My research visit to University College Dublin (UCD), thanks to the TAV Coordinate project, was a really stimulating opportunity! I had the chance to work at the UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy and, as a PhD student focused on social inequalities in perinatal health, this stay was an incredible chance to dive into new data, refine my methods, and connect with other researchers.
The Geary Institute provided the perfect space to focus, and most of my time was spent cleaning and preparing large datasets, an essential but often overlooked part of research. Working with complex longitudinal data meant making sure everything was consistent and ready for analysis, as a part of my project "Tracking Inequality: An Irish Cohort Study on housing conditions and early-life determinants of health".
One of the highlights of my visit was the welcoming and supportive environment there. A special thank you to Ebru Isikli for her excellent coordination and support throughout my stay, and to Orla Doyle for her invaluable insights and guidance. I also really appreciated how friendly and open the other researchers were, it made the experience even better!
Of course, it wasn’t all work! I took some time to explore Dublin where I learned a lot, enjoyed the lively atmosphere, and got to see some amazing places. One remarkable experience was visiting Kilmainham Gaol, which offers a powerful and insightful look into Irish history. I also took the opportunity to visit Howth, with a beautiful sight of the seaside and refreshing air (much needed for those of us who live in crowded cities!)
Overall, my time at UCD was academically enriching and very enjoyable. I’m really grateful for this experience and excited to apply everything I’ve learned moving forward!
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