1. Roinn na Ceimice
School of Chemistry,
National University of Ireland, Galway,
Galway, Ireland.
Page 1 of 2 Tel: + 353 91 492943
Fax: + 353 91 495576
Email: alan.ryder@nuigalway.ie
Web: www.nuigalway.ie/nanoscale
1
Dr. Alan G. Ryder,
Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory,
School of Chemistry,
National University of Ireland-Galway,
Galway, Ireland.
05-July-2013.
Reference Letter for Dr. Maria Nash
To whom it may concern:
I, the undersigned Alan G. Ryder, senior lecturer in the School of Chemistry at the
National University of Ireland Galway, have known Dr. Maria Nash since 2005 when she
undertook an undergraduate student placement in my laboratory. She subsequently
undertook a PhD in the School of Chemistry and I was thus familiar with some aspects of her
project work and her achievements
When Maria first came to work in my laboratory she was not expecting to go on to a
research career. However, during the summer of 2005 it was clear that she had caught the
research bug and was really enjoying the open-ended aspect of research. At the time she
demonstrated a great aptitude for laboratory work and also to engage with the other research
team members. I am less familiar with the specific details of her PhD research, however, I do
know that she was one of the most dedicated and conscientious PhD students I have come
across here in Galway. She was always very professional in her work, had a great work ethic
and the work has resulted in six papers to date (July 13). Anyone who encountered Maria
during her PhD research will attest to her scientific knowledge and ability, capability for
teamwork, and her excellent mentoring of student researchers.
In terms of practical teaching and supervision experience, as part of her PhD studies
Maria had to supervise undergraduate students during their laboratory classes and part-
supervise a final year project and M.Sc. students. She was required each year to provide 120
hours of this laboratory supervision to 1st
, 2nd
, 3rd
and final year undergraduate students. For
years 1-3 this involved the supervision of between 15-20 undergraduate students in each
class, explaining the theory underpinning the experiments, demonstrating aspects of the
experimental procedures, and correcting the student practical write-ups. During these
laboratories she would have been responsible along with the academic in charge, of
maintaining safe working practices for the students under her care. For the 1st
year
undergraduate students the laboratory supervision covered 20 x 3 hour practicals per year and
many of the students will never have studied chemistry before attending university. The 1st
year course is a general chemistry course covering all aspects of chemistry. The 2nd
and 3rd
year laboratory classes (4 hour sessions) supervised would have been physical chemistry and
in each case he would have been responsible for grading the student laboratory work. Details

2. Roinn na Ceimice
School of Chemistry,
National University of Ireland, Galway,
Galway, Ireland.
Page 2 of 2 Tel: + 353 91 492943
Fax: + 353 91 495576
Email: alan.ryder@nuigalway.ie
Web: www.nuigalway.ie/nanoscale
2
of the NUI Galway chemistry curriculum can be found on the School website:
www.nuigalway.ie/chemistry/courses.html The NUI Galway course is also accredited by the
Royal Society of Chemistry. The supervision and advice provided by the postgraduate
students is a valuable contribution to the teaching activities of the department.
In addition to these scheduled laboratory teaching duties, Maria also assisted in the
supervision and training of multiple 4th
year. M.Sc. and visiting summer students, some of
whom worked on research related to her thesis research. This supervision involved the
training of the student in the use of various instrumental methods of analysis, experimental
design, and practical experimental skills. She was always conspicuous by the sheer amount
of time and effort she devoted to these students during her time as a PhD student.
Maria will be an excellent addition to your institution with her experience of both
biomaterials research and extensive undergraduate/M.Sc. student supervision. She has good
ability for team work and is always ready to help and mentor others. In conclusion, if I had
the resources to hire Maria as a lecturer or a researcher, I would do so without hesitation.
If you have any further questions concerning this recommendation letter, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Alan G. Ryder, Senior Lecturer. Galway, 05/07/2013.