Researchers
Ayrton Walshe
Ayrton Walshe is a graduate from ATU, Galway’s Sport & Exercise Science program and a ATU RISE Research Masters Scholar. He has a keen interest in education, athlete welfare, and mental health, and has two publications in the area of Sports Nutrition.
Ayrton's goal is to trouble shoot the female concussion landscape in Ireland and make develop effective strategies to ensure athletes, coaches, and allied healthcare professionals are supported in the pursuit of best practice when it comes to concussion treatment.
Ayrton is a NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and has experience as a Sport Scientist with multiple NGBs across a variety of sports.
He is currently in his final year of his PhD studies here in ATU
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ayrton-walshe
Email: AYRTON.WALSHE@research.gmit.ie
Emma Finnegan
Emma Finnegan is a current MSc researcher investigating the 'Role of Nutrition in Concussion Recovery and Management' under the supervision of Dr Lisa Ryan and Ed Daly. Emma was awarded a postgraduate scholarship from Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, in January 2021 and completed her BSc. Degree in Health Sciences and Nutrition in Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in 2016 and, NEFPC qualified. As a nutritionist, she has experience working over eight years of experience in the health and nutrition sector. Previously, Emma worked at University College Dublin (UCD) on the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) and Ulster University on Vitamin D research. She also worked with Brian Keane Fitness as Head of Operations and head nutrition coach.
Currently, Emma has over three years of experience working as a research assistant at ATU, Galway City on a number of sport and nutrition-specific Erasmus+ projects and has extensive experience in project coordination, communications and execution.
Emma has a keen interest in the role nutrition and movement play in health, their role in mental health, and essential support during injury recovery. She hopes her research will highlight the vital role nutrition plays in following an acute injury, specifically in brain recovery following a mild traumatic brain injury—an invisible injury where nutrition consideration is often overlooked.
LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/emma-finnegan-885732147
Twitter: @irish_smilers
Email: emma.finnegan@atu.ie
Damien Costello
Damien Costello is a lecturer in software development with the Department of Computer Science & Applied Physics in the Atlantic Technological University, Galway City. Over the past twenty years, he has lectured in many areas including mobile applications, AI, embedded software, cross-platform development and gesture-based user interface development.
Throughout his academic career, he has collaborated with industry partners on a range of applied projects. These have included prototyping and proof-of-concept software for conflict resolution training using a virtual environment, concussion testing, biomechanical modelling, data presentation in an augmented environment and biometric data capture.
Damien’s research interests include the use of technology in sport for assessment, improvement and education. He is currently a PhD researcher focusing on concussion tracking and reduction strategies in the amateur sport.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/damienc
Email: Damien.Costello@atu.ie