Current research interests are in the area of materials, catalysis and adsorption.  The work has been funded by agencies such as the HEA, EU, SFI, EPA, Rusual Alumina, IAI, UL Foundation, CES department etc). 15 students have graduated (12 PhD and 3 MSc students) and 2 PhD students are currently working on these projects. Some of these research projects include The development of a Pt based catalyst for the hydrogenation of edible oils:  Development of a Pt catalyst for the conversion of furfural for upgrading of biomass. the development of  copper and Pt based regenerable catalytic adsorbents for the treatment of organic compounds in wastewatersCO2 capture from flue gas streams using a range of solid sorbents based on silica and amines. Constructed wetlands for treatment of alkaline leachate from bauxite residue disposal areas.  This work is being carried out in conjunction with Rusual Alumina, Limerick Development of supported Pt based catalysts for catalytic combustion.

Since completing her PhD thesis, Dr Teresa Curtin has been working in the area on heterogeneous catalysis and adsorption. She has spent 3 years as a postdoctoral fellow in the well known laboratory of Professor Delmon in Louvain-la-Neuve before joining the University of Limerick in 1995. She is currently Senior Lecturer and Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs.