Dr James A. McGrath joined the Department of Physics as an Assistant Professor/Lecturer in April 2023. He graduated with a B.Sc. in Physics with Astrophysics from Maynooth University (2008). He continued his studies and was awarded a PhD from the University of Galway (2013) from the School of Physics for his research on ‘Development of a Probabilistic Multi-Zone Multi-Source Computational Model for Indoor Air Pollution Exposure Assessment. Prior to joining Maynooth University, he worked as a Research Fellow within the Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (CCAPS) at the University of Galway. In 2017, he completed a further qualification in Teaching and Learning from the University of Galway, the Postgraduate Diploma in Academic Practice, which included a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. 

Dr. McGrath is a member of the ICARUS Research Institute, which focuses on climate change adaptation and mitigation. His research activities include fundamental and applied research in the field of indoor built environment, where he focuses on indoor environmental quality, aerosol science and building ventilation. His recent work has focussed on assessing climate change adaptation measures and implications for large-scale national retrofit. 

He currently serves on the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ) Board of Directors, the leading research society in his field. He is the lead Irish participant on an IEA EBC Annex86, ‘Energy Efficient Indoor Air Quality Management in Residential Buildings’ and the Irish representative on the Air Infiltration and Ventilation Centre (AIVC) Board, and sits on the editorial board for the International Journal of Ventilation. His combined monetary achievements are over €2.1M as either PI or co-PI from SEAI, EPA, and SFI. 

He has been an invited expert advisor to the steering committee for the National Radon Control Strategy and NSAI Committees. He has a wealth of experience in public outreach and has played critical roles in scientific outreach at high-profile events. He regularly engages with multiple media outlets (TV productions, radio, and online media) on the topic of indoor air quality and ventilation.