Issue Eleven | December 2023
02 – ATU Conferrings 11 – Bursaries Available to ATU Alumni 40 – Fulbright Specialist Brings Play to ATU
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
01
12
Welcome from the Editor
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
02 University Updates - A TU Conferring Ceremonies - C elebrations to mark the Incorporation of St Angela’s College, Sligo into ATU
- T alking about Racism in Irish Primary Schools - E mpowering Women in STEM: New WiSTEM Society - The Marriage Bar - A TU Staff and Alumni Contribute to new Social Care Work Textbook - A TU Lecturer Delivers Keynote Speech on Racism
09 Editor: Anne Donnelly Design: The Foundation
Alumni
Photography: Alison Laredo, James Connolly, Jessica Priddy, Mike Shaughnessy, Clive Wasson, Aengus McMahon, Donal Hackett, Conor Doherty, Ugnius Brazdziunas, Gerard McHugh and ATU staff
- 3 5th International Marketing Class Reunion
21
- 1 00 Bursaries Available to ATU Alumni
Research News
Cover photo: Pictured at the ATU Donegal conferring ceremony, Victoria Riley who graduated with a BSc in Applied Data Technologies. LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: If there is anything you would like to see in future issues of this magazine, please email anne.donnelly@atu.ie
- R esearching Students’ Opinions on Mental Health - S FI-IRC Pathway Programme Award
THE FUTURE IS HERE
43 ATU Celebrates - S iemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year
25 Innovation and Engagement - i-Days: Student Competition Tackles Health Challenges - A TU Celebrates Maths Week Ireland
- A TU Lecturer wins itag Award
35
- A rchitectural Technology Graduate Success
Enhancing our Student Experience
- ATU Podcasts on Spotify
- A TU’s Collaboration with Foróige’s Third Level Mentoring Programme
- Exploring Economic Opportunities in the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain
- A TU launches Student Digital Backpack
- MakerSpace Program Ignites the Spark of Creativity and Technology in Secondary School Students
- ATU Library News
33 ATU Global - A TU Launches Three New Joint Programmes in China - A TU Staff visit Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
- Fulbright Specialist Brings Play to ATU
- A TU Celebrate Native Trees on Campuses - Staff in the News - O range the World - R ecord Numbers Attend ATU Open Days
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Welcome from the Editor,
Anne Donnelly Dear Reader,
I am delighted to welcome you to issue eleven of our ATU Magazine. This academic term has seen a multitude of activities happening across our nine campuses. On 1 November St Angelas was officially incorporated into ATU and celebrations were held on the campus on 6 November. Also, in the month of November seventeen conferring ceremonies took place with over 5,000 students graduating from ATU. We bring you a selection of photos from the ceremonies on pages 2-6.
In Equality, Diversity and Inclusion news we have an interesting article by Dr Breda McTaggart who outlines the history of the Marriage Bar from the 1870s to the present day and we introduce a new student society which aims to champion gender equality and promote inclusivity in the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). There have been many innovative and engagement activities in ATU in the past few months. In this issue we give you a taste of these from running Maths programmes for primary and second level schools to bringing the innovative Maker Space program to schools with the main of transforming the way second level students view careers in technology. We also look at how we are enhancing our students’ experience in this issue with features on mentoring students
1 | Issue Eleven September 2023
“If there is anything you would like to see in future issues of this magazine, please email me at anne.donnelly@atu.ie” at third level, our new Student Digital Backpack and the visit of Professor Amanda Pintore, Fulbright Specialist from Arizona State University who brought play and creativity to another level at ATU. Record numbers at ATU Open Days in October and November indicate that ATU is becoming an even more popular university with over 8,500 prospective students attending our Open Days this term. We bring you a round-up and snapshots from these events on pages 49-52.
The purpose of this magazine is to keep you updated on our activities and initiatives. So, whether you’re a member of our student or staff body, or are one of our regional, national or international stakeholders, we hope you find something of interest here. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and a happy new year. Best Wishes Anne Donnelly
THE FUTURE IS HERE
University Updates
ATU Conferring Ceremonies
Graduates celebrate at ATU’s Galway City conferring ceremony. Over 5,000 graduands were recently conferred with ATU awards at our conferring ceremonies which took place across five locations in the west and north-west from 2 November to 23 November. All our ceremonies were live streamed, and you can watch the recordings on ATU’s YouTube channel by clicking here.
Over 5,000 Graduates Across 9 Campuses Disciplines Business, Tourism, Hospitality & Heritage, Engineering, Science, Computing, Design & Creative Arts, Furniture Design, Health Sciences, Home Economics, Technology and Education.
“On behalf of the staff and Governing Body of Atlantic Technological University I want to congratulate you on receiving your parchment today! Our Conferring ceremony is a public affirmation and celebration of your personal achievement on the completion of your course of study with us. Your resilience and commitment over the last few years are now being rewarded. The conferring of a higher education award is a true testament to your dedication, hard work and sacrifices. As an ATU graduate, no matter where you have studied in our University, you have been given one of the best starts and have met excellent academic standards upon which our reputation is built – I urge you to seize everything you have learned and don’t be afraid to aim high! I look forward to the positive contributions to Irish and global society that you will make both in your future careers and individually as good citizens. I am confident that you have acquired the knowledge, skills and competencies to be successful. You should be proud, as should all who supported and assisted you in your efforts. And do please stay in touch with us by joining our newlylaunched ATU Alumni Network – just contact alumni@atu.ie. Go raibh maith agaibh and go n’eirí an t’ádh libh go léir.” Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, speaking to graduands at each of our seventeen conferring ceremonies over seven days in November 2023
Issue Eleven September 2023 | 2
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Dr Billy Bennett, VP for Academic Affairs and Registrar, ATU and Paul Hennigan, Head of College, ATU Donegal.
Anne Barron, our first ATU graduate for 2023 pictured with Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President at ATU Donegal.
Left to right: Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Rachel Boat, ATU St Angela’s first graduate and Dr Amanda McCloat, Head of ATU St Angelas. Rachel is from Letterkenny and graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Special Education.
Mother and daughter, Noreen and Roisin Maguire, graduated together with a level 8 Bachelor of Business pictured with Patricia Doherty, Head of Department of Business Studies, ATU Donegal; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President and Michael Margey, Head of Faculty of Business, ATU Donegal.
3 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Graduates celebrate at ATU Sligo’s conferring ceremony.
Sutheesh Pascal Baylon at ATU Donegal gradated with an MSc in Cybersecurity.
Yin Qi Koh, with mother Won, Chin Ling and father Koh,Lian Lee, who flew from Johor, Malaysia graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Tourism with Event Management at ATU Sligo. Sandrine Kulimushi graduated with a Bsc (Hons) in General Nursing at ATU Mayo.
Seán O’Connor, Doctor of Philosophy, from Macroom, Cork with his mother Martina, father Pat and Seán’s girlfriend, Roxanna Jakubowsk at ATU Sligo. Issue Eleven November 2023 | 4
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
ATU’s Alumni Officer, Lauren Reynolds at ATU Mayo’s conferring ceremony.
Seanie Boyle (pictured with his sister) graduated from ATU Mayo with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Social Care. ATU Academic Excellence Award Winner, Séan Ryan, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Furniture Design and Manufacture, ATU Connemara (pictured centre) with Dr Paddy Tobin, Head of School of Design & Creative Arts, ATU Galway-Mayo and Dr Billy Bennett, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar, ATU.
Noémie Hübner with her fiancé Edward Doheny at ATU Mayo. Noémi graduated with a BA (Hons) in Outdoor Education. Edward graduated from ATU Mayo in 2022.
5 | Issue Eleven November 2023
Graduates celebrate at ATU Galway City’s conferring ceremony.
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Mílena Jemanuilova, who graduated from ATU Galway with a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting receiving an Academic Excellence Award. Mílena is pictured with Dr Seamus Lennon, Head of School of Business, ATU Galway-Mayo and Dr Billy Bennett, ATU Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar.
Graduands waiting to be conferred at ATU’s Connemara campus conferring ceremony.
Paul Leamy, Head of ATU Connemara Campus presents Ricarda Bolle with the ‘Maker of the Year Award’. She graduated from the B.Sc. in Furniture Design & Manufacture programme.
Otito Mbelu who graduated from ATU Galway with a BBs in Computing in Software Development receiving an Academic Excellence Award. Otito is pictured with Dr Billy Bennett, ATU Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar and Dr Lisa Ryan, Head of School of Science and Computing, ATU Galway-Mayo.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 6
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Celebrations to mark the Incorporation of St Angela’s College, Sligo into ATU On 6 November, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD joined staff and students in St Angela’s College, Sligo to celebrate its incorporation into ATU. Speaking at the event, Minister Harris said: “St Angela’s College, Sligo has long been an important provider of initial teacher education particularly in terms of its Home Economics offerings not just in Sligo but nationally and provides higher education programmes across a range of other important disciplines including over two decades in delivering nursing education. “So becoming an integral part of an emerging higher education powerhouse in the west and northwest that is ATU has always to my mind been a logical step. “But it has not been an easy road. Today marks the end of a long journey for many people but it is the beginning of a new dawn for the staff, students and the county of Sligo.” Minister Harris thanked the presidents, governing bodies, staff and students of both higher education institutions for the many years of hard work behind the incorporation.
7 | Issue Eleven November 2023
The Minister also expressed his gratitude to the Ursuline Order for their gifting of the Lough Gill site to ATU and additional lands stating that their legacy to higher education provision in the region will continue to be appropriately acknowledged going forward by ATU. Sr Marianne O’Connor, Ursuline Order, said: “Our donation of St Angela’s College ensures the continuation of the Ursuline legacy of education in Sligo which dates back to 1850. We are delighted with the development and wish the College and ATU every future success.”
ATU President Dr Orla Flynn said: “While formal discussions on the possible incorporation of St Angela’s College into ATU only commenced a few short years ago, the relationship between the two institutions goes back much further, with both parties involved in initial teacher education under the Western Institute for Studies in Education.” St Angelas is the ninth campus joining ATU, bringing the university’s student population to almost 25,000. To watch a recording of the Incorporation celebrations please click here.
“ We have built our values based on a rich
history that we are extremely proud of and know that ATU St Angelas will now continue to pave the way for future generations to come. Continuously evolving and serving communities near and far, we look forward to many wonderful opportunities for staff and students arising from the incorporation. ” Dr Amanda McCloat, Head of ATU St Angelas
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Left to right: Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Sr Marianne O’Connor, Ursuline Order and Dr Amanda McCloat, Head of ATU St Angelas.
Minister Simon Harris meets students at ATU St Angelas.
“ I want to publicly acknowledge the extraordinary gift from the Ursuline Order, and to welcome everyone from St Angela’s into the ATU family. We look forward to a very bright future through our combined academic and community-facing endeavours. ” Left to right: Maura McNally, Chair of ATU Governing Body; Cllr Gerard Mullaney, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council; Deputy Frank Feighan, TD, Sligo-Leitrim; Dr Amanda Mc Cloat, Head of ATU St Angela’s; Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, TD; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, and Cllr Tom Fox, Sligo, at the celebrations marking the incorporation of St Angela’s College into ATU.
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 8
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
ATU Alumni 35th International Marketing Class Reunion
ATU alumni from Spain, Greece, Belgium, Germany and France, all returned to Sligo for a weekend in September for a class reunion. The group, comprising 33 alumni, attended ATU Sligo in 1993 as Erasmus students studying on the International Marketing programme. A reception took place in the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences in ATU Sligo and alumni were able to revisit former lecture theatres and view modernised campus facilities.
9 | Issue Eleven November 2023
The reunion unfolded into a social weekend, with the group revisiting many of their old haunts in Sligo. The group enjoyed trips down memory lane, told wonderful stories, laughed a lot, and vowed to return in five years for another reunion weekend. Pilar Perlines who currently lives in Spain and previously interviewed as part of the ‘Spotlight on ATU Alumni’ series, organised the reunion having remained in touch with both ATU former students and staff.
THE FUTURE IS HERE
“ On every ATU campus our students make lifelong connections that last well into retirement. These are valuable relationships that help to support and guide people in both their professional and personal journeys. Connections that last a lifetime are special, they must be nurtured, and time invested into developing them. Alumni reunions can help keep these connections strong. This is certainly the case with the Marketing class of 1993/1994 as they enjoyed their 35th class reunion this year! ” ATU Alumni Officer Lauren Reynolds
We love to hear about alumni reunions, wherever or however they are happening, and where we can, we will feature these events across our ATU Alumni Network channels. If you know of an ATU alumni reunion taking place or are planning to host one, please contact us by emailing alumni@atu.ie.
Left to right: Ms Emer Ward, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, ATU Sligo and Pierrette Dumareau at the 35th International Marketing class reunion in ATU Sligo.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 10
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Always Learning 100 Bursaries Available to ATU Alumni ATU aims to embed sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core guiding principles across all activities within the university. As a demonstration of the university’s commitment to sustainability, we are offering 100 bursaries to ATU alumni who would like to undertake a Certificate in The Sustainable Development Goals, Partnership, People, Planet and Prosperity. This programme, which is delivered online and is part time, is for anyone who would like to learn more about SDGs. If you would like to apply for the ATU Alumni bursary for this programme please email John Scahill at john. scahill@atu.ie
11 | Issue Eleven November 2023
Certificate in The Sustainable Development Goals, Partnership, People, Planet and Prosperity The programme will introduce the theory and application of SDG with a particular focus on their application in the regional context. The programme aims to encourage knowledge of and reflection on how the SDG framework can be applied in a local context to encourage the implementation of environmentally sustainable, living and working practices, that support a just transition to more equitable society. This programme is funded by the Online, Flexible and Professional Development (OFPD) function via the Higher Education 4.0 project.
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Talking about Racism in Irish Primary Schools ‘Talking about Racism,’ a new resource for primary schools, developed by ATU lecturer Dr Susan McDonnell with a group of expert advisors, was launched at the ATU Sligo campus on 27 October. Dr Perry Share chaired the launch and the main speaker was Emer O’Neill, who is an author, presenter, teacher and anti-racism activist. This illustrated resource and accompanying video are intended to support first conversations about race in Irish primary schools. The book explores race and racism using simple language and prompts discussion on possibilities for change in our schools and societies. It also provides a range of resources and training options for teachers wishing to develop their own knowledge of this area. There are currently very few materials of this kind available that are based in a specifically Irish context. The book draws on data from Susan’s research in 2010-2011, which focused on children’s navigation of race and belonging in two Sligo primary schools - the Mercy Primary and Sligo School Project. It features quotes, drawings and collages by children aged five to eight who participated in the arts-based qualitative project. It was very clear from the research that young children were negotiating the same racialised hierarchies that surround all of us in Irish society. In particular black children, children of colour, Traveller and Roma children were thinking very deeply around issues of racism
and exclusion, due to their own experiences. This was sometimes counter to adult beliefs around the impact of race in children’s lives. The resource is intended to disseminate messages from the research back to schools, in addition to the traditional route of publication in academic journals/ books. Research findings, theory and recommendations have been combined with additional information, supports and prompts for teachers, and integrate valuable advice and insights from Emer O’Neill, Dr Niamh McGuirk (DCU), Aoife Titley (MU), Briana Fitzsimons, Pierre Yimbog and Ronke Oladele (Black and Irish).
“ Research shows that children notice race and from the early years they learn attitudes about race based on what they see in their societies. ” Dr Susan McDonnell
Development of this output was supported by the Capacity Building Fund at the Research Office, and the launch was supported by the EDI Office and by the School of Business & Social Sciences. The resource is free to Primary schools, teachers, educators or others engaged with young children, to request a copy please click here.
Emer O’Neill speaking at the launch of ‘Talking about Racism’.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 12
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Empowering Women in STEM: New WiSTEM Society In a bid to champion gender equality and promote inclusivity in the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the WiSTEM Society, an acronym for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, was established at ATU in September 2023. This initiative seeks to embolden and inspire women pursuing careers in STEM disciplines, where a glaring gender gap prevails. Women remain underrepresented in certain STEM fields, often grappling with a crisis of confidence that leads to a discouraging trend of dropping out during their tertiary education. The WiSTEM Society aims to turn the tide, empowering women to pursue STEM courses with confidence. In October 2023, the society held a welcome event on ATU’s Galway City campus when the Women in STEM (WiSTEM) society was officially launched. Led by a passionate committee, WiSTEM is dedicated
“ WiSTEM stands as a symbol of progress and unity, advocating for equal representation and opportunities in STEM fields. This society actively encourages everyone, including males, to join hands in support of this transformative initiative. The WiSTEM society recognises that it takes collective effort to address gender disparities in STEM, and its doors are open to all who are committed to this noble cause. ” Keith Cunningham, ATU student in Manufacturing Engineering
to creating exciting opportunities for students, irrespective of gender, through a range of innovative events, scholarships, and workshops. The welcome event was a remarkable success. It wasn’t just a gathering; it was a celebration of diversity, innovation, and progress. Students and faculty alike revelled in the spirit of unity and empowerment. It was evident that WiSTEM has a bright future ahead, one filled with opportunities for all who seek to make their mark in the world of STEM. One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of upcoming activities that promise to be as
engaging as they are educational. From inspiring guest lectures by accomplished women in STEM to interactive workshops that aim to break down the gender barriers in these fields, WiSTEM has an exciting calendar ahead. It’s never too late to join WiSTEM and reap the benefits it has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned STEM enthusiast or just dipping your toes into these exciting fields, WiSTEM welcomes all with open arms. To become a member, please click here or email wistematusociety@gmail.com
“The launch of the WiSTEM society represents a significant step toward a more inclusive and equitable future for STEM. With an array of exciting events, scholarships, and workshops on the horizon, WiSTEM promises to be a catalyst for change and a source of inspiration for all who aim to shatter the glass ceiling in STEM fields. Join the movement, and together, let’s create a world where talent knows no gender boundaries.” Dr Anushree Dwivedi, ATU lecturer in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering
13 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
The Marriage Bar - Fool me once.. This position was supported by state, chuch and others. There was little truth to the argument. Instead, removing women from the workfoce left employment gaps in roles traditionally associated with female employees, such as typists, clerks, housekeepers, factory workers, shop assistants, primary school teachers, radiographers, and nurses. Unemployment for men continued to rise and emigration soared. It is said that this position was exaggerated by a few very powerful individuals who had a specific set of beliefs.
Dr Breda McTaggart outlines the history of the Marriage Bar from the 1870s to the present day. It is hard to understand the discrimination that Irish women have faced over many years. With every step forward, it often felt that they took many steps back. One giant step back was the introduction of what is commonly known as the Marriage Bar. The Marriage Bar’s roots in Ireland can be traced back to the 1870s when women took up posts as civil servants. Before long, their value to the workforce became apparent. These women, bravely campaigned to be made permanent employees, asking for parity with men in similar roles. However, to be given permanent employee status, they had to agree to leave their jobs on marriage. The rationale behind this was the belief that women were supplementary to employment roles.
This discrimination continued and gained momentum, and the Marriage Bar became ingrained in the Civil Service Regulation Act of 1924. For the next decade, several other legal and policy changes occurred, which negatively impacted the lives of women. But what is often considered the nail in the coffin in support of discrimination and subversion of Ireland’s women was the legal and social endorsement of the Marriage Bar in Article 41.2 of the 1937 Irish Constitution, which states: 1. In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved. 2. The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home.
This Article was included without a social welfare system; consequently, poverty was rife. This Article was not included in earlier versions of the Constitution. While the Marriage Bar was never legally binding for private organisations, nor did it bind statesponsored employers from employing women, the practice of ending the employment of women when they married was widespread Decades of forced financial deprivation for women, children and families passed. Old arguments supporting the need to continue the status quo remained as Ireland struggled with both a patriarchal structure and extremely high unemployment. The only change was the abolition in 1958 of the Marriage Bar for female primary school teachers, purely because of a shortage of qualified teachers available to work in primary schools. As the 1960s arrived, change was inevitable because of the introduction of an export-orientated government policy. The volume of exports increased, unemployment quickly fell, emigration slowed, and skills and employment gaps were evident. A prosperous Ireland was emerging from the shadows of its past; there was recognition that something would have to change to allow this to continue.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 14
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Ireland knew it needed to join the European Economic Community (EEC). However, for any country to be allowed entry to the EEC, they had to agree to Article 119 of the European Community (EC) Treaty of Rome (1957), which required member states of the EEC to adopt and implement the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation, including the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value. These would have to be addressed before Ireland could be considered for entry. The removal of the Marriage Bar occurred in 1973. Ireland joined the EEC in 1973. Unfortunately, it did not end there; the root cause and ideology of a woman’s place as a homemaker did not disappear with the Marriage Bar’s removal. Many people disagreed with the principle that married women should be allowed to work. Remnants remain today. This position will likely remain until a constitutional change occurs to Article 41.2. While many have asked for these changes, including the United Nations, this has yet to happen.
Perhaps we are a little closer. In 2016, the Government committed to holding a referendum on Article 41.2 of the Irish Constitution in its Programme for a Partnership Government. In 2022, the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality recommended that Article 41.2 of the Constitution be repealed and replaced with language that reflects the society we wish to live in. Additionally, the assembly also called for government commitment to the urgent implementation of a solution to compensate the women who still suffer pension inequality due to the Marriage Bar. A referendum date was indicated as the latter part of 2023, the time for change is now.
“ The Marriage Bar required women
working in specific jobs to leave their careers when married. Additionally, married women were disqualified from applying for vacancies in many occupations. ”
Dr Breda McTaggart is the Head of Faculty of Business and Social Sciences at ATU Sligo Her research interests focus on education success and participation, policy, professionalism and change. She is author of the book, The Nursing Profession and the Marriage Bar: Crisp White Uniform.
15 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
ATU Staff and Alumni Contribute to new Social Care Work Textbook The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) recently published the fourth edition of ‘Social Care Work: An Introduction for Students in Ireland’. Head of Student Success at ATU, Dr Perry Share, writes about its origin and progression since it was first published in 2005. In Sligo, in the early 2000s, the concept of an Irish social care textbook was born. The aim was to serve the rapidly expanding number of honours degree students, but also to foster the development of the social care profession itself. The field was then fragmented and heavily dependent on teaching materials from areas such as social work, often from outside Ireland. An Irish textbook would help to build the self-identity and self-esteem of emergent practitioners. 2005 saw the publication of ‘Applied Social Care: An Introduction for Irish students,’ with 23 chapters by academics and practitioners from across Ireland, Europe and North America. It was quickly established as the key social care text. Revised editions, edited by Dr Perry Share, ATU Sligo and Dr Kevin Lalor, TU Dublin appeared in 2009 and 2013. Though the book continued to sell healthily, Gill and Macmillan (now Gill) made the decision in 2014 to cease academic publishing.
It looked like the days of this textbook were over. But when Kevin Lalor attended the Social Care Ireland conference in Sligo in 2022, participants talked of how they still used the 2013 edition. Meeting later over coffee in Leitrim’s Organic Centre, Kevin and Perry vowed to create an updated edition and soon Dr Teresa Brown of Technological University Shannon was added to the team. The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) came on board as publisher. Social care has seen significant changes since 2005, most importantly the establishment in 2007 of CORU, the health and social care regulatory body. Other important developments were the establishment of HIQA in 2007 and Tusla in 2014, both of which have impacted on the development, delivery and regulation of services. All Technological Universities
(TUs) now have professional social care courses, including masters programmes. Many lecturers and practitioners are obtaining doctoral qualifications. The time seemed right for a new edition and, most importantly, there was a new generation of academics and practitioners to draw on – many of whom had used the text in their own studies. The fourth edition, published in October 2023, contains 29 chapters by 46 contributors. Seven hail from the Sligo, Donegal and Mayo campuses of ATU. A further two are IT Sligo graduates, Emmet Tuite and Siobhán QuinlanCooke, both now TU Dublin lecturers.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 16
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
So, why this textbook now, when just about any question can be answered by an AI-based tool or platform? The textbook reflects the informed views of real people - not algorithms; it curates a broad range of perspectives from social care practitioners, academics and others; and points to innovative practices that readers may not have been aware of. Above all, the book maintains its original purpose which is to help create and cement a social care professional identity. There are many challenges ahead for Irish society and social care practitioners are needed more than ever. This book will help ensure they are well-informed, innovative and critical in their professional formation. It is almost certain that some ATU social care graduates will find themselves in a future edition – whatever format that takes. ‘Social Care Work: An Introduction for Students in Ireland’ can be purchased from the IPA by clicking here or from major bookshops.
ATU Contributors to ‘Social Care Work: An Introduction for Students in Ireland’ Dr Majella Mulkeen wrote a chapter titled, Critical practice in social care: enhancing the social justice focus. She says: “Given the rising levels of inequality in Irish society, it is important that students develop a critical perspective, the capacity to question our current society its inequalities of care, resources, respect and power- with a view to addressing these, in whatever way is appropriate. This chapter introduces students to critical thinking and practice in social care so that they can understand the limitations of our current society and be able to think about how things might be different.”
Dr Jackie O’Toole and Dr Perry Share wrote a chapter titled, Gender, sexuality and social care. They say: “Ireland has undergone much change in recent years and nowhere is this more evident than in the areas of gender and sexuality. Gender and sexuality help shape our opportunities and life experiences but are also infused by power relations. It is still mostly women and girls who ‘do’ care and care work. This chapter unpacks this and related issues to examine how gender and sexuality frame the practice of social care.”
17 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Dr Gráinne Ketelaar wrote a chapter titled, Social care work and the challenge of the climate emergency. She says: “The signs of climate change are all around us. Those in social care need to be part of the conversations about how we envision a better world, if we are to have any chance to adapt and mitigate the worst effects of climate change, to replace it with a better-balanced ecosystem for the entire biosphere for all life forms. We will work with the people first and most affected by climate change – we need to be educated and ready.”
Dr John Pender and Dr Perry Share wrote a chapter titled, Digital technologies for care. They say: “We have been exploring the potential of social robotics to support the delivery of care. This is just one of the digital technologies that is going to be part of the care landscape of the future. Artificial intelligence (AI) is of course another. These technologies will raise many issues to do with ethics, privacy, autonomy and the potential ‘dehumanisation’ of care. Care workers of the future need to be informed of these technologies so they can contribute to the discussion”
Dr David Friel wrote a chapter titled, Traveller-inclusive practice in social care. He says: “The social care landscape remains rooted in equality, diversity and inclusion principles. My chapter offers a comprehensive exploration of Ireland’s only indigenous ethnic minority, Irish Travellers. The Roma community is also examined. It delves into their demographics, history, culture and experiences of inequalities, while emphasising the significance of cultural competence as a key proficiency standard. This chapter provides a nuanced account of what is required to understand and implement Traveller inclusive practice in social care.”
Eoghan Murphy with Dr Ciara Bradley and Anastasia Crickley, Maynooth University, wrote a chapter titled, Community work and work in the community. They say: “Many social care professionals are communitybased, depend on communities to help fulfil their remits, and some use community work approaches in their work. This chapter explores the concept of community and the ideals that inform it. It introduces what community work is, as well as community work approaches, such as the community response during Covid 19. It also introduces other important work in the community, including an introduction to family resource centres (FRCs) as a primary site of this work.” Issue Eleven November 2023 | 18
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
ATU Lecturer Delivers Keynote Speech on Racism
Dr John Mulloy, a lecturer at ATU Mayo delivered the keynote speech on racism at a recent seminar ‘Cairdeas le Chéile’ which took place as part of Social Inclusion Awareness Week 2023. The seminar’s primary objective was to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities, fostering constructive dialogue, advancing social inclusion, and addressing critical matters pertaining to diversity and racism. As part of his work at ATU, John has developed a module on the histories of Inequality, for a forthcoming parttime MA in Transformative Practices in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at ATU Mayo. This research formed the basis for an exploration of racism rooted in history. Speaking at the seminar, John said: “The main idea was to look at how racism has changed over the centuries, being based at different times on
19 | Issue Eleven November 2023
religious, pseudo-biological or cultural grounds, but always with the idea that some particular group has a perceived unchangeable difference that is regarded as incompatible with the society.” John went on to discuss how racism is different in each time and place and has a systemic aspect to it. John then facilitated an interview with Declan Walsh, Chief Africa correspondent with The New York Times, who hails from Ballina and lives in Kenya. Declan talked about racism in a global sense and about his experiences through his work in Sudan, Kenya, Pakistan, and other countries that he has lived and worked in. They discussed his journey from Ballina to where he is now, and his 2021 book, ‘The Nine Lives of Pakistan: Dispatches from a Divided Nation’, in particular the idea of using people’s lived experiences as the focus of the book.
Photographed at the Cairdeas le Chéile conference held Ballina Arts Centre as part of Social Inclusion Awareness Week were (from left): Sheila Garvin, AnneMarie Flynn, Dr John Mulloy (ATU), Bridie McAndrew, Fath Hamid, Martin Angolo, Rita Hopkins, Mags Downey, Councillor Annie May Reape, Paddy Maughan, Emmanuela Ubah, Sharon Murphy, Anne Ronayne, Councillor Jarlath Munnelly, Deirdre Finnerty and Celeste Khosa. Photo: John O’Grady During the interview Declan analysed the racial tensions in Sudan, before exploring the implications of global demographic change, with aging populations in China, Europe and Japan and the massive youth populations across Africa and the implications this might have for the future.
THE FUTURE IS HERE
John also moderated a panel discussion on lived experience. Panellist speakers included Martin Angolo, comedian/writer; Paddy Maughan, Mayo North East SICAP; Celeste Khosa, South West Mayo Development Company SICAP; and Emmanuela Ubah, Applied Social Care student at ATU Mayo. Following the panel discussion there was a questions and answers session where attendees were given the opportunity to further engage with the speakers/ panellists on the topic of racism, issues and how to combat such issues. The seminar was held in the Ballina Arts Centre and was organised by the Mayo Says No to Racism group which was supported by Mayo County Council in partnership with Ballina 2023.
MA in Transformative Practices in EDI The MA in Transformative Practices in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at ATU Mayo aims to respond to the requirement to understand a socially diverse and multi-cultural Ireland; enhance the skills of learners so that they may be culturally, socially, and emotionally competent in equality, diversity, and inclusion practices and to support learners to engage in transformative practice so that difference and inclusion can be rendered visible and celebrated in the framework of a positive affirmation of human diversity. The programme is designed to develop graduates who primarily will work in equality, inclusion, and diversity related fields, but the programme is also suitable for those seeking a broad understanding of contemporary equality and diversity issues. To find out more please click here.
ATU Diwali Celebrations On November 12, ATU celebrated Diwali in Donegal. Staff and students travelled from Galway and Sligo to attend the event. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals in India and is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, making it a truly special and meaningful event.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 20
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Research News Researching Students’ Opinions on Mental Health A collaborative ATU research team have been gathering students’ opinions of mental health and mental ill-health as well as hearing directly from students about their challenges and required supports in relation to their mental health for the team’s research project titled ‘Students Perceptions of Mental Health & Mental Ill-Health’. Margaret Mc Loone one of the members of the research team updates us on the progress made to date.
“We were extremely fortunate to have over 700 responses to phase one of our project from students across all the campuses of ATU. To our research team’s surprise over one third of respondents had a previous or current diagnosis of a mental health disorder. This alone signifies that mental ill health is an issue for our students, and it is crucial we continue supporting and developing mental health supports to meet their needs.” ATU Postgraduate researcher Machailla Mc Cabe
Margaret says: “We were encouraged to learn that students themselves really valued mental health supports and services that were already in place across ATU. In fact, students often blamed themselves for not accessing services available to them.” Postgraduate researcher Machailla Mc Cabe who is based in the Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences in ATU Sligo has been working closely with students and support staff across all our campuses to ascertain their views in relation to mental health and supports and services they would like to see within the university for our student population.
Machailla Mc Cabe pictured alongside some her recently presented work on student mental health across ATU.
Research published by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in May 2023 reported that the proportion of young people who have experienced suicidal ideation increased by approximately 40% from 2012 to 2019, with almost two in every three young people reporting that they have considered taking their own life.
21 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
What was the focus of researching students’ opinions on mental health? We wanted to find out what were students’ views and perceptions on mental health specifically and we wanted to establish their perceptions on existing/potential supports and challenges they face in relation to their mental health particularly within the educational setting.
Figure 1: Students’ Potential Solutions to Approaching Student Mental Health
Greater adaptability needed
Less clinical approach
What have our students told us about their mental health?
“What is adequate one week, may not be adequate a week later.”
Students told us that they feel universities need to consider the overall ethos of mental health within their educational setting. This cultivates an understanding attitude towards mental health through nurturing a community that openly discusses and supports student mental health.
“We should be striving to provide more positive mental health supports.”
Staff resourcing
Student empowerment
“There are waiting lists, therefore the numbers of counsellors should be increased.”
“I am not sure if anymore would help without going over the top and stopping students build resilience.”
They also suggested a wide range of supports and solutions that they would see as valuable to their mental health as outlined in Figure 1. Interestingly, students felt that a universal approach is ineffective as there is “no one size fits all” approach when it comes to their mental health. It is crucial that we continue to allow the student voice to play a critical part in developing student supports and services for both mental health promotion and mental ill-health prevention.
Are supports and services adequate for student mental health?
What did our staff tell us about student mental health? A small staff sample who play a key mental health/pastoral care role across ATU were invited to give their opinion in relation to student mental health and ill health. They praised the current support services across campuses that incorporated treatment (counsellors and psychological support), prevention (workshops, trainings, campaigns etc.) and external stakeholders (referrals, community mental health specialist).
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 22
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Figure 2: Are Supports and Services Adequate for Student Mental Health across ATU? Potential solutions Instutional (Theme 1)
Flexible Structure Hybrid approach to teaching e.g. timetable, online vs on campus teaching Environmental Facilities for promoting mental health e.g. more clubs and societies
Individual (Theme 3) Governmental (Theme 2)
Routine Personal skills i.e. time management
Financial Change of threshold for student grant system
Communication Social circle openly supports and talks about mental health
Open Discussion Overall ethos and culture
Mental Health Support Services
Services Improve/increase mental health supports and services
Are our existing supports and services meeting our students’ mental health needs? Those surveyed felt there was room for improvement. Figure 2 shows the possible aspects both staff and students feel need to be improved within the university environment. The findings show that a more visible soft approach would be more effective than a clinical approach towards mental health. In additional, supports and services must meet the specific need of each individual campus. The research team looks forward to proceeding with the third phase of their research inviting all staff over the coming months across ATU to get involved. The team will focus specifically on gathering staffs’
23 | Issue Eleven November 2023
To find out more on national support services please click on the links below: opinions and experiences with student mental health to develop a mental health toolkit for staff to utilise when needed. The research team comprises of Machailla McCabe, Postgraduate Researcher, Dept of Health & Nutritional Sciences, ATU Sligo; Margaret McLoone, Dept of Health & Nutritional Sciences, ATU Sligo; Renagh Linnane, Student Counsellor, ATU Galway-Mayo; Dr Gail Cummins, Dept of Nursing and Health Care, ATU Letterkenny. Dr Richéal Burns, lecturer in Health Information Technology, Dept. of Health, and Nutritional Science, ATU St Angelas has recently joined the team.
Mental Health Ireland Phone: 01 284 1166 Health Service Executive A Lust for Life Reach Out Turn2Me Aware. Email: info@aware.ie Phone: 1800 80 48 48
ATU Support Services Galway: 091 742118 Letterkenny: 074 918 6855 Sligo: 071 9305463 St Angelas: 087 6609209
THE FUTURE IS HERE
If you are concerned about your mental health or indeed someone you know please click on the QR code for help and information relating to mental health support services.
ATU members of the U-WELL project research team, left to right: James Sweeney, PhD student, Dr Louise McBride and Dr Margaret McLafferty.
SFI-IRC Pathway Programme Award Dr Margaret McLafferty, Department of Nursing and Healthcare, ATU Donegal, has been awarded significant funding of €560,000 under the SFI-IRC Pathways Programme for a research project titled “Student Mental Health and Wellbeing on the Island of Ireland”. The new project will be known as U-WELL. Dr McLafferty, along with ATU and University of Ulster (UU) colleagues have a strong track record of student mental health and wellbeing research. Dr Louise McBride, ATU is the mentor to the project and Dr Elaine Murray and Professor Siobhan O’Neill, UU, are coinvestigators. The PhD candidate for the U-WELL project is James Sweeney who will be based in ATU Donegal. The SIF-IRC Pathway programme is a collaborative initiative between Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC) to support early-career research across all disciplines and to encourage interdisciplinary approaches.
Dr McLafferty says: “Our recent work revealed elevated rates of psychopathology and suicidality among students commencing college. Building on this existing collaboration between ATU and Ulster University, the proposed project aims to expand on these findings. The outcomes will benefit numerous stakeholders including students, educators and mental health service providers providing a better understanding of student mental health and identifying early intervention strategies. Such work is timely and of great importance, as many adolescents have been struggling since the onset of the pandemic, which may impact on their education and wellbeing in future years.”
their career to pursue independent research and discovery. In partnership with the Irish Research Council, we are nurturing and developing promising talent across diverse research areas. Their work will give us new insights and knowledge, and drive innovation, across the full spectrum from humanities to science, engineering and technology.”
Commenting on the awards, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland, Professor Philip Nolan said: “The SFI-IRC Pathway programme supports researchers at a comparatively early stage in Issue Eleven November 2023 | 24
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Innovation and Engagement i-Days: Student Competition Tackles Health Challenges 93 students from five disciplines (nutrition, health promotion, nursing, business, and engineering) and four campuses (Sligo, Galway City, Letterkenny, St Angelas) recently competed to develop health innovation solutions for chronic illness self-management, independent living, and health equity. i-Days promote health innovation by inviting students from all academic areas to receive an introduction to practical health innovation tools and compete in teams to tackle real-life health challenges. Students will develop ideas into innovative products and services and then pitch those to an expert judging panel. The speakers at this year’s event included Sinead Molloy (HSE Digital Health Manager), Maria Mulligan (CEO Sligo Centre for Independent Living), and Yvonne Kennedy (Patient representative speaking about her journey with MS). The judges included Brendan McLaughlin (Prior PLM Medical), Denise Mulvaney (Astara Creative), Tomás Thompson (Rockfield Medical), EveAnne McCarron, Finola Howe, Turlough Rafferty, and Eva Murphy (all ATU).
25 | Issue Eleven November 2023
Team Amplixer won this year’s event. The members of the winning team were students Dara Hession (Nutrition, ATU Galway) and Jack Murphy (Business and ICT, ATU Sligo). They proposed a low sugar and healthier alternative supplement drink to tackle malnutrition and help people live independently. Dara and Jack explained: “The name “Amplixer” is derived from the latin word Amplius meaning additional, and elixir which can be a fun word for drink, that’s what the drink is at its core it’s an additional drink, a supplement to be taken when someone can’t meet their nutritional requirements through whole foods.”
THE FUTURE IS HERE
“i-Days was a great way to meet new people and think of new ideas. It was a very fun challenge and when I found out that Dara and I won, I was speechless and couldn’t believe it. I’m looking forward to representing ATU in the finals in Barcelona.” Jack Murphy, member of the winning team
“At first the idea of collaborating across two different campuses left me feeling unsure and unnerved, however my experience in i-Days helped transform this uncertainty into innovation. Workshops, inspiring guest speakers and invaluable mentor feedback helped guide our team through the competition. Progressing to the finals was a shock and when Amplixer was announced as the winner I was delighted and proud of what we had accomplished.” Dara Hession, member of the winning team
Konrad Mulrennan, ATU lecturer said: “We’ve scaled-up i-Days massively this year with 25 teams and events hosted on the Letterkenny, Sligo and Galway campuses. We’re blown away by the level of collaboration and innovation carried out remotely across multiple ATU campuses to deliver truly brilliant and novel ideas. The students travelled across the region to meet peers for the first time, learn new skills and have demonstrated an ability to collaborate with those peers from different disciplines to deliver solutions for critical healthcare challenges. This is the first step into innovation and entrepreneurship for many of them and we hope they’ll carry their new skills forward into their respective careers to feed a pipeline of entrepreneurs and innovators into the region and beyond.”
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 26
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
ATU Celebrates Maths Week Ireland ATU held several events across our campuses in Galway, Sligo and Donegal during Maths Week Ireland 14-22 October. These events were made possible through the collective effort of ATU staff and students, local teachers, and sponsorship from local companies.
ATU Sligo Events run in Sligo included an interactive recreational lecture, MATLAB Onramp and a charity maths themed Pub Quix. The events were geared toward both primary school students and second level students with over 180 students attending the events. Dr Fernando Blasco, a mathematician and lecturer at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, spoke at the interactive lecture. He is interested in recreational maths and magic and uses magic to introduce the public to topics such as prime numbers, knot theory, sudoku, topology, number systems, mind games, calendars or quick calculation.
evenings 7pm - 9:30pm in room E1006. The course will be delivered by ATU mathematics lecturers.
“Over 1000 students from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd level education engaged in several free events organised across ATU during Maths Week 2023. It’s evident that this year’s celebration has been At the MATLAB Onramp event participants learnt the basics of the best yet, filled with MATLAB® through an introductory unparalleled enthusiasm, tutorial on commonly used features engagement, and a new found and workflows. MATLAB is a highappreciation for the beauty performance programming language of mathematics. Thank and environment primarily used you to all of the students, for numerical computing, data analysis, algorithm development, and staff, parents, teachers, and visualization. sponsors who helped to make ATU Sligo is offering an extra-curricular these events possible.” Mathematics Enrichment Program for secondary school students throughout the year. Classes will mainly take place on Thursday
27 | Issue Eleven November 2023
Dr Fionn Downes, ATU Sligo lecturer
ATU Galway-Mayo 130 primary and secondary school students visited ATU Galway city campus during Maths Week. Speakers included Tiago Hirth from the Ludus Association for recreational maths in Portugal, which is one of the top maths outreach groups in Europe and Jennifer Gallagher, a postgraduate research student in ATU Galway. Tiago Hirth kept staff and students entertained with his Mathemagical show which featured many areas of maths including topology and graph theory. First year students from Dominican College Galway (Taylors Hill) attended alongside undergraduate science and engineering students and staff from ATU Galway city. Tiago’s highly interactive and entertaining presentations wowed his audience with the magic of mathematics.
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Tiago also facilitated two workshops on Mathematical Board Games exploring a set of abstract games featured in the Portuguese Mathematical Games Championship, which has attracted players since 2004. These games include Hex, Slimetrail, Conane, and many more. Fourth class from Scoil Togala Mhuire, Kiltullagh with their teacher Mr Gormley played many rounds of the various games and swapped strategies. Fourth class from Scoil Chaitríona, Renmore with their teacher Mr OBrien, also attended the workshop and were entertained by a student who gave a demonstration with a robot that he constructed in an ATU Robotics summer camp. Mathematics lecturers Etain Kiely and Clare Lundon from the School of Science, and Aoife O’Brien and Rachel Gargan from the School of Engineering also helped facilitate the workshops answering students’ questions and assisting with strategies for the games.
“It was great to see so many excited secondary and primary school students arriving on campus for Maths Week 2023. Tiago’s talk and workshops were enormous fun and very engaging for both staff and students alike. Our own research student Jennifer did a fantastic job investigating the nature of sound – the students were incredibly enthusiastic in assisting her by making a lot of noise for her. Maths Week offers us a great opportunity to do maths in a fun and inventive way, showing everyone that maths exists all around us.”
Music and Maths
ATU Donegal
ATU researcher Jennifer Gallagher delved into the nature of sound waves with the visiting students. Jennifer’s demonstration focused on the amplitude and frequency of sound. Students completed simple exercises on worksheets throughout the demonstration. The young people from local schools brought an incredible energy, enthusiastically simulating animal noises which Jennifer captured using a virtual oscilloscope.
130 primary school students and 55 secondary students attended events organised in ATU Donegal. Professor Colm Mulcahy gave presentations to local national schools and the first year students of local secondary schools in the Letterkenny Campus.
Huge thanks to ATU Galway’s Schools of Engineering and Science who provided funding for the events and to the staff who assisted with the organisation of the events.
“Students attending were very excited to be in a third level college and a real lecture theatre. The maths presentations were fun and whacky. This event presents the possibilities of accessible maths and third level education to young minds.” Lucia Ramsey, ATU Donegal lecturer A Maths Meme competition ran across all campuses during the week with €300 in prize money sponsored by the School of Engineering, ATU Galway. The winners were: first place, Fannette Sarrey; second place, Romane Jager and third place, Claire Whelan.
Tiago Hirth delivering mathematic workshops at ATU Glaway City campus.
Aoife O’Brien, ATU Galway-Mayo lecturer Issue Eleven November 2023 | 28
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Exploring Economic Opportunities in the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain A multi-stakeholder event, spearheaded by ATU, in partnership with Tyndall National Institute (Tyndall) and Ulster University (UU), was held at ATU’s Letterkenny campus, on 18 September to explore the economic opportunities presented by the newly adopted EU Chips Act. Semiconductors are the essential components of electronic devices, and they play a vital role in the modern digital economy from healthcare to food security, global communications and future mobility. However, recent supply chain disruptions has led to a critical supply shortage, exposing Europe’s over-reliance on imports. Through the European Chips Act, designed to boost self-sufficiency, the EU aims to double its current global market share to 20% by 2030. The event titled, “NW of Ireland and the Opportunity in the Global Semiconductor Value Chain” brought together prominent business leaders, policymakers, academia, and elected officials in Letterkenny to explore how Ireland can position itself as a leader in photonics and semiconductor research and manufacturing while simultaneously addressing the deficits in high-value employment and research infrastructure in the north-west. Industry representatives in attendance included Eblana Photonics, Cirdan, Yelo,
29 | Issue Eleven November 2023
Left to right: Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, UU; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President and Professor William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall National Institute. Causeway Sensors, Allstate, Kelsius, Firecomms, and Nuprint. During the event, invitees got a chance to engage with distinguished speakers and international experts who shared their knowledge and expertise including Dr Wyn Meredith, Chair of the South Wales Compound Semiconductor Cluster, and Valerie Moreau of the Laval Mayenne Technopole in France.
“This cross-border initiative unites universities, research institutes, and industry across Ireland to catalyse research, develop new technologies, drive productivity, create jobs, increase STEM diversity, and strengthen the regional economy. With the generous support of stakeholders including the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, and industry partners, this consortium has the potential to play a pivotal role in boosting the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry across the island of Ireland.” Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at UU highlighted how the collaborative provision of crossborder education could significantly boost the regional semiconductor talent pool. He said: “This is an exciting knowledge exchange opportunity to further cooperation between third-level institutions in the north-west. Through collaborative research and development initiatives, as well as training and education programmes, we can support resilient semiconductor supply chains that foster innovation and investment into our communities through an inclusive workforce.” Speaking on behalf of the Smart Nano NI cluster, led by data storage company Seagate Technology, Matt Johnson, Senior Vice President Wafer Process Engineering and Systems, said: “This new all-island collaboration will complement the Smart Nano NI cluster in developing advanced prototyping and smart manufacturing technologies across Northern Ireland. Key to success will be the combined expertise of our companies and the advancement of talent and research infrastructure. We are delighted to be involved in this exciting project which has the potential to put the border region on the global map for semiconductor technology.” Professor William Scanlon, CEO of leading semiconductor research institute, Tyndall, said: “The recent adoption of the EU Chips Act presents a unique and timely opportunity for Ireland to bolster its leadership in semiconductors and photonics. As a longstanding innovator in semiconductor technology, Ireland must act now to build on its well-established strategic advantages in the sector, and mobilising publicprivate R&D partnerships to lead and leverage cumulative expertise is critical for our future economic success. Our alliance with ATU and UU represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to accelerate north-south research and innovation in support of a diverse and growing, internationally competitive semiconductor industry.”
Panel discussion at the NW of Ireland and the Opportunity in the Global Semiconductor Value Chain Event.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 30
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
MakerSpace Program Ignites the Spark of Creativity and Technology in Secondary School Students The future is here, and it’s hands-on! ATU are excited to announce the launch of an inspiring MakerSpace initiative aimed at transforming the way secondary school students view careers in technology. Transition Year students from Sligo Grammer School and Ballinrobe Community School got to experiment with a range of cutting-edge equipment as the project, which is run by the Online, Flexible and Professional Development (OFPD) function and funded by Higher Education 4.0, got off to a lively start. The MakerSpace team is embarking on a journey around the ATU region, visiting secondary schools to introduce students to a captivating world where technology meets creativity. Through interactive workshops with state-of-the-art equipment, such as laser cutters, 3D printers, vacuum formers, 3D scanners, and Internet of Things (IOT) Kits, students will explore robotics, coding, and much more, empowering them to unleash their creativity while gaining invaluable technical skills. The project aims to show that science and technology are not just subjects in a textbook but gateways to a world of innovation and career possibilities.
“ Our goal is to inspire students to consider
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as more than just subjects but as potential career paths. We want to open their eyes to the endless possibilities that a career in STEM can offer, we use the term ‘Imagine it – Create it’ to show students that, with the right training, there is no limit to what they can achieve. ” Noel Mulkeen, Higher Education 4.0 Innovation Manager with ATU
Mr Hall, Headmaster, Sligo Grammer School said: “For many of our students now is when they start to think about their future studies and this visit from ATU MakerSpace has made STEM come alive. Our students have been able to see, in real time, how something from their imagination can become a reality and this is a powerful message about what their future careers could be like.” The students from Ballinrobe Community School described the experience as: “Fun, not so serious and we felt like a team figuring stuff out together.”
31 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
“ The MakerSpace workshop was awesome;
I was able to experience in a real way what future Science and Technology jobs have to offer. Hearing about ATU and how technology is used today made me excited for the future and where science and technology will take me! ” Jack Donaghy, a student from Sligo Grammar School
Professor Jacqueline McCormack, VP Online, Flexible and Professional Development and EDI at ATU said: “Engaging with schools and with our community is very important to ATU, we’re delighted to be able to bring a taste of our STEM subjects to schools in a way that is engaging and inclusive.” If you would like the MakerSpace team to visit your school please click here and complete the contact form.
About ATU MakerSpace ATU MakerSpace is a pioneering initiative that brings technology and creativity to secondary schools, inspiring students to consider science and technology as exciting career choices. Through engaging workshops and hands-on experiences, ATU MakerSpace opens doors to a world of innovation and opportunity, bridging the gap between learning and real-world application. ATU MakerSpace is part of the ATU Higher Education 4.0 project which is funded by the HCI under Pillar 3.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 32
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
ATU Global
ATU Launches Three new Joint Programmes in China In October 2023, ATU Global celebrated the launch of three new Joint Programmes in China in the discipline areas of Mechatronic Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science. An ATU delegation led by Patrick Lynch, Director of Global Engagement at ATU Sligo attended the opening ceremonies for the inaugural intake of 144 students at partner institutions Jiangsu Food & Pharmaceutical Science College (JFPSC), Chongqing Medical & Pharmaceutical College (CQMPC) and Yunnan Vocational College of Mechanical & Electrical Technology (YVCMET).
The ATU delegation, Dr Neville McClenaghan, Patrick Lynch and Dr David Mulligan with staff and students at Jiangsu Food & Pharmaceutical Science College.
“We are delighted to expand our Joint Programme partnership presence with JFPSC, CQMPC and YVCMET, all of whom are Dr Neville McClenaghan, Head of on a journey to achieving technological university status in Department of Life Sciences, ATU China. ATU currently has c. 500 students enrolled at partner Sligo and Dr David Mulligan, Head institutions Tianjin University of Technology & Education of Department of Mechatronic (Electronic & Computer Engineering) and Lingnan Normal Engineering, ATU Sligo delivered the opening ceremony keynote addresses. University (Culinary & Gastronomic Sciences). The addition of our three new partners will bring the total number of students Each programme will consist of three enrolled on ATU Joint Programmes in China to c. 1,000 annual intakes, with a cumulative students by 2025.” maximum quota of 210 students per intake. Students study intensive academic English during Year One prior to completing their ATU Higher Certificate in Mechatronic Engineering and Higher Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science studies during Years Two and Three. Students can then transfer to ATU to complete their Level 7 or Level 8 bachelor’s degree studies.
33 | Issue Eleven November 2023
John Andy Bonar, VP for Research, Equality & External Affairs, ATU
Dr Neville McClenaghan speaking at the Chongqing Medical & Pharmaceutical College.
THE FUTURE IS HERE
ATU Staff visit Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Prof Suresh Pillai and Dr Gerard McGranaghan visited two campuses of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur on 9-17 September. They also visited the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) co-located at the Kuala Lumpur campus. The purpose of the visit was to explore and initiate research collaboration with UTM in common areas such as Nanomaterials, Health, Computing, Thermofluids, Energy and Engineering; identify transnational collaborative opportunities; and to initiate student/ staff exchange programmes between ATU and UTM. Prof Suresh Pillai and Dr Gerard McGranaghan met with over 15 key UMT personnel while in Malaysia. They presented an overview of ATU including our teaching and research activities. UTM has recently shifted from a teaching-only institute to placing a greater emphasis on research, a path that ATU is currently embarking on. Despite the global differences in locations, climate, and cultures, ATU and UTM share some common economic, environmental and energy concerns. Malaysia is industrially and technologically focussed yet seeks to protect its unique nature and environment. It is also a vibrant, friendly, and culturally diverse country, and with all education delivered
Left to right: Prof Suresh Ramakrishnan, Prof Suresh Pillai, Dr Gerard McGranaghan and Dr Naadia Mazlan.
Prof Suresh Pillai and Dr Gerard McGranaghan meet Heads of Faculty/ Departments at MJIIT Kuala Lumpar. through English, making it very attractive for student exchange visits. UTM are ATU are to jointly pursue a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore further collaborations, partnerships and exchanges. The ATU/UTM exchange visit was supported by the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN) and ATU. WTUN is a network of global technology universities committed to undertaking cutting-edge, challengeled research with direct benefits to people and society, and providing education for the next generation of global citizens who will have to respond to the world’s 21st century challenges.
In November ATU were part of an Irish delegation of Technological Universities led by the HEA to visit Canada to deepen relations with third level colleges, with ambitions for innovation projects, joint research and exchanges. ATU’s John Andy Bonar is pictured below with the Irish Ambassador to Canada, Eamon McKee and colleagues.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 34
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Enhancing our Student Experience
ATU’s Collaboration with Foróige’s Third Level Mentoring Programme Foróige’s Third Level Mentoring programme was established in 2019, developed in partnership with Foróige’s Big Brother Big Sister programme and the ATU Galway-Mayo Access and Participation office. Kirsten Lowe, who has been involved in the project from the outset tells us about the programme. The mentoring programme was set up to support students to ensure they get the most out of their time in ATU Galway-Mayo. The aim is to support and retain students as they transition into higher education. The programme was developed using the internationally recognised Big Brother Big Sister mentoring model, which was chosen because of its procedures for recruitment of participants, supervision of matches and proven outcomes for mentees. The programme was adapted to suit a third level setting.
35 | Issue Eleven November 2023
We ran a pilot in the 2019/2020 academic year in ATU Galway-Mayo and the programme then expanded to ATU Sligo, ATU Donegal and University of Galway in 2021. The programme is also running in SETU Waterford and UCC since 2022. Foróige’s Third Level Mentoring programme is a collaborative relationship between a member of staff and a student for the purpose of the mentee’s growth, learning and development. Mentors often act as role models and sounding boards for their mentee and provide guidance to help them reach their goals and make the transition to higher education as smooth as possible. Mentors also report many benefits, including satisfaction from seeing their mentees develop, expanded generational and cultural perspectives, strengthening of technical leadership and interpersonal skills, and continuing to experience new ideas and insights.
“ We are delighted
to be in our fourth year of running the mentoring programme in ATU. We had nearly 40 matches last year and plan to have similar or more matches this year. What I love about the programme is what a simple concept it is but can have such a positive impact on the student’s university experience. ” Kirsten Lowe, ATU Connect Programme Coordinator
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Who are the mentors? Mentors are employees of ATU, they work in professional, technical, academia and support roles. Mentors are selected based on their willingness and capability to support a student, their knowledge of the university and its processes and their interest in the welfare of our students.
Who are the mentees?
Research on the mentoring programme ATU Galway-Mayo carried out research on the pilot in 2019/2020. An emerging theme from the research, was the ‘reassurance’ role within mentoring matches. The research also found that the programme helped mentees settle into their first year, improved their confidence in a university setting and supported their emotional wellbeing. To find out more about the mentoring programme please contact Kirsten Lowe, ATU Connect Programme Coordinator at Kirsten.lowe@atu.ie
The programme is offered to first year students who are linked to the Access and Participation office. These students might be a Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) student or in receipt of one our scholarships or bursaries.
Mentors and Mentees talk about their experience of the mentoring programme at ATU
How does the mentoring programme work?
Etain Kiely and Natalie Nokuvimba Chiyaka
• Staff and students apply to the programme. Foróige facilitates the application process and provides training to mentors and mentees to prepare them for their roles.
Etain (Mentor)
• Mentors and mentees are matched based on similar interests, courses and complimentary personalities, hobbies etc. • Mentors and mentees meet once a month on campus grounds. They might meet for a coffee, lunch, or go for a walk around the campus. Mentees can email their mentor in between meetings if they have any questions/queries. • Mentors and mentees are assigned a Foróige staff member who will support them throughout the year.
Why I signed up: I signed up as I believe in the mutual growth and learning that happens when two individuals are connected through a mentoring programme. I have been fortunate enough to benefit from the guidance of mentors throughout my journey and I wanted to contribute meaningfully to the growth of another by sharing insights, experiences, and lessons learned along the way. What I enjoy about mentoring: The joy of mentoring for me lies in the reciprocity of the relationship. Through mentoring Natalie, I have gained an understanding of what it is like to be the only female in an engineering programme. I have offered Natalie guidance on developing her CV and explored job opportunities. I appreciate her encouragement as she guides me in exploring and learning to prepare new dishes, generously sharing culinary insights and ideas rooted in Zimbabwean cuisine.
Why I recommend mentoring: I wholeheartedly recommend staff members to embrace mentoring. It’s an opportunity to freely contribute to a positive learning culture, strengthening the fabric of the entire organisation. Witnessing the evolution of a mentee, observing their triumphs and guiding them through challenges, is immensely rewarding. The satisfaction derived from seeing someone you mentor flourish is unparalleled.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 36
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Natalie (Mentee) Why I signed up: I joined the mentorship program to receive guidance in my career path and cultivate valuable connections for my future endeavours. What I enjoyed about the program: I appreciate the program’s matching process, pairing individuals with similar personalities. This creates a comfortable environment, fostering easy connections with mentors. What were the benefits of the program? The program provides a support system, preventing misguided decisions by offering the opportunity to sit down with a mentor and navigate the complexities of the career journey. Would you recommend the program to students? Absolutely because it significantly contributes to our wellbeing. University life can be stressful, and having a mentor to guide you through challenges makes the journey much smoother.
Ben Sweeney and Micheál Cormack Ben (Mentor) Why I signed up: I signed up as I thought I could have benefitted from mentoring if it had been available during my time in third level education. Being away from home for the first time can be daunting especially if you are the first in your family to attend third level so I believed I could use my experience to help guide another student through their time in ATU. What I enjoy about mentoring: Getting to know your mentee and being able to offer advice or even simply acting as a sounding board to help talk through any issues they encounter is very rewarding. What are the benefits of the program? It would help students who may not feel comfortable in confiding in their immediate family or friend group regarding issues they encounter in third level education. Simply having a neutral person who can discuss any issues or feelings of self-doubt and can offer reassurance could make all the difference to their university experience. Why I recommend mentoring: I would recommend the programme to any staff member. A small time commitment for us could make a big difference to a student. Simply being able to verbalise issues to a friendly ear can sometimes be all that’s required to start solving a problem.
37 | Issue Eleven November 2023
Micheál (Mentee) Why I signed up: Moving to a busy city like Galway from a small rural area was very daunting so I wanted to have people to reach out to and talk about the transition. What I enjoyed about the program: Having the opportunity to meet new people and develop new friendships as well as learning from others and getting different perspectives on everyday problems. What are the benefits of the programme? Improving communication skills is a big thing in a world where everything and everyone is on our phones it’s nice to be able to actually stop and talk to someone face to face for a change. Would you recommend the program to students? Definitely, it’s well run and has great people involved. Everyone is friendly and always ready to help with anything whether it be to do with university or personal life.
THE FUTURE IS HERE
WNW Connect and Foróige brought the ATU Mentoring experience to the European Parliament on 15 November. Left to right: Mary Lynch, Foróige; Kirsten Lowe, ATU; Marcella Reilly, ATU; Maria Walsh MEP; Celia Keenaghan, ATU and Niamh Gurn, Senior Accredited Parliamentary Assistant.
ATU Launches Student Digital Backpack: An N-TUTORR, Transforming Learning Initiative Under N-TUTORR’s Work Package Academy for education for sustainability, leadership and employability, ATU have led out on the development of the Student Digital Backpack (SDB) for the Technological University (TU) sector. The SDB is an online platform in the form of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for students across the TU sector to sign up to complete a variety of short, non-accredited courses. The SDB platform has been developed to provide students across the TU sector with additional skills to complement their existing programmes of study, embedding the N-TUTORR transforming learning themes e.g., Digital Transformation, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Academic Integrity, Education for Sustainability, Universal Design for Learning and Employability.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 38
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
ATU N-TUTORR Student Champions.
Dr Carina Ginty, ATU Lead N-TUTORR explains: “The platform is a user-friendly, self-directed learning interface and includes a badge award on completion of each short course. Courses can be embedded into core modules, complement module content, used to prompt class discussion (e.g., a flipped learning approach), incorporated into assessment, or used as a stand-alone activity. Over the last few months, 100 champions across the TU sector have evaluated 5 short courses and gained digital badges on the proof-of-concept SDB interface. Overall feedback has been positive, and great ideas shared to enhance the user experience of SDB. Further short courses will be added to the platform in 2024.”
ATU Student Empowerment Co-ordinator, Jessica Duffy (centre) pictured with Student Champions Caitlyn Valerie and Eimear O’Byrne.
The five courses with digital badges launching on the SDB platform are digital skills discovery, academic integrity, introduction to SDGs, white ribbon and civic engagement. The SDB course designers and contributors in ATU are David Chernick, Dr John Scahill, Jessica Duffy, Orla Skehill, Dr Sean Daffy, Dr Carina Ginty, Dr Katie O’Dwyer and Dr Mark Kelly. Students can access the SDB by clicking here or through the ATU Student Hub/Portal’s or local virtual learning platforms.
About N-TUTORR The National Technological University Transformation for Recovery and Resilience (N-TUTORR) programme proposes to utilise the national scale and scope of the sector to deliver a best-practice suite of initiatives and opportunities designed to transform learning, teaching, and assessment. The N–TUTORR project is funded by the European Union and NextGenerationEU (38 million euro), supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and THEA in collaboration with seven Higher Education Institutes across Ireland: Atlantic Technological University (ATU), South East Technological University (SETU), Munster Technological University (MTU), Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS), Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) and Institute of Art and Design Dun Laoghaire (IADT). To find out more about N-TUTORR in ATU please click here.
39 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Fulbright Specialist Brings Play to ATU The images of unicorns, snails, sharks, lobsters, star fish and cows that don’t fly brings a smile to the face of the most serious adult, with memories of play and imagination. The arrival of Professor Amanda Pintore, Fulbright Specialist from Arizona State University, a collaboration between ATU Donegal and ATU Galway-Mayo Early Childhood Education and Care programmes, brought play and creativity to another level on both campuses. As a Fulbright Specialist Professor Pintore brought an expertise in theatre and dance for the very young to ATU students and staff, a specialism which is not specifically focused on in Ireland. She spent two weeks in Letterkenny where she worked with the early years and social care programmes, supported by the programme board and International Office, visiting early years settings including a naoínra (preschool) Ceimeanna Cliste where she provided movement classes for children and educators and the Glen Outdoor preschool in Letterkenny.
(DCEDIY) , Baboro International Arts festival for children and The Ark.
Pictured at ATU Donegal left to right: Dr Joanne Gallagher, Professor Amanda Pintore, Dr Rita Melia and Dr Nigel McKelvey. visitors participated in a play lab with Amanda which resulted in high levels of wellbeing, lots of fun and stretching of play muscles!
“Lecturers on the ATU Early Childhood Education and Care programmes in Galway, Mayo and Donegal are seeking to ensure that students and In Mayo Professor Pintore worked with lecturers on the programmes are extending and exercising students and lecturers, undertaking their play muscles daily several play labs. They visited Curious Minds Castlebar, an early years setting, to support high levels of to play and to ask children some wellbeing and ensure that really important questions like; “we when ATU graduates work in are wondering what clouds are made early years settings they are off?” followed by “I’m wondering what playful practitioners.” the sky smells like?” The children and educators explored the answers to these important questions through play. The process was videoed with parental permission and children’s assent. Later ATU students and lecturers guided by Professor Pintore analysed the children’s play. Professor Pintore’s arrival at ATU Mayo coincided with the visit of students and faculty from Niagara College Canada. The international
Professor Pintore who hails from Arizona, a landlocked desert was overwhelmed by the beauty of the rugged landscape of the west and north-west of Ireland. On route to Galway from Shannon airport, she was stranded in Morans the Weir (Kilcolgan) due to high tide and the Hunters moon, you could find worse places to be stranded! Visits to Derry and Glenveagh National Park and WB Yeat’s grave were facilitated by colleagues at ATU Donegal and colleagues from ATU Mayo, offered Dr Pintore the opportunity to check out Croagh Patrick and sample a beverage at Matt Molloys pub in Westport. Professor Pintore’s last days at ATU were spent in Galway, exploring the shores with the students from Niagara. The joy of touching the ocean, even dipping her toes in it will no doubt remind Professor Pintore of her time at ATU Donegal, Mayo and Galway. As a Fulbright specialist Professor Pintore did exactly what it says on the tin! She provided a specialism to the BA Early Childhood Education and Care teams in theatre and dance for the very young. This international collaboration with Professor Pintore, ATU and Arizona State University has only just begun.
Dr Rita Melia, ATU lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Care At a national policy level Professor Pintore, together with lecturers on the ATU BA Early Childhood Education and Care programme collaborated with The Fulbright Commission, The Arts Council, Creative Ireland, The Department of Children Equality Disability Integration and Youth
A play lab at ATU Mayo during Dr Amanda Pintore’s visit to ATU in October. Issue Eleven November 2023 | 40
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
ATU Library News OpenAIRE Membership ATU Library in partnership with ATU’s Research Office recently announced that ATU’s application for associate membership of OpenAIRE has been accepted. OpenAIRE is a network community of research-performing organisations across Europe, whose common vision is to transform society through validated scientific knowledge and allow citizens, educators, funders, civil servants and industry to find ways to make science useful for themselves, their working environments and society. Associate membership of OpenAIRE will broaden and deepen ATU’s commitment to open research and allow the university to positively contribute to OpenAIRE’s mission of shifting scholarly communication towards openness and transparency and facilitating innovative ways to communicate and monitor research. ATU is the second Irish member of OpenAIRE, Trinity College Dubin being the first.
Black History Month in ATU Library ATU Library celebrated Black History Month in October with displays of books by inspiring Black authors, from thought provoking works like Emma Dabiri’s Don’t Touch My Hair right up to the latest bestselling fiction like Kiley Reid’s Such a Fun Age.
Black History Month Book Display in ATU Galway City (Wellpark) Library.
In ATU Sligo Yeats Library a selection of paintings from the Kitwe Art Collection were exhibited. This collection of oil on canvas artworks were donated by the Sligo Kitwe Cooperation Link some years ago. This organisation has worked with communities in the Kitwe region of Northern Zambia since 1994 to promote the work of Zambian artists.
Black History Month Book Display in ATU Donegal Library.
Kitwe Art Collection on display in ATU Sligo Yeats Library
41 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
ATU Library Secures N-TUTTOR Funding for Databases ATU Library has received funding from N-TUTORR to provide access to the following three key online resources for the next two years:
Irish Newspapers Archives, the world’s largest online database of Irish newspapers. Users can search, retrieve and view Ireland’s past in the exact format it was published. Sage Research Methods supports research at all levels by providing material to guide users through every step of the research process. Taylor & Francis is one-stop site hosting journals, eBooks, abstract databases and reference works from their medical, social sciences and humanities collections. The EU funded N-TUTORR programme aims to transform the student learning experience in the technological university sector through technology and staff/student collaboration, in alignment with sustainable development goals.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 42
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
ATU Celebrates Mechanical Engineering Graduate wins 2023 Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year
“ I would like to
Roy Sheridan with his 3-axis CNC milling machine prototype. Roy Sheridan from Castlebar, Co Mayo, has been named Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year 2023. Roy was presented with his award at the annual Engineers Ireland Awards ceremony in Dublin on Thursday, 26 October. The prestigious award, now in its 24th year, is presented annually by Siemens and Engineers Ireland to the best engineering student, or team, who have conceived and developed an innovative technology or commercially viable product. Roy’s innovative prototype was one of five projects shortlisted for the finals. He was presented with two awards, the overall award and a finalist award for having designed and manufactured a “3-Axis Desktop CNC Milling Machine for Pedagogical Purposes”. Using a variety of engineering principles, Roy created a working
43 | Issue Eleven November 2023
prototype of his desktop machine which can be used by hobbyists, industry, students and educators for STEM teaching and training purposes, and for the realisation of miniature parts and products. Roy completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (Honours) degree at ATU Galway city campus and graduated in November. Describing his work, Roy said: “The 3D printing has revolutionized the way students are taught engineering, however one process that is continually overlooked due to the expense involved is CNC machining. Desktop CNC machines can put the technology within the reach of all engineering students, and provide students with a practical, handson experience in Engineering and Manufacturing.”
thank Engineers Ireland and Siemens for selecting my submission and inviting me to attend the final. I would like to thank my parents, family, classmates, and staff that have taught me during my time in ATU Galway. This achievement would not have been possible without your support, knowledge and expertise. Finally, I would like to give a special thanks to my supervisor, Dr Oliver Mulryan, for the guidance, support and encouragement he provided throughout. ” Roy Sheridan, ATU Graduate and winner of the 2023 Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year, 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Dr Oliver Mulryan, Project Supervisor and Head of Department said: “Well done Roy, you did yourself, your family, classmates and ATU proud. Your project literally blew the judging panel away, and your work is evidence of the high calibre of the engineering programmes offered in ATU Galway. It’s a testament to the lecturers, technicians and partners who contribute daily to the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. Well done to all, it’s a fabulous achievement.”
Pictured at the Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Awards at Engineers Ireland’s headquarters in Ballsbridge, Dublin are Shirley McDonald, Membership Director, Engineers Ireland; Dr Edmond Harty, President, Engineers Ireland; Roy Sheridan, Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award recipient; Aiden Cawley of Siemens Ireland and Dr Oliver Mulryan, Head of the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at ATU Galway-Mayo. Photo: Engineers Ireland
ATU Lecturer wins itag Award Dr Seamus Dowling recently received an Innovation Technology Atlantec Gateway (itag) award for his academic contribution to the ICT sector. itag is a non-profit, industry-led community of indigenous and multinational technology companies and organisations. The itag awards recognise technological excellence along the Atlantec Gateway. Seamus’s work and dedication as a lecturer and researcher at ATU has had a profound impact on both academic and industry. He has fostered the next generation of cybersecurity talent through developing and teaching a course developed for enterprise and government. Seamus is also the co-chair and co-founder of the Cyber Research Conference Ireland, an initiative aimed at fostering research collaborations between industry and academia.
“I am delighted and honoured to receive this award. A big thank you to ATU colleagues and itag for the nomination and the presentation. It was a total surprise but really appreciated.” Dr Seamus Dowling
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 44
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Architectural Technology Graduate Success Jack Fleming, a graduate from ATU Galway City on the BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology, was awarded third prize, (Commended) for his report titled ‘Hemp Lime Composite as a Natural Building Material for Proposed Walls in Irish Construction’ at the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technology (CIAT) Architectural Technology Student awards, held on 20 October 2023 in London. The international student awards are designed to recognise excellence in Architectural Technology globally. Jack was awarded a trophy, a certificate, an upgrade to Associate membership with CIAT and £300. Irene Hayden, ATU lecturer and Jack’s research supervisor, said: “We are delighted for Jack. This international accolade is very deserving. I was happy to support Jack’s keen interest in Hempcrete and worked with him, along with our Laboratory Technician Mark Deegan, to design and facilitate laboratory research testing apparatus to progress research into the theoretical endo and exothermic responses of hempcrete samples manufactured in our concrete laboratories in ATU Galway City.”
Left to right: Kevin Crawford, CIAT President, Jack Fleming, ATU Architectural Technology Graduate, and Matt Allwright, presenter and journalist.
ATU Student Success at the Canoeing Ireland Awards Two students on the MSc in Outdoor Education, Sustainability and Wellbeing programme at ATU Mayo received Canoeing Ireland Awards at the association’s annual dinner in Dublin on 25 November. Amy Walsh won the Community Impact award and David Horkan won the Adventure Paddler Award.
Jon Hynes (far right) presents National Canoeing Awards to Amy Walsh and David Horkan on behalf of Canoeing Ireland.
45 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
ATU Celebrate Native Trees on Campuses On Friday 13 October, ATU hosted a Tree Bioblitz at five of its campuses, bringing together school children, their teachers, and ATU staff to record and celebrate the beauty of trees on university grounds. Renmore National School in Galway, Ballyraine National School in Letterkenny, St Brendan’s National School in Sligo, Gaelscoil Raifteirí in Castlebar and Letterfrack National School in Connemara took part in this biodiversity initiative. It was conducted under the EU GREEN University Alliance and contributes to a European-wide biodiversity citizen science project. Children across Europe took part in the initiative in EU GREEN university campuses in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Poland, Romania and Germany.
“In the Autumn trees are at their most colourful, and ATU designed this citizen science event together with our alliance partners, to share our biodiversity knowledge with local communities. One of the main aims of EU GREEN is to engage with our regions to promote sustainability and when children learn citizen science skills from events like this, they become environmental champions for life.” Professor Frances Lucy, EU GREEN lead for ATU The combined tree results will be recorded using a biodiversity app, and EU GREEN will produce an opensource report which will be freely available. To find out more about EU Green please click here.
Citizen Science in Biodiversity Webinar ATU hosted a webinar titled “Citizen Science in Biodiversity” on Wednesday, 15 November. Organised in collaboration with our EU GREEN Alliance partners, the event explored the pivotal role citizens play in addressing the challenges faced by our planet. From the depths of the Peruvian Amazonas to the intricacies of Italian ants, the webinar covered data management best practices, citizen science initiatives related to allergenic plants, and swift biodiversity management in Ireland. Professor Frances Lucy, the lead for EU GREEN at ATU, said: “We are all stakeholders in the biodiversity crisis, and citizens of all ages want to act! This webinar showcases numerous examples of European citizen science events, where communities and scientists collaborated for the betterment of nature.”
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 46
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
ATU Podcasts on Spotify In our ATU Podcast series we dive deep into the vibrant world of our university and bring you captivating stories, engaging discussions, and insightful conversations with our ATU colleagues and students. Here are some examples of our recent episodes. “Soil is a key natural resource that is often overlooked, and it’s commonly viewed as a non-living substance…” Without soil, human life would be difficult. Soil is vital in the Earth’s ecosystem, so why is it often overlooked? Is it because it is understudied or because we often view soil as just the ground beneath our feet? In this episode of our Podcast series, ATU researchers Dr Shane O’Reilly and Dr Sean Jordan discuss the importance of soil in our ecosystem. To listen please click here. Photo by Muffin Creatives
“Pint of Science at ATU” Not many event titles spark as much interest as when you hear of one called a “Pint of Science”. ATU held its first ‘Pint of Science’ in the newly voted best pub in Ireland, Thomas Connolly Bar in Sligo. ATU Communications Manager Aidan Haughey went along to see how talking science with pints worked out. Click here to learn more.
Orange the World ATU ran a series of events in support of the International 16 Days of Activism Campaign towards Ending Gender Based Violence which started on Saturday 25 November and ended on 10 December. Staff and students wore orange on Monday 27 November to show our support for ending gender-based violence in homes, workplaces, and communities around the world. We also lit up our campuses in orange for the 16 Days of Action and flew the ’Orange the World’ flag, as a symbol of ATU’s commitment to promoting a culture of safety, dignity, equality, and respect and ATU’s zero tolerance of all forms of gender-based violence.
Left to right: Sarah Mohan, SU President, ATU Galway-Mayo and Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President. 47 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
ATU Staff in the News ATU study looks at key risks and hazards for farmers
“This research aims to develop an intervention strategy to support decisionmaking factors of Irish farmers to reduce injury, illness and fatalities.” ATU PhD researcher Carolyn Scott is researching key risks and hazards for farmers on Irish farms. To find out more please click here.
Morocco earthquake rescue effort
“Can the international infrastructure around search and rescue cope with the level of disasters we are experiencing?” On RTÉ Radio One’s Today with Claire Byrne programme, Graham Heaslip, Professor of logistics engineering at ATU and co-author of ‘Humanitarian Logistics’ and Secunder Kermani, Foreign Correspondent Channel 4 News discuss the Morocco earthquake rescue effort. To listen to the interview please click here.
Questioning the shape of our universe
“Our emerging results raise the exciting prospect that a paradigm shift is on the horizon.” In a groundbreaking study poised to challenge the foundations of our understanding of the universe, Dr Eoin Ó Colgáin, a physicist and data scientist at ATU, has spearheaded an international collaboration that could see a shift in our comprehension of the cosmos by questioning its shape. To find out more please click here.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 48
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Record Numbers Attend ATU Open Days Over 8,500 prospective students attended ATU Open Days between October and November 2023. ATU’s Open Days began in the Mountbellew campus on Wednesday 4 October with the series of events ending in the Galway City (Dublin Road) campus on Saturday 25 November. ATU’s Open Day events provide prospective learners with the opportunity to sample what ATU has to offer. This year’s events included demonstrations, discipline specific talks, study advice for Leaving Certificate students and informational talks on the student supports and programme opportunities available at ATU. Students from all corners of Ireland attended our Open Days with many visitors coming from Europe and the United States. ATU Open Days are collaborative events across the university, this year’s record numbers attending symbolise the growing interest in studying at ATU. For more information on upcoming ATU Open Day events, click here.
Students from Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny at ATU Donegal’s Open Day. 49 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Fiona Watson, lecturer in Electronic Engineering with visiting students Eoin Sheill and Conor Dolphin at ATU’s Galway City Campus Open Day.
Student Ambassadors at the open day, in ATU St Angelas welcome guests from all over the country to the campus.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 50
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
ATU Galway-Mayo Students’ Union President Sarah Mohan chatting to interested students at the open day in ATU Mayo.
Shane McDonagh, Co Sligo and his father Paul chat with Dr Dermot O’Donovan, Head of Department of Creative Education at the Open Day in ATU Connemara.
51 | Issue Eleven November 2023
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Lorraine Cunningham, Student Liaison Officer, ATU pictured with students from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Castlebar at ATU’s Mounbellew Campus Open Day.
Odhran Gillen, student at Grange Post Primary School, Co Sligo, pictured collecting his winnings from the Health Science Jump Test at ATU Sligo’s Open Day.
Issue Eleven November 2023 | 52
THE FUTURE IS HERE
www.atu.ie @atu_ie ATU Donegal Letterkenny ATU Donegal Killybegs
ATU Sligo ATU St Angelas
ATU Mayo
ATU Connemara ATU Mountbellew ATU Galway City
Issue Eleven October 2023 | 53