Guests

CONNOR LORD
RESEARCH SCIENTIST, RANDOX
I graduated with a BSc in Genetics from the University of Liverpool.
My previous role at Randox was as a COVID Reporting Shift Lead. I’m currently employed as a Research Scientist developing diagnostic panels at Randox.

Dana Atkinson
Genomics Department MANAGER, RANDOX
Dana graduated from Ulster University in 2020, with a BSc (Hons) in Stratified Medicine. During my degree, I did my placement year working for a genetics company in Dublin, where I was on rotation throughout the different departments – bioinformatics, R&D, marketing, and patient advocacy and community engagement. I have been with Randox since May 2020, where I started working in the COVID-19 testing labs as a PCR scientist. I quickly progressed into a Deputy Manager role, then moved to help set up and run the COVID sequencing lab. I am currently managing a team of amazing genetic scientists, who are in involved with researching, developing, validating, and implementing various genetic tests for Randox to offer – to help people take control of their health!

Dr Colin A Graham BSc PhD FRCPath SRCS
Senior Clinical Scientist, RANDOX
Colin studied biochemistry at Queen’s University Belfast and then a PhD in Medical Genetics. Research fellow at QUB looking at proteins in neuromuscular disorders, and early work on molecular testing. From 1990 took up a role a principal scientist for molecular genetics in Belfast City Hospital and from 2000 took up role as consultant clinical scientist and Head of NI Regional Genetics laboratories.
Research interests were in the areas of lipid disorder genetics and genetic factors in Multiple Sclerosis. Began work with Randox in 2010s to develop a biochip for Familial Hypercholesterolaemia genetic testing and in 2015 retired from Belfast Health Trust and took up part time role with Randox as Senior Clinical Scientist. We now have a large Genomics testing facility, significantly developed during COVID19 pandemic, and now offering many genomic tests to Randox Health Clinics and third parties.

Dr Laura Mooney
health scientist, RANDOX
I have worked for Randox Laboratories for over 12 years. In that time, I have worked extensively researching biomarkers of disease and producing scientific materials to aid understanding of new and existing tests.
I manage a team focused on researching new tests to identify their suitability for use as diagnostic biomarkers, with a particular focus on gastrointestinal health. Prior to joining Randox I studied at the University of Glasgow where I obtained a BSc (Hons) in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a PhD in Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences.

DR PETER FITZGERALD
FOUNDER, RANDOX
Dr FitzGerald founded Randox in 1982 in a converted ‘Hen House’ at the back of his parent’s house in Crumlin, Co. Antrim. Since then, the company has grown to over 3,000 staff worldwide including 800 R&D Scientists & Engineers, with customers in over 145 countries. Randox develop, manufacture and market a wide range of clinical and veterinary diagnostic reagents and systems. Randox supplies 100,000 laboratories globally and is the fourth largest manufacturer of clinical chemistry reagents in the world.
Dr FitzGerald was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2011 for services to business in Northern Ireland. He has gained many other accolades in his career to date; named a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) and Innovation Founder of the Year 2013 from the Northern Ireland Science Park, to name a few.

Dr Shokuhalsadat Hashemi (MD-MPH)
research scientist, randox
Born and raised in Iran, my passion for science and helping others was evident in my early anatomical sketches. After graduating with honours from Shahid Beheshti Medical School, the country’s top medical institution, I worked as a general practitioner in rural and remote areas for four years, eventually establishing my private office while serving less urban communities.
My experiences in underserved regions exposed me to the profound impact of poor digestive health on children’s well-being, igniting my interest in gastroenterology and paediatrics. I embarked on paediatric training at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, but soon realized I yearned for a more science-oriented setting. This led to a bold decision: transitioning from patient care to a career in medical research. I joined Randox Laboratories as a research scientist, focused on developing diagnostic biomarkers and databases for early disease detection.
My journey from a general practitioner to a research scientist has been a transformative one, allowing me to use my expertise to make a difference on a global scale.

Ehsan Nozari
research scientist, randox
An Iranian Clinical Nutritionist with a deep passion for science and health. My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health specializing in Disease Prevention and Control, which ignited my interest in improving human well-being. Following that, I pursued a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, where I honed my expertise.
I have had the privilege of working as both a Clinical Nutritionist and a Disease Control Expert within the healthcare system for several years. Through these experiences, I have gained invaluable insights into the field of Nutrition Science and have witnessed first-hand the profound impact of nutrition on a diverse range of chronic and gastrointestinal diseases.
My dedication to research has led to several publications, including scientific papers and posters in the field of Nutrition. Currently, I’m a Research Scientist at Randox Laboratories, where I apply my research expertise to develop innovative ways to diagnose and treat various diseases, contributing to advancements in healthcare.
My journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and commitment to make a positive impact on public health. With a vigilant focus on the horizon, I eagerly anticipate future opportunities to contribute to the ever-evolving fields of Nutrition science and Chronic disease, with the aim of enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide

EMILY RICHARDSON
RESEARCH SCIENTIST, RANDOX
I work within a team interested in being able to better predict disease through developing risk-predictive algorithms. Prior to this, I completed a MSc in Molecular genetics and diagnostics at the University of Nottingham, and a BSc in Biochemistry at the University of Portsmouth.

James Mawhinney
Head of Genomics Strategy, RANDOX
James studied Biotechnology at the University of Nottingham where he conducted research into epigenetic regulation of the commonly referred ‘hunger suppressing hormone’, leptin. James began working for Randox as a Research and Development Scientist in 2018 where he worked on developing novel biochemical assays for detecting illness/disease. During the pandemic he managed one of the largest COVID-19 testing and sequencing labs in Europe and remains employed by Randox as Head of Genomics Strategy with interests in further understanding the human microbiome and how this affects your body.

Kamrun Chandni
research scientist, randox
I have been a research scientist at RANDOX laboratories since December 2022. I completed my bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from Chittagong Medical College, Bangladesh, and master’s in medical microbiology from University of Manchester. Prior to RANDOX I worked as a GP in Bangladesh and Maldives.
As a research scientist at RANDOX my main works are to assist in the development of testing algorithms. Developing a central information database incorporating disease states, condition categories, associated diagnostic tests and novel biomarkers for early diagnosis of diseases and risk groups.

Neha Boodhoo
Research Scientist, randox
I graduated with a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and a MSc in Molecular Medicine and have been working at Randox for over 3 years, initially as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and now as a Research Scientist. Our team is focused on using novel biomarkers and testing algorithms to better help predict disease risk and aid in early signs for diagnosis. This work is important as preventative healthcare and early diagnostics is vital in providing better prognosis, improving quality of life and helping to ease the burden on our healthcare services.

Nuailin FitzGerald
director, randox
Nuailin is Director of the Randox Holdings Limited, and plays an active role in the Randox Health subsidiary. She also oversees plans for the development of the Randox Science Park (former Massereene army barracks) and any maintenance carried out on all other Randox sites. The Cherryvalley and Dundarave Estates also fall under Mrs FitzGerald. They are both active shooting estates and home to our award winning Irish Moiled and Shorthorn cattle herds.
Mrs Nuailin FitzGerald is married to Dr Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Laboratories. They have 2 children; Peter (24) and Angharad (23).

Shubham Sharma
research scientist, randox
As a research scientist at Randox, my role is to research & review medical literature for identification of novel/emerging biomarkers and risk factors for various diseases/conditions. I am a Dentist from my background, with a master’s degree in Paediatric Dentistry (from India) and a second master’s degree which is about to finish is in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics. I am interested in Clinical health research and passionate about improving health globally.