Dr Denise O'Meara graduated with a PhD in Molecular Ecology from South East Technological University (SETU) in 2015 and holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Ecology from University College Cork (2008). She has been a Lecturer in the Department of Science at SETU since 2015. Her research focuses on molecular ecology, conservation genetics, biodiversity monitoring, mammal conservation, and vector ecology. She leads and contributes to multidisciplinary research projects and has extensive experience supervising and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers.

Dr O'Meara is a researcher in the Molecular Ecology Research Group (MERG) at SETU. Her research uses molecular and genetic tools to address questions in biodiversity monitoring, conservation genetics, environmental sustainability, and animal and public health. Her interests include mammal conservation, invasive species management, vector ecology, population genetics, and the application of DNA-based approaches to support biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

Dr O'Meara teaches on the Agricultural Science, Forestry, and Molecular Biology and Biopharmaceutical Science programmes at SETU. She also contributes to the MSc programmes in Organic and Biological Agriculture, delivering modules in Agroforestry and Landscape Biodiversity and Livestock Management. Her undergraduate teaching includes Forestry and the Environment, Food Traceability and Bioanalysis, and DNA Technology and Bioinformatics. Her teaching combines research-led learning with practical training in molecular biology, genetics, ecology, sustainability, and biodiversity conservation.