Orla Sherwood is a PhD student in Plant Biology and studies programmed cell death in the Irish crops, barley and ryegrass. She studies how these plants grow in elevated CO2 levels to anticipate how climate change stresses will affect plant survival in waterlogged conditions. Orla is funded through the IRC-EPA postgraduate award scheme.
Having previously completed a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular biology and an MSc in Science communication, Orla is passionate about communicating science to a variety of audiences. She currently works with the UCD Outreach team to inspire primary and secondary school students to consider science as a possible career and has previously taken part in events such as Pint of Science Dublin. Following her graduation, she plans to pursue a career in crop research.