4,000 school-leavers
through 38 entry codes. Two other universities – Maynooth (34) and Limerick
(41) have now reduced their number of undergraduate entry codes to a similar
EILIS O’BRIEN
Director of Communication
number. Cork, Galway and Dublin City have 61-66 entry codes and TCD now
and Marketing has 125. Across the country the number of Level 8 courses offered via CAO
has increased from 921 in 2018 to 1,022 in 2019. When we began the process
of reducing entry codes there was a worry that there would be a consequential impact on first
preferences but this has not been the case. Having said this, it is clear that applicants and their
advisors need time to understand new options and this year we have seen some shifting in
applications in both the Arts and Humanities and the Social Sciences streams as people become
more informed about the structure and content of the DN500s and DN700s options.
Over the past two years we saw an emerging national pattern of students registering for CAO but not
indicating their preference. In 2018 6,084 applicants registered ‘no course choices’. This year that
number has dropped to 5,351. Overall, applicants for Level 8 courses are up 2.6% but UCD first
preferences are down 1.1% so, we have work to do to keep UCD top-of-mind up to the 1 July final
deadline. Our expert teaching campaign, focusing on parents and influencers, went live at the end of
February and we will go back out with a change of mind campaign focusing on students either side
of the Leaving Cert exam timetable.
Readers may have seen our employability campaign that capitalises on our QS ranking of number 1
in Ireland and 74th in the world. Originally designed for employers and funders, we have incorporated
the badge into our undergraduate campaigns and along with subject rankings badges, it can be used
on materials, websites and email signatures. More information can be found on the thinkbigger.ucd.ie
webpages.
UCD thanks... Produced by: Eilis O’Brien, Mary Staunton
Design: Loman Cusack Design Ltd
Subscribers Judith Archbold, Emer Beesley, Catherine Bodey, Print: Fine Print
Rupert Bowen, Kathleen James Chakraborty, Josh Clark, Catherine Cox, Thanks to: Diarmaid Ferriter, Pat Guiry, Ann Lavan, Damien McLoughlin,
Ciarán Crilly, Emer Cunningham, Emma Donovan, Samantha Drennan, Regina Uí Chollatáin
Rachel Farrell, Orla Feely, Marcellina Fogarty, Ronan Gough, Paul Harkin,
Audrey Healy, William Johnston, Eamonn Jordan, Jessica Kavanagh, In the compilation of this publication, every care has been taken to ensure
Róisín Kennedy, Beth Kocher-Gormley, Hilda Loughran, Stephen Lucek, accuracy. Any errors or omissions should be brought to the attention of UCD
Kate Manning, Cal Muckley, Clár Ní Bhuachalla, Valerie O’Brien, University Relations (ucdtoday@ucd.ie). We also welcome your suggestions
Darina O’Hanlon, Tadhg O’Leary, Síofra Pierse, Emilie Pine, Elaine Quinn, for articles in future editions. Please Recycle
Claire Redmond, Aoife Ryan, Mark Simpson, Tara Walsh, Miceal Whelan Cover image: The Examination @Luca Truffarelli
News
Pictured at the Gold Medal presentation are: Prof Michael Peter Kennedy, President of the Royal Irish Academy, Prof Kathleen
James-Chakraborty and Prof Mark Rogers, UCD Registrar and Deputy President.
RIA Gold Medal
work in the humanities, and is the seventh
UCD academic to receive the honour since its
inception in 2005.
Irish Book for Humanities for Professor Peter Kennedy, President of the
Royal Irish Academy said: “Through her insight,
of the Year Professor Kathleen Professor James-Chakraborty’s reach has
advanced the boundaries of her discipline. She
James-Chakraborty
has hugely advanced our understanding of
modern architecture through her scholarship,
Congratulations to Associate Professor her public engagement, and through her role
Emilie Pine, UCD School of English, Professor Kathleen James-Chakraborty, as prominent public intellectual”.
Drama and Film whose essay collection UCD School of Art History and Cultural A past chair of the Irish Architecture
Notes to Self has been voted An Post Policy has been presented with the Royal Foundation, she is a current member of the
Irish Book of the Year 2018. The collection Irish Academy Gold Medal for Humanities, board of the Society of Architectural Historians,
explores aspects of her life including becoming the first woman to receive the and of the Building of Ireland Charitable Trust,
fertility, feminism, sexual violence, award. The architectural historian was the Chester Beatty Library and the National
addiction in the family, and depression. awarded the prestigious prize by Minister Museum of Ireland, where she chairs one of
for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD the two standing committees of the board. To
Maria Dickenson, Chairperson of the An date the UCD academic has authored four
Post Irish Book Awards, called the essay at a special ceremony at the RIA.
monographs, more than 70 book chapters,
collection “one of the great stories in Irish The Academy’s Gold Medals are considered journal articles and contributions to exhibition
bookselling in 2018. The power and honesty of the highest scholarly accolade in Ireland, with catalogues, and she has co-edited six
Emilie’s essays have captivated readers, and only two awarded each year. Professor James- collections of essays and special journal
it’s truly gratifying to see her talent rewarded.” Chakraborty received her Gold Medal for her issues.
Ad Astra Awards Ceremony
UCD’s flagship scholarship programme, Musical Scholars. The cast featured UCD alumni
the Ad Astra Academy held its Annual Ali McMahon and Evan Lynch, along with current
Awards Ceremony in February 2019 with scholars, Lisa Lyons, Ryan O’Donnell, Luke
over 220 guests attending to celebrate and Kehoe Roche and Dylan Browne.
The Academy is an environment where
welcome its incoming scholars across its
students with exceptional ability, creativity and
three programmes: Academia, Elite Sports drive are motivated, challenged and inspired. It is
and Performing Arts. Guests included now a world-class Academy with scholars such
scholars and their parents, secondary as Ben Moore (Academic Scholar) winning the
school principals, Professor Mark Rogers, Fulbright Student Award to pursue a Master of
UCD Registrar and Deputy President, Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics
academic mentors, UCD faculty and staff, at Stanford University; Peadar Timmins
and donors of the Academy. The ceremony Professor Mark Rogers presents Academic Scholar, Mohammed (Academic and Elite Sports Scholar) winning the
Hamood Ali Al-Rashdi with his UCD Ad Astra Academy Scroll. Naughton Fellowship that has allowed him to
welcomed 57 new scholars, 17 of whom
were awarded based on exceptional 2018 Silver Medallist at the Under-23 World pursue a fully funded Masters in Entrepreneurship
Rowing Championships Lightweight Quadruple and Technology at University of Notre Dame,
academic performances in their first year
Sculls. Performing Arts Scholar, Ryan O’Donnell USA; Elite Sports Scholars, Elena Tice being
at UCD; 15 Elite Sports Scholars and 9 (Children’s and General Nursing student) spoke nominated for FIH (International Hockey
Performing Arts Scholars. Academy about the opportunities the Academy has Federation) rising star of the year and Garry
membership now stands at 157. enabled him to undertake including, performing Ringrose nominated for EPCR (European
The proceedings were hosted by the Ad Nick Payne’s Constellations and the original Professional Club Rugby) player of the year and
Astra Academy Director, Professor Barbara Voices of War created by our Artistic Director, Performing Arts alumna, Katie O’Byrne co-writing
Dooley and included a presentation to each Kellie Hughes, as well as going to the Institute of and performing a new show Free EU Roaming
incoming scholar and a guest speaker from each Arts, Barcelona for an intensive training week directed by alumna, Rosa Bowden at Smock
of the Academy’s three strands talking about with his fellow scholars. All three were exceptional Alley Theatre.
their experiences. speakers on the night and each of them Through the continued generosity and
Academic Scholar, Eimear Conroy (Stage 4 highlighted the importance of the Academy and support of alumni and friends of the University,
Physics) highlighted how the Academy enabled the impact it has had in helping them achieve the Academy is able to offer unique supports
her to undertake the esteemed Naughton their ambitions. and opportunities, such as the Ad Astra
Research Experience for Undergraduates at the The evening included a performance piece, Scholars’ Room in the Student Centre, a High
University of Notre Dame, USA last summer. Elite an extract from The Third Policeman, by UCD Performance Gym and Performing Arts Studio to
Sports Scholar, Andrew Goff (Rowing and final alumnus Flann O’Brien. It was directed by its scholars. Professor Barbara Dooley, on
year Electronic Engineering student) spoke Performing Arts Artistic Director, Kellie Hughes behalf of the Academy, expressed her deep
about how the Academy helped him become a and featured both Performing Arts Drama and appreciation for their generosity and support.
3 | Spring 2019
News
Collaborative
Doctoral Partnership
Programme
with European
Commission’s Joint
Research Centre Pictured at the signing ceremony to mark the conclusion of an agreement are: Front row, from left, Patricia Reilly, Deputy Chief of Staff
for the EU Commissioner for Education Culture, Youth and Sport; and Prof Barbara Dooley, UCD Dean of Graduate Studies and Deputy
UCD signed a Collaborative Doctoral Registrar. Back row: (l-r) Prof Orla Feely, UCD Vice President for Research; Dr Emer Cunningham, UCD Graduate Studies; Jerica Zupan,
EU Joint Research Centre, Project Officer for CDP Program Scientific Development; Prof Denis Shields, UCD-JRC Principal Investigator-
Partnership Agreement with the Joint Genomics and Bioformatics; Prof Padraig Cunningham, UCD-JRC Principal Investigator - Machine Learning; Susan Hedigan, Head of
Research Centre of the European International Research Programmes, UCD College of Science; Dr Douglas Proctor, UCD Director of International Affairs; Dr Mark Scanlon,
UCD-JRC Principal Investigator Machine Learning; and Gerard Kiely, Head of the European Commission’s Representation to Ireland.
Commission in December. The Joint
Research Centre (JRC) is the European The JRC issued a call to higher education from furthering their academic research while
Commission’s science and knowledge institutions (HEIs) from Member States and also being integrated into the heart of the EU
service. It employs investigators to carry countries associated with Horizon 2020 to Commission’s science-policy interface.
out research in order to provide independent participate in a new initiative of Collaborative The UCD awardees are Professor Padraig
scientific advice and support to EU policy- Doctoral Partnerships (CDP). UCD has secured Cunningham and Dr Mark Scanlon, UCD School
makers. Education and training activities two of the eight CDPs awarded across Europe for Computer Science, who will collaborate with
form an integral part of the JRC’s work that from 139 submissions. The collaboration will JRC researchers on the theme of Machine
also builds on the organisation’s robust allow UCD PhD students under the supervision Learning; and Professor Denis Shields, UCD
of UCD Principal Supervisors to carry out their Conway Institute, who will collaborate with JRC
research capacity.
doctoral research both in UCD and in the JRC researchers in the theme of genomics and
research facility in Ispra, Italy, thereby benefiting bioinformatics.
Our photo shows Commissioner Drew Harris (centre)
with (on his left) Prof Joe Carthy, Principal, UCD College
of Science and Prof Padraig Cunningham, Head of UCD
School of Computer Science with the graduating students.
Our photo shows (l-r): Jack Byrne (Mount Sion Choir, Waterford); Millie Downes and Jana Antonio (Loreto College, Foxrock);
Garda
Commissioner’s
Adam Renwick and Simon Caruana (Oatlands College, Blackrock); and Laolu Oriola (Mount Sion Choir, Waterford).
Choirs for Cancer 2019
To mark World Cancer Day, five secondary touched by cancer as well as those of
Award
school and community choirs combined researchers focused on finding new ways to The Garda Commissioner’s Award for the
to highlight cancer awareness at a unique diagnose and treat cancer. highest placed student graduating from
lunchtime choral event in the O’Brien ‘Cancer Stories’ participants included the UCD MSc in Forensic Computing and
patient advocates, Vicky Phelan and Stephen Cybercrime Investigation is presented
Centre for Science with the help of
Teap as well as Róisín Ní Chadhla and Jovana annually by the Commissioner of An
Irish singer/songwriter, Don Mescall.
Gajic, second year students at Ardscoil na Garda Síochána. The 2018 award was
Each choir sang a song that has a special Mara, Tramore whose HPV vaccine project presented by Commissioner Drew Harris
meaning to them, followed by a combined was highly commended in the 2019 BT Young to Tobin Craig, an investigative analyst
performance of the Don Mescall song, Your Scientist competition. working for the US Department of
Love Carries Me, recorded by Don and the Miriam O’Callaghan, RTÉ was MC for the Education. The winner was selected on
pupils of Mount Sion Choir, Waterford in tribute session, organised by Professor William
the basis of his grade point average and
to people whose lives have been touched by Gallagher, Director, UCD Conway Institute and
the quality of his dissertation.
cancer. BREAST-PREDICT, the Irish Cancer Society’s
In this first live performance of the new first collaborative cancer research centre. This distance learning programme for law
single, they led the UCD community choir, Cancer research is one the key areas of enforcement officers leads to MSc, Grad Dip,
Midlands Irish Sign Language Learners choir, focus under the Personalised and Translational Grad Cert and CPD awards. Students work
the Solas Cancer Support Centre men’s choir Medicine strand of the Institute’s research full-time while they study. As well as officers
and the choirs of St Mary’s Newport Secondary strategy. from police and defence forces, there are
School, Oatlands College and Loreto College Each year on 4 February, World Cancer students from government ministries and
Foxrock. Day empowers people across the world to agencies, tax and revenue, competition and
All proceeds from the recording are being show support, raise our collective voice, take regulatory organisations, national security and
donated to the charities; CanTeen, personal action and press governments to do intelligence agencies, international law
CanCare4Living and the Solas Cancer Support more. 2019 marks the launch of the three-year enforcement agencies such as Europol,
Centre. The single is available for download. ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign, an empowering Interpol, Organization for Security and
Earlier in the morning, the school choirs call-to-action urging for personal commitment Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Organisation
visited UCD Conway Institute to hear the very and represents the power of individual action for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and
personal stories of those whose lives are taken now to impact the future. EU Monitoring Missions.
4 | Spring 2019
Feature
Concussion
in rugby
William Johnston
Johnny Sexton would love life as Honing one’s tackle technique has never been That flagged to us, ‘Ok, they don’t really know the
so important but there might be another way to reason why there is a reduction.’ They felt maybe
a quarterback this past season. deal with this never-ending problem. it is to do with neck strength because neck
The NFL powers that be decreed even We are talking to William Johnston about his strength was part of it.
the remotest “roughing the passer” PhD studies – a joint venture between the Insight “Our hypothesis is that maybe it is down to
Centre and the IRFU – and how rugby might movement and control. The tacklers are at the
indiscretion would be penalised. untangle itself from the concussion web that highest risk of concussion (70%) and a lot of that
Turns out rugby union’s textbook threatens to decimate contact sport. The theory, is around technique and the position someone
when simplified, is that players must improve their goes into [contact]. Essentially this gives us a way
tackle is threatening the very balance to improve tackle technique and fewer to control a person’s control of their movement.
existence of linebackers paid concussions should follow. In 2016/17 Connacht You would assume people with poorer movement
millions of dollars to rinse and and the Ireland under-20 squads underwent the control have poorer tackle technique and that puts
experiment whereby 109 elite male rugby players them at an increased risk of concussion.”
repeat one job: sack the QB. were baseline tested in dynamic balance
So, I improve my dynamic balance
Even the crown of a tackler’s helmet glancing
performance there is less chance of
the QB’s shoulder pad was deemed illegal. Nor
can you fall on the main man anymore. No driving “These findings add suffering a concussion?
“Theoretically. The whole idea with science is
them into the ground. Accidentally drop your body
weight on them? “Personal foul, roughing the significant value to the it’s incremental. This is the first study to show it.
We will test this again. I was in America last
passer.”
The game’s gone soft, cried the majority who
current literature in sport summer doing the same thing with American
Football and Ice Hockey.”
have never spent days, even months, recovering
from severe brain injury. The tightened up ‘personal
related concussion; What was also revealed from Johnston’s work
foul offers near total protection for the porcelain contributing an increased is 21 of the 109 players suffered a concussion in
2016/17. That’s 19.3%, which is slightly higher
dolls of America’s game.
Sexton’s dream scenario
understanding of why than the English RFU study (17%) in 2015/16. 13
of the 21 concussed players had a history of
Game redefining rule changes have also been individuals may be at risk concussion. 31 of the 88 who did not suffer a
adopted to make rugby safer. Designed to protect concussion also have a history of concussion.
players from each other, the tweaks caused some of concussion.” What this showed was 27% more individuals with
consternation. Professor Brian Caulfield, Director, Insight a history of concussion sustained another
“The game has gone too PC,” Leicester Centre for Data Analytics at UCD concussion during the season.
Tigers coach Geordan Murphy lamented after a This remains an exploratory investigation but
red card was shown to six foot seven inch lock performance in preseason. Johnston could be working in this field for a very
Will Spencer for his (now out of date) textbook “They are basically the sensors you have in long time. “I’d say so. The more you look into it,
tackle on six foot two inch Tommy Taylor last your phone,” Johnston explained. “We place them the more there is. There are so many next steps. I
September. Murphy subsequently apologised, the on the lower back to track your central mass can’t see myself calling quits after I submit the
former Ireland fullback realising he was embroiled movement.” The results showed that players with PhD.”
in a watershed moment and sensing the urgent suboptimal balance performance at baseline had Good. His continued research is needed
need to stop rugby from devouring itself. “three times higher relative risk” of sustaining a The coaches will take care of technique.
Some experiments are working – others have concussion than those players with optimal “Showing the risk is the first step in the
proved deeply flawed - but The Coach always balance performance. process. Ideally we do an intervention study –
evolves quicker than the rest of us. All of a sudden “This test can never say you are 100% likely to identify people who would be at risk – like balance
they are teaching players new techniques, like avoid concussion,” said Johnston. “Concussion is training, strength and tackle technique and then
tackling the player ‘below the ball’ (in order to a contact injury.” seeing if that reduces the risk. Like the lower
avoid Spencer’s fate). Just look at six foot eight
Of course, but what can it do? tackle technique experiments they were doing in
inch James Ryan dropping to his knees to
“What we can do is test players now to see if England.”
envelope Antonie Dupont’s five foot nine inch
they are above the [balance] score. If below we These experiments were abandoned as
frame in the recent Six Nations match between
can say if you work on your balance, movement concussions increased due to ball carriers dipping
Ireland and France.
control and tackle technique your risk of into tackles when the tackler was already forced,
Clearly, there is a new textbook concussion should go down. Quite a lot of by the trial law, to stoop low. The result was
“What’s actually fascinating in the US, they are research shows balance is related to ankle and increased head on head collisions.
bringing in a lot of rugby guys to teach tackle knee injuries but not to concussion. Over the last “It was a shame it didn’t have a positive effect
technique,” said William Johnston, physiotherapist couple of years, research has come out of the UK but it might benefit this research as you now need
and PhD researcher at the Insight Centre for Data where they showed movement and balance to look at other ways of doing it. We can’t just
Analytics at UCD. “They have the same problems. control training in community and schools rugby, implement changes in the rules of the game.”
The tackler is at higher risk. Going in high leaves where they did injury prevention programmes, and William Johnston was in conversation with
you at higher risk.” over the course of a season they had 60% Gavin Cummiskey (BA 2001), sports journalist
It should be stated: at a higher risk of suffering reduction in concussion as well as other injuries. with the Irish Times.
concussion.
5 | Spring 2019
News
University Awards
Fr Tony Coote (centre) with Prof Frank Laura Brennan (right) with Dr Douglas Lowy (left) with
Monaghan (left) and Prof Joe Carthy. Prof Cecily Kelleher. Prof Stephen Pennington
Fr Tony Coote, a former chaplain at UCD for Before her untimely death in March, HPV Also in December, UCD presented a
almost ten years, was conferred with an honorary vaccine campaigner Laura Brennan received an Ulysses Medal, the University’s highest
doctorate in December. Friends and family honorary degree in recognition of her advocacy in honour, to Dr Douglas R Lowy, whose
gathered to celebrate his achievements, which highlighting how the vaccine protects girls from research on the molecular biology of viruses
include setting up UCD Volunteers Overseas developing cervical cancer as adults. The led to the development of the HPV vaccine.
with Professor Frank Monaghan, as well as 26-year-old was diagnosed with cervical cancer Chief of the Laboratory of Cellular Oncology
launching the ‘Please Talk’ campaign. stage 2B two years ago, and decided to become and Deputy Director at the United States’
Recently diagnosed with motor neurone involved with the HSE’s campaign to restore National Cancer Institute, Dr Lowy’s
public trust in the HPV vaccine after her cancer
disease, Fr Coote refused to allow his research was undertaken in collaboration
was diagnosed as terminal.
deteriorating mobility stop him from completing with his colleague Dr John Schiller.
Laura contacted the HSE on Facebook to
a 550km pilgrimage from Letterkenny to offer her personal story as encouragement for His citation was delivered by Professor
Ballydehob over the summer. Hundreds of parents to have their children vaccinated against Stephen Pennington, UCD School of
people joined him on his now-famous walk, cervical cancer. Vaccination wasn’t available to Medicine, who said Dr Lowy had had a
captured in a recent RTÉ documentary, and his Laura when she attended school, as this scheme “positive impact of remarkable scale” in
effort helped raise €550,000 for motor neurone wasn’t introduced until 2010 but her tireless fight to the eliminate cervical cancer and
research. efforts were instrumental in encouraging parents greatly reduce other HPV-associated
Rather than focusing on his worsening to have their children vaccinated. Now the rate of cancers.
condition, the now parish priest in St Therese, vaccination is above 70% and rising, with over
Mount Merrion, is determined to use his time to 250,000 girls in Ireland having received the HPV
raise awareness and funds for MND sufferers. jab. RIP Laura.
Visit of Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales
Professor Peter Halligan, an internationally During his address Professor Halligan said:
renowned psychologist and neuroscientist, “As Brexit approaches it is very important that
and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Welsh Wales and Ireland strengthen and expand their
Government, has delivered a keynote historical and mutually beneficial research
collaborations, often facilitated by EU funding,
address at UCD in March. During his
and I look forward to future positive developments”.
address Professor Halligan outlined the
Professor Orla Feely, UCD Vice-President for
Welsh Government’s aim to maintain and Research, Innovation and Impact said: “Professor
grow its extensive research collaborations Halligan is playing a critical role in shaping science
with Irish and EU partners, including UCD, policy in Wales. We are delighted to welcome him
in order to continue to generate high back to UCD, as a distinguished and proud
impact research leading to future alumnus, to deliver this keynote address. Against
prosperity for all partners. the backdrop of a changing external landscape,
we are strongly aware of the importance of our
As Wales’ chief scientific adviser, Professor Professor Peter Halligan, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Welsh significant and long-standing relationships with
Government.
Halligan, a UCD graduate, provides independent many Welsh universities. We are taking purposeful
scientific advice to the Welsh First Minister and UCD itself has established strong research steps to strengthen bilateral relations with Welsh
leads the development of the Welsh Government’s links with universities across Wales over many universities, and universities across the UK, to
science policy. He also works to promote the decades and has collaborated with researchers in ensure that these relationships are not only
study of science, technology, engineering, a number of areas including; Health, Agri-food sustained post-Brexit, but continue to flourish
mathematics and medicine to help build a strong and Culture, Economy and Society. and grow into the future”.
science base in Wales.
Festschrift Celebration
In December, Dr Imelda McCarthy, a consultant to faculty of the systemic psychotherapy During her time in UCD (1983 – 2007),
programme in the UCD School of Medicine was feted with a Festschrift, honouring her Dr McCarthy served on Academic Council
almost 50 years contribution to the international field of family therapy. and was on the first Bullying and Harassment
programme inaugurated by the University. In
The School was represented by which Imelda was a co-founder 39 years ago. the School of Social Policy, Social Work and
Dr Valerie O’Brien, Director of the systemic She was on the board of studies for UCD when Social Justice, she worked in the Family
psychotherapy programme, who gave a the Masters in Psychotherapy was first awarded Studies Unit, and directed their first part-time
presentation on Dr McCarthy’s long association through UCD in 1991, as well as inaugurating MSoc Sc (Social Work) for mature
with family therapy in Ireland and UCD. This one of UCD’s first taught PhD Programmes professionals in the field.
programme was previously run under the (Families and Systemic Therapies) within the
auspices of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, of School of Applied Social Science in 1993.
6 | Spring 2019
News
Sr Margarita Ryan, Dr Mags Liddy, Nano Nagle Newman Fellow
in Education and Professor Deirdre Raftery at the launch of the
PiNNacle research project.
Launch of
PiNNacle funded
by the Presentation
Sisters
Wednesday 12 December saw the launch
of PiNNacle, an innovative research project
Celebrating UCD’s multicultural community are, back row (l-r): Chiara Zacchoe, UCD Global; Joanna Kozielec, UCD School of
Mechanical and Materials Engineering; Clár Ní Bhuachalla, Bord na Gaeilge; Ulyana O’Neill, UCD Sutherland School of Law; Oksana which aims to build teaching capacity in the
Osieniene, UCD Sutherland School of Law; and Dr Stephen Lucek, School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics. Front row (l-r): developing world. Led by Professors Deirdre
Licia Carlesi, UCD Culture and Engagement; Dr Arun Kumar, School of Veterinary Medicine; Suad Taimar Inam, UCD HR; and
Caroline Mangan, UCD Global. Raftery and Marie Clarke, UCD School of
Education, this project will identify and
Is fearr cairde ná ór! promote what is best in teacher education
for women teachers in developing contexts
and provide generous Masters scholarships
As Ireland embraces multiculturalism in all Is fearr cairde ná ór a deir an seanfhocal
its forms, UCD is leading the way towards for women teachers from pilot schools in
agus sin a chreideann an coiste nuabhunaithe
reflecting and representing the New Ireland of India and Pakistan to study at UCD.
‘Gréasán Ilchultúrtha d’Fhostaithe UCD’. Ag
friends and colleagues whose cultures and tógáil ar pholasaí comhionannais, éagsúlachta UCD President, Professor Andrew Deeks
customs give new meaning to Irishness. agus cuimsithe na hollscoile, tá grúpa fostaithe welcomed the Presentation Sisters, who have
Following a campus-wide survey in 2017, the iontach díograiseach tar éis teacht le céile generously supported this project, Ambassador
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion unit has helped chun an bhunchloch a leagan don ghréasán Sandeep Kumar from the Embassy of India and
to organise a new employee network: the seo. ‘Sé feidhm an ghréasáin ná tacaíocht a Ambassador Shuja Alam from the Embassy of the
Multicultural Employee Network at UCD chur ar fáil do chomhghleacaithe, eolas a Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Both Ambassadors
(MENU). The purpose of the network is to roinnt agus tuiscint a fháil ar an ilghnéitheacht expressed their full support of PiNNacle and the
provide support and information to colleagues chultúrtha atá le sonrú taobh istigh de phobal education and empowerment of girls and women
and gain an understanding of the great cultural
UCD. Ar an gcoiste reatha tá ionadaithe as an in India and Pakistan.
diversity within the UCD community. Among
Eoraip, ón Rúis, ó Mheiriceá thuaidh agus Presentation Sister Margarita spoke
the current committee members are employees
theas agus ón India. Tá idir baill foirne acadúla passionately about their “explicit mission to work
from Europe, Russia, North America, South
agus phroifisiúnta ag obair ar an togra seo le for the transformation of unjust systems, the
America and India. They include both faculty
and staff, all with their unique experiences of chéile, agus tá taithí saoil faoi leith ag gach Integrity of Creation, and the flourishing of
life at UCD. Membership of MENU is open to éinne acu. Is féidir le pobal iomlán na hollscoile humanity and earth”. She also spoke about the
anyone within the UCD community and the ballraíocht a ghlacadh sa ghréasán, agus Presentation Sisters’ commitment to “supporting
committee intends to organise some fun eagróidh an coiste imeachtaí taitneamhacha important projects that strive to eliminate human
events to give people the chance to get to spraíúla le gur féidir le baill an ghréasáin aithne trafficking, eradicate rape as a weapon of war,
know each other in a relaxed environment. Join a chur ar a chéile go héasca. Bígí linn, beidh resist gender-based violence and violence against
us; you’ll be more than welcome! fáilte is fiche romhat! women, defend indigenous peoples and migrants,
and support the education of girls and women”.
Behavioural Sciences category at the BT
Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition
The BT Young Scientist and Technology awards ceremony by Professor Colin Scott, UCD
Exhibition was held in the RDS in January. 550 Dean of Social Sciences to Abby Reynolds, Ailish
finalist projects were showcased at the event O’Hanlon and Aoife O’Brien from Coláiste Treasa,
from all over the island of Ireland with 178 Kanturk, Co Cork for their project ‘What Do You
projects in the largest category, Social and Think Of Me? A statistical analysis of adolescents
Behavioural Sciences (32%). The projects and elderly people’s perceptions of aging’, in the
involved interesting and challenging questions, Social and Behavioural Sciences Junior Group
rigorous methodologies, rewarding findings and Category. Their project investigated the
strong presentations. UCD College of Social perceptions of ageing and the elderly in a
Sciences and Law had a stand in a very population of teenagers attending a
prominent position to promote the social and co-educational school in Cork and explored the
behavioural sciences to the thousands of primary impact of implementing inter-generational social,
and secondary students and their parents and educational and activity-based interventions.
teachers who attended. Their study consisted of a cross-sectional study Pictured is Prof Colin Scott, UCD Dean of Social Sciences
presenting the UCD Social Sciences Special Category
The UCD Social Sciences Special Category using a questionnaire and incorporated an Award to Abby Reynolds, Ailish O’Hanlon and Aoife
Award was presented at the annual event’s intervention study on a sub population. O’Brien.
7 | Spring 2019
News
Our photo shows (l-r): Norah Martyn, Past President, BSTAI; Margaret McDonnell, Honorary National President, BSTAI; Prof Laserina O’Connor; Prof Andrew Deeks; Cian O’Sullivan; Rachel Farrell (PME Programme
Co-ordinator); and Prof Gerard Fealy (Dean and Head of UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems).
John O’Connor Inaugural Award for Excellence
UCD Awards Day 2018 included the The presentation of the award was preceded As well as being a teacher, he was a leading
presentation of the inaugural John by a short address from Margaret McDonnell, textbook author with a total of 35 publications from
Honorary National President of the BSTAI, who 1976 to 2012. He was also a leading publisher,
O’Connor Award for Excellence in said that, through the Award, future generations acting as managing director of a national publishing
Business Studies Teaching. of business teachers will recognise John’s company, and later running his own publishing
Commissioned by the Business Studies contribution to business education and to the company, Blackwater Press Ltd.
Teachers Association of Ireland (BSTAI), scholarship of teaching. She said that John’s The recipient of the inaugural John O’Connor
and adopted by UCD School of Education, legacy is immense, having spent his life sharing Award 2018 was Cian O’Sullivan, a graduate of the
best practice with business teachers and Business Professional Master of Education (PME)
the award commemorates the memory promoting excellence in all aspects of business degree. UCD President, Professor Andrew Deeks
of John O’Connor, a graduate of UCD studies education. He was a founding member of presented the award and John’s wife, Professor
with a BComm (1971) and a Higher the BSTAI in 1975, serving for a time as Laserina O’Connor, UCD School of Nursing,
Diploma in Education (1972). chairperson of its Dublin branch and as its fourth Midwifery and Health Systems also attended the
national president. ceremony.
Pioneering Proteomics Researcher and Bauhaus Effects
Entrepreneur receives the NovaUCD 2018 Conference
Innovation Award This year marks the 100th anniversary
of the founding of Bauhaus, the
twentieth-century’s most innovative
The NovaUCD 2018 Innovation Award
and influential school of art, design and
was presented to Professor Stephen
architecture. To mark the occasion a
Pennington, UCD School of Medicine, a
conference, entitled Bauhaus Effects,
global leader in proteomics research and was held at the National Gallery of
innovation, by UCD President, Professor Ireland in February. Professor Kathleen
Andrew Deeks, at an event held in James-Chakraborty, UCD School of Art
December. History and Cultural Policy was one of
The award was presented in recognition of the co-organisers, along with Sabine
his commitment and success in protein Kriebel from UCC, Francis Halsall,
biomarker research, undertaken during the last Declan Long and Sarah Pierce from
15 years at UCD Conway Institute, and NCAD, and Thomas Lier and Heidrun
previously in the UK, and the conversion of this Rottke from the Goethe Institut Dublin.
research into diagnostic tests for clinical use
UCD alumna Yvonne Farrell of Grafton
which can have a positive impact on the lives Architects introduced fellow architect Heike
of patients worldwide. Hanada, who spoke about the Bauhaus
Professor Pennington is the founder and Professor Pennington is a named inventor
Museum she has designed that will open in
Chief Scientific Officer of Atturos, a UCD spin- on four priority patent filings and has also
Weimar this April, and gave the first keynote
out company, which is developing a portfolio of published over 90 scientific papers, edited and
address. Fifteen papers were presented by
novel multi-marker blood tests. Atturos’ first contributed to several books including editing
scholars based in Australia, Austria, Denmark,
test, OCProDx, is a prostate cancer test which one of the first books on proteomics that was
Finland, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Spain, the
will help some men avoid unnecessary over- translated into Chinese and Japanese. He is on
United Kingdom and the United States.
treatment. The company is planning to launch the editorial board of several journals and
UCD support for the event was provided
this test onto the market in 2020. regularly reviews manuscripts and grants for a
by UCD Research, UCD College of Arts and
He is also the incoming President of the number of organisations. Humanities, UCD School of Art History and
Human Proteome Organisation (HUPO), the On an international level Professor Cultural Policy and UCD Humanities Institute.
international scientific organisation of over Pennington has been the President of the Dublin City Council, the German Embassy, the
1,000 members representing and promoting British Society for Proteome Research since Goethe Institut Dublin and NCAD also
proteomics, which is headquartered in 2016 and in 2017 he was the lead organiser of supported the conference, which is one of a
Vancouver, Canada. He is the first researcher the 16th Annual World Congress of the Human series of activities taking place around the
from an Irish university to be elected to this Proteome Organisation, held in the Convention world this year to mark the Bauhaus
prestigious position. Centre in Dublin. centennial.
8 | Spring 2019
Feature
An eye for
impact from
UCD research
Research at UCD delivers impact in many ways,” she says. “I am constantly amazed,
energised and enthused by the impact that I see
many forms. Professor Orla Feely is of UCD research. In my work I get to meet so
inspired by the diversity and depth of many people across different areas of the
those effects, and she is supporting University – I might be talking to people in the
EC OCIETA &
A D E MI C
humanities in the morning, in medicine in the
S
researchers to create impact and tell
ONOMIC
afternoon and chemical engineering in the
their story to the world.
IMPACT evening. To be able to support our researchers
to deliver excellent research with impact is a
Some research projects have an obvious great privilege.”
AC
effect on our lives – perhaps the work leads to a L
new medicine, to innovations that fuel the
growth of jobs, to new policies or to justice for
the wronged. Other research may bring less
Shining a Spotlight on Impact
tangible but no less important benefits, such as UCD’s Research Impact Case Study Competition
how a nation views itself, or a deeper has highlighted projects from across the
understanding of the natural world and beyond. University that deliver impact in many shapes
For Professor Orla Feely, capturing and and forms. “UCD research delivers substantial
articulating the many forms of impact from UCD McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn impact, and we celebrate that,” says Professor
research is a constant and growing mission. State University for his work on the Irish Citizens’ Orla Feely.
“Impact is the positive difference we can make Assembly Project.
to the world, and as a University we deliver “It is a brilliant example of how you can take Professor Michelle Norris, Head of UCD School
impact in lots of ways,” says Professor Feely, research work, in this case into deliberative of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice,
who is Vice-President for Research, Innovation democracy, and channel it into influence,” says won the inaugural competition in 2017. Her
and Impact at UCD. Professor Feely. “The Citizens’ Assembly has research on the funding of social housing
“We deliver impact through our teaching played an important role in advancing democracy following Ireland’s economic crash in 2007/08
and our graduates, through the way we conduct in Ireland. It is a true case of research impact in influenced Government policy on the provision
ourselves as an organisation and through the action.” and funding of social housing for low-income
excellent and diverse research that we carry out. Professor Feely also welcomes the impact of households.
That research reaches into every area of Irish a project led by Dr Anthony Ventresque, UCD In 2018, Associate Professor Crystal Fulton,
society and increasingly it is impacting at a School of Computer Science, which sees UCD School of Information and Communication
global level.” experts in artificial intelligence working alongside Studies scooped the top prize for her work
Capturing impact social scientists, educationalists, industry and on problem gambling, which informed new
Impact has come to the fore in the research NGOs to develop a chatbot that can help regulations in Ireland around gambling and
landscape in recent years, yet the impact of a displaced people in refugee camps find which helped those providing aid for those
piece of research is not always easy to measure appropriate online education that supports their affected by gambling addiction. “They are
or articulate. So UCD offers researchers several futures. “It is a great example of how artificial examples of how research can really deliver
forms of support to help them capture and intelligence can be used to impact positively on societal benefit,” says Professor Feely of the
communicate the effects and influences of their some of the most vulnerable people in the
two projects.
work, and has established a Research Analytics world,” says Professor Feely.
and Impact team led by Liam Cleere. Another example of research impact comes Other case studies included work by
“We run courses, we have developed an from the work of Professor Eoin Casey and Dr Orla Doyle, UCD College of Business on an
impact canvas to help researchers capture and colleagues in UCD School of Chemical and intervention in Dublin to improve children’s
convey impact in a structured way and we bring Bioprocess Engineering, she notes: “Their new health and development from pregnancy
in external experts to help,” says Professor technology to save energy in wastewater through to starting school and beyond, and a
Feely. “We run an annual Research Impact Case treatment led to the formation of spin-out project in rural Zambia by Dr Victor M Mukonka
Study Competition that encourages researchers OxyMem, whose technology is deployed in a and Dr Patricia Fitzpatrick, UCD School of Public
to develop impact case studies about their number of countries around the world.” Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science,
work.” Goals for the future which found that health education and giving
The competition has built up an impressive Research and its impact will be central to the free mother-baby delivery packs boosted the
and diverse showcase of UCD research and its new UCD strategy, which will be developed over number of babies being delivered in hospitals
impact, including projects that have shaped the coming months, and external frameworks or other health facilities there. “These are
policies in Ireland, that are improving the health such as the United Nation’s Sustainable examples where we can see that interventions
and education of children and that are tackling Development Goals (SDGs) are expected to can very quickly have an impact on the health
important societal issues (see panel). figure prominently. and education of children and families,”
“We have begun a process of mapping our says Professor Feely.
Research for the people
UCD researchers have been hitting the research and researchers to the SDGs, to see
headlines recently too with wave-making how our research aligns to the goals and how Professor Orla Feely was in conversation
research, notes Professor Feely. They include we can join the research up to enhance this with Dr Claire O’Connell (BSc, (Hons) 1992,
Professor David Farrell from UCD School of alignment,” explains Professor Feely. PhD 1998), journalist with the Irish Times and
Politics and International Relations, recipient She is motivated by the different types of
Silicon Republic and Irish Science Writer of the
(with Dr Jane Suiter of Dublin City University) of changes that the research can bring. “We are
Year 2016.
the 2019 Brown Democracy Medal of the making a positive difference in the world in so
9 | Spring 2019
News
Pictured are Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland and Tom
Flanagan, UCD Director of Enterprise and Commercialisation.
Our photo shows UCD President, Prof Andrew Deeks with (centre) Vice-Minister Tian and Prof Liming Wang, UCD Confucius Institute.
Over 360
Visit of China’s Vice-Minister for Education Companies and
UCD’s Confucius Institute was awarded Over 100 people, including students,
‘Model Confucius Institute’ during a visit
by China’s Vice-Minister for Education,
faculty and staff of UCD Confucius Institute
attended the ceremony. Established with the
Early-Stage Ventures
Tian Xuejun. The Vice-Minister was
accompanied to campus by Chinese
Beijing-based Renmin University of China in
2006, the UCD Confucius Institute is the one of Supported by
the earliest Confucius Institutes and also
Ambassador to Ireland, Yue Xiaoyong
and was welcomed by UCD President,
among the first group of Model Confucius
Institutes. During his speech, Vice-Minister
NovaUCD
Professor Andrew Deeks and UCD Tian praised the unique role played by the NovaUCD, the Centre for New Ventures
Confucius Institute Director, Professor institute in building the friendship between and Entrepreneurs, has announced the
Liming Wang. China and Ireland. results of its latest survey of companies
supported since opening 15 years ago.
Since then over 360 companies and
early-stage ventures have been
supported.
At NovaUCD new high-tech and
knowledge-intensive start-up companies are
nurtured and supported to enable them to
develop, scale and create jobs. Early-stage
ventures have additionally completed
programmes run by NovaUCD, such as the
UCD VentureLaunch Accelerator Programme
and the UCD Start-Up Stars Programme.
Companies currently and to date,
supported through NovaUCD include;
Pictured (l-r) are Martin Shanahan, CEO IDA Ireland; Marie O’Connor, newly appointed Chair, UCD Governing Authority; Prof Andrew
BiancaMed, Carrick Therapeutics,
Deeks, UCD President; Marcellina Fogarty, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager; Prof Colin Scott, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity ChangingWorlds, Corlytics, DocoSoft, EnBIO,
& Inclusion; and Prof Judith Harford, Vice-Principal for EDI, UCD College of Social Sciences and Law. Equinome, Genomics Medicine Ireland,
UCD launches Equality, Diversity and Logentries, Neuromod Devices, Nuritas,
OncoMark, OxyMem, Plusvital and Vivid Edge.
Inclusion Strategy and Annual Report
Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland,
said, “Start-ups are the life blood of the Irish
economy and a key role for Enterprise Ireland
Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland was the keynote speaker at the launch of UCD’s Equality, is to support the start-up ecosystem. Enterprise
Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policy, strategy and action plan recently on campus. The CEO of Ireland has supported NovaUCD over the last
the agency responsible for encouraging foreign direct investment into Ireland, stressed the 15 years and I would like to congratulate the
important role that supportive EDI policies play within companies and the competitive centre and the companies on their success.”
advantage they infer. He emphasised how promoting and maintaining diversity in the Tom Flanagan, UCD Director of Enterprise
and Commercialisation said, “We are very
workplace is crucial for attracting talent in a competitive market place and that businesses
proud of the achievements of our companies
with a healthy balance of men and women were more likely to outperform their competitors,
and look forward to building on the successful
as too were those with employees from a wide mix of ethnic, social, and sexual
formula for enterprise development and
backgrounds. commercialisation that we have developed at
UCD President, Professor Andrew Deeks, UCD’s EDI policy was reviewed in 2018 to NovaUCD. We can do even more when the
launching the new policy along with the EDI reflect the inclusive culture that now exists within expansion of our facilities is completed later
Annual Report for 2017/18, reiterated how the the University community, and sets out the this year.”
University wants to ensure that employees and principles that UCD will adhere to. Mainstreaming UCD’s technology transfer team, which is
students can thrive and are able to participate EDI into University policies, practices and responsible for the commercialisation of the
fully in their work and study, in a respectful decision-making is one of the core objectives, intellectual property emerging from UCD’s
environment where they can reach their full supported by the appointment of Vice-Principals world-class research programmes, is also
potential. for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in each of based at NovaUCD. Since 2003, 45 new UCD
The Annual Report highlighted many UCD’s Colleges. spin-out companies have been incorporated;
achievements for the year including the The launch also provided the opportunity for over 825 inventions have been disclosed by
submission by five Schools for Athena SWAN the first UCD public engagement for Marie UCD researchers; over 280 priority patent
awards; an increased number of events and EDI- O’Connor, the newly appointed Chair of the UCD applications have been filed and more than
related training; the award of University of Governing Authority, who has a long history of 200 licensing deals have been concluded with
Sanctuary status; and the launch of the Gender promoting EDI. a range of indigenous and international
Identity and Expression policy, which recently UCD’s EDI Strategy can be accessed on businesses.
won the national CIPD award in the Diversity and www.ucd.ie/equality
Inclusion category.
10 | Spring 2019Feature
UCD professor’s
new fraud detection
system could help
protect the
elderly
How do you make sure person, which may well breach the threshold and they say is a better alert model that can help
create an alert with their financial institution.” banks meet their ethical obligation to protect
your money is kept This is where Muckley comes into the elderly clients. They estimate that 20 percent of
safe? This is a question equation. A number of years ago, he and some elderly people in the US have been victims of
that people will often colleagues began working on a new project to financial fraud. Their study claims that the
see if they could come up with a new and systems currently in place to detect fraud in
ask themselves when improved alert model for financial institutions. elderly clients’ accounts are “inefficient” and can
they hear news that a They believed that the systems that are in place overlook “nuanced activity”. It is because of this,
new fraud scheme is doing the rounds. in financial institutions across the world to detect they claim, that financial institutions are flooded
Many fraudsters are transparent, with fraud could be improved as new technologies with huge numbers of false positives – fraud
came to the fore. They hoped that they could alerts that are not actually fraud at all.
their schemes lacking credibility and come up with a new system that could help to But things are starting to change. There have
authorisation – but many more are identify – and even predict – fraudulent been legislative moves across the world to help
highly skilled at stealing money from transactions in the accounts of elderly clients, better protect elderly people from financial
which could in turn help to protect those clients. exploitation. In Ireland, safeguarding legislation to
people’s bank accounts. It is not just Muckley and his team secured funding and protect people from financial abuse is in the
telephone callers and email scammers also gained permission from a global financial works in the form of the Adult Safeguarding Bill
that steal people’s money – debit and institution to allow researchers to go in and and the Vulnerable Persons Bill 2015. Meanwhile,
analyse their records. Over the course of 14 in the US, the Bank Secrecy and Elder Justice
credit cards can be copied and numbers months, a team of three researchers worked in Presentation and Prosecution Acts note that
stolen too. the financial institution, where they sifted through financial institutions have a duty to prevent the
250 million transactions in the accounts of exploitation of their elderly clients.
Elderly people can be at a higher risk of being people over 70. Under the financial institution’s Muckley argues that the benefits are manifold
targeted by fraudsters, with some international original fraud alert system, 19,395 of these for financial institutions who implement a new
estimates suggesting that between 10 and 20 transactions were flagged as being potentially model like theirs to detect fraud. Not only will it
percent of elderly people will be targeted at some fraudulent. However, just 74 of those ended up help to protect their elderly clients, it could also
point. The result is huge financial losses for being deemed truly suspicious by analysts. By result in fewer losses for the institution, and could
elderly people across the world – which also comparison, Muckley’s team implemented a new help to protect their reputation.
results in financial institutions losing significant system – a machine learning algorithm – which “Reputation is so key to these institutions
amounts of money. sent out 8,340 alerts on these transactions. Of given the importance of trust,” Muckley says.
This is something that Cal Muckley, professor these, 66 of the original fraudulent transactions “The bank does have a duty of care to protect its
of Operational Risk in Banking and Finance at were picked up – as well as a number of other vulnerable clients, including the elderly, and that
UCD Quinn School of Business, is trying to cases that were originally missed. is becoming increasingly clear.”
change. He is well aware of the issues that fraud The results of the study – and the team’s new Muckley says that financial institutions have
presents to financial institutions and individuals machine learning algorithm – were published in the data they need to better detect fraud in the
across the world, but is acutely aware of the the European Journal of Finance last December, accounts of elderly clients – but says that they
impact it has on elderly people. He notes that where they showed how they had successfully could be using that data in “a much better way”.
many elderly people are at a higher risk of being reduced the number of false positives in their “We don’t have sight of course of precisely
targeted by fraudsters because they may have financial institution. In the article, Muckley and his what other institutions are doing, but I will
greater wealth after a lifetime of earning, and are co-authors, Gaurav Kumar, Linh Pham and highlight that the institution we worked with is
also more likely to experience cognitive Darragh Ryan, note that this is the first systematic one of the largest financial institutions globally
impairment, such as dementia. study of alert models designed to protect the and is well recognised and has a very low
“It’s mind boggling,” Muckley says. “You’ve accounts of elderly clients. This is despite the fraudulent rate. I suspect that the kind of
got people calling at the front door conjuring up fact that elderly people are routinely targeted by approach we are championing isn’t used much
work that has to be done in the house and then fraudsters. Last May, Bloomberg reported that out there. That’s an awful shame, because these
charging exorbitantly for it. You’ve got people America’s elderly population is losing $37 billion approaches can better protect the elderly.”
coming in over the telephone professing to be a year due to financial fraud.
with various companies or financial institutions To devise their new approach, Muckley and Professor Cal Muckley was in
who provide misleading advice. So, let’s imagine his team used three different statistical models: conversation with Patrick Kelleher (BA 2015,
that one of these fraudulent individuals was logistic regression, random forest and support MA 2017), a freelance journalist
successful. What you will have then is irregular, vector machine learning. Using these three
unusual patterns on the account of the elderly models, they were able to come up with what
11 | Spring 2018You can also read
