Scholars Spotlight - Neasa Nic Corcráin

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Neasa Nic Corcráin, a Laidlaw Scholar at Trinity College Dublin, is investigating potential links between heavy metals found in period products and reproductive and hormonal health outcomes.

Research title: 

Investigating the link between heavy metals in period products and the potential impact on reproductive hormonal health

Please briefly outline what your research is about, and its potential real world impact

My research investigated the potential health risks of everyday period products, focusing on the presence of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic in tampons.This work was inspired by studies reporting toxic elements in these products and by rising rates of reproductive health disorders, including endometriosis and PCOS, raising the question of whether chemical exposure from menstrual products could have been a contributing factor.

The project addressed two central questions: whether heavy metals in period products were linked to reproductive health issues, and whether manufacturing standards should be re-evaluated to better protect users. To explore these, I conducted surveys of individuals aged 18-55 about their menstrual health experiences, reviewed existing scientific literature on menstrual product composition and environmental toxins, and performed laboratory testing on a range of tampon brands to quantify heavy metal levels and assess safety relative to regulatory standards.

The research had significant potential real-world impact. Findings could inform safer manufacturing practices and improve transparency around the chemical composition of menstrual products. They could also guide healthcare professionals in providing evidence-based advice and empower consumers to make more informed choices. Beyond safety, the project aimed to challenge the stigma surrounding periods  by fostering open, evidence-based discussions about period products and their effects on reproductive and hormonal well-being.

Where did your passion for this research originate? How does your personal story feed into it? 

My passion for this research originated simply from my experiences as a woman, as I often felt that my health concerns were dismissed or minimised. Like many, I was taught to push through pain, fatigue, and hormonal changes without question, and when I raised issues with doctors or peers, I was often told, “That’s normal” or “That’s just hormones.” These experiences made me realize how widespread the dismissal of women’s health truly is, and how little scientific attention is paid to everyday products that directly affect reproductive and hormonal well-being.

I became particularly concerned about period products, which millions of people use monthly, yet their chemical composition and potential long-term impacts are rarely investigated. I wanted to understand whether the materials we rely on could be contributing to reproductive health issues like endometriosis or PCOS, and why these risks are so often ignored.

This research is deeply personal because it combines my lived experience with a commitment to science and advocacy. I want to challenge the normalisation of women’s pain, address gaps in product safety and transparency, and produce evidence that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health. By turning my frustrations into research, I hope to give a voice to those whose concerns are too often overlooked and contribute to a safer, more informed approach to menstrual and hormonal health.

What is the most memorable moment from your Laidlaw scholarship experience so far? 

The most memorable moment from my Laidlaw scholarship experience was attending a conference at Brown University, where I got to hear from so many talented individuals from around the world. Being surrounded by passionate researchers sharing innovative ideas was inspiring, but what made it truly transformative was seeing my own work taken seriously in that environment.

I have often felt that my research and health concerns were dismissed or underestimated. Having my study on menstrual product safety and women’s health chosen for the opportunity to be published  was profoundly validating. This experience gave me real hope for the future. It showed me that persistence, curiosity, and evidence-based work can break through biases, open doors, and contribute to meaningful change. For the first time, I felt that my work could not only be acknowledged, but could inspire dialogue, inform policy, and improve people’s lives.

What is the biggest challenge you came across in your research and leadership journeys so far, and what did you learn from it?

The biggest challenges I faced in both my research and leadership journeys was learning to allow myself to make mistakes, and, occasionally, to stop obsessing over them. As a young woman in a male-dominated field, I often felt I had to constantly exceed expectations, because failure is a luxury that I was not afforded.  Early in my project, this pressure made it impossible to try new approaches or risk failing, even when that’s exactly what I needed to do. I even found myself checking survey results at a Lucy Dacus concert because I literally could not get them out of my head. Eventually, I realised that embracing imperfection, and giving myself permission to pause, was essential. I learned that it’s okay to experiment, to mess up, and to reflect without guilt. This shift allowed me to advocate for my ideas more confidently, take initiative in the lab, and survive the frequent moments of doubt. Most importantly, it taught me that resilience, self-compassion, and the occasional emotional support concert are as important as lab skills, and that my voice and ideas actually matter.

Analysing my survey data at a Lucy Dacus concert

What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar? 

For me, it represents responsibility as much as opportunity: to turn curiosity and frustration into impact, to challenge systems that overlook important perspectives, and to create meaningful change. Being part of a community of passionate, driven peers has reinforced that collective voices matter, but that individual action can spark progress too. Being a Laidlaw Scholar is about amplifying underrepresented voices, making the most of rare opportunities, and ensuring that important questions are never ignored.

Which particular leaders inspire you the most and why? 

The leader who inspires me most is my mam. Shortly before I started college, I lost my dad, and my mam became a single parent. At a time when I felt like giving up, she would not let me back down. She pushed me to keep going, to embrace opportunities, and to fight for the things I believe are right, even when I found her persistence frustrating.

Her example taught me that leadership isn’t about authority or titles; it’s about resilience, determination, and standing up for what matters, even in the face of personal hardship. Watching her navigate this sudden responsibility while still supporting me and all my siblings inspired me to develop the same courage and tenacity in my own life. Now, I am grateful for her stubbornness, and I recognize it in myself. I am proud to have inherited her determination and sense of justice, which guide the way I approach challenges, advocate for others, and persist in research and leadership. Her loud, relentless leadership continues to shape how I act and the impact I hope to have.

Briefly describe a scene from the future you are striving to create. 

I imagine a world where girls walk into boardrooms, labs, stages, and classrooms, speaking boldly, their voices shaping change. Coming from a country whose language was once silenced, I want freedom of expression and opportunity for all, especially young women. want a future where girls lead confidently, authentically, and without compromise, leaving a path for those who follow.

“Ní neart go cur le chéile”– there is no strength without unity.

Quick Fire Questions

 📺 Currently Binging: 

Doctor Who!

📚 My top book recommendation: 

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

🎶 My anthem:

EUROCOUNTRY by CMAT

🎶 Current Podcast Obsession:

Twinhood by Maisie and Ellen Peters!

🌈 Something that made me feel joy recently: 

Winning Best Digital Media in Ireland for Trinity News was very cool! Also just hanging out getting pints with my friends and being grateful I have an outlet in them 

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