AIT Life, Vol.7 No.1 – January 2016

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Volume 7 | Number 1 | January 2016 Connect & Discover

CAO ALERT – NEW DEGREE PROGRAMMES

New degrees in quantity surveying, physical activity and health, animation and illustration, and digital marketing will commence in 2016.

WHAT GRAVITY? MUTAZ BARSHIM AT AIT

Mutaz Essa Barshim looks set to be a star of the Rio Olympics. The Qatari high jumper was a headliner at the recent AIT Grand Prix.

SENIOR RESEARCHER AWARDED FULBRIGHT

Senior materials researcher and Fulbright Scholar, Dr Luke Geever, will undertake research at Harvard University and the Mayo Clinic.

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Contents 3 4 6 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31

Welcome from the President News in Brief Animation and Illustration Constantly Connected Core Competencies What Freud has to say about Times Square Back from the Brink Success upon Success Engineering and IT Futures Quantity Surveying Recovers Strongly Industry Cries out for Polymer Graduates Living in a Connected World Physical Activity and Health AIT International Grand Prix 2016 All About the Bees MOREFISH to Improve Aquaculture Management Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges AIT Students Rate College Life Positively Lifelong Learning – From Cradle to Grave MBA: Hallmark of Executive Education Fanstream – A New Player in Live Streaming New Parenting Book World-class Gym and Sporting Facilities

AITLife, Volume 7 Number 1, January 2016 Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co Westmeath Contact: Daniel Seery + 353 (0)90 646 8136 dseery@ait.ie

Contributors Gordon Brett is sport and recreation manager Alan Duffy is a lecturer in the department of polymer, mechanical, civil engineering and trades Dr Don Faller is dean of faculty of science and health Dr Enda Fallon is a lecturer in the faculty of engineering and informatics, and a co-founder of the Software Research Institute Dr Austin Hanley is dean of faculty of engineering and informatics Oliver Hegarty is head of department of social sciences and design Dr Anthony Johnston is head of department of hospitality, tourism and leisure Eoin Langan is dean of faculty of business and hospitality Alex Mills is a sports journalist and a regular contributor to Athletics Weekly Owen Ross is head of department of business and management Daniel Seery is digital marketing executive Dr Michael Tobin is head of department of lifelong learning

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Welcome from the President

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n September 2014, AIT launched its new strategic plan, entitled ‘Global Focus – Regional Impact’. The plan is a very ambitious document with bold targets to be achieved over the coming years.

One of the headline goals in the plan is for AIT to become a Technological University or TU. There has been much talk about TUs in the media over the past number of months, with the recent publication of the legislation by the government, and news of various institutions looking to merge to achieve that status.

AIT is also on that trajectory, but for now we are wholly focused on achieving the quality metrics to enable us to become a Technological University on merit. This is a vision supported by the staff of AIT and fully backed by the members of our new governing body, under the chairmanship of Dr Frank Ryan (former CEO of Enterprise Ireland and current chairman of IDA Ireland).

People keep asking what’s the difference between an Institute of Technology and a Technological University – and it is a very valid question. While their characteristics are broadly similar, a TU is more focused and intense in the conduct of its business.

It is worth pointing out that in terms of the criteria set out by the government as being necessary to achieve TU status, AIT will be one of the first IoTs in the country to meet them. That is something of which we are very proud. Those criteria relate to our research activity, the number of faculty holding PhDs, etc. and highlight the investment which AIT has made over the past half century in ensuring that we are delivering for the people of the midlands and beyond.

Over the course of the past year, we have also been concentrating on a complete review of all of our programmes.

This has been to ensure that the courses we are delivering provide our students with the knowledge and skills required by employers, and more particularly, will equip our graduates with the

flexibility to be able to succeed in life. This programmatic review process is a crucial part of the quality assurance system in higher education, and we are greatly reassured by the positive feedback to our programmes which we received from expert reviewers.

This latest edition of AIT Life provides an overview of some of the latest happenings at AIT, in terms of our new and exciting courses, sporting achievements of our students, breakthrough work by our research community, and our engagement with industry.

I particularly hope that it will prove a useful resource to students – and their parents/guardians – who are currently making their CAO choices. This can be a pressurised time as students weigh up their own interests and strengths, how they think they will perform in the Leaving Certificate, as well as considering the myriad of courses and education options available. Above all, I would encourage students to learn as much as they can about the programmes they are including on their CAO list, by reading about them, talking to graduates or current students on those programmes, visiting colleges, and so on.

Ours is an open campus, where we always welcome visitors.

This is especially true of prospective students. I look forward to meeting you at AIT. Beir bua.

Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin

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AIT Gym and High Performance Training Centre Officially Opened by Minister for Tourism and Sport The Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, officially opened the Gym and High Performance Training Centre at the AIT International Arena in November.

The €12 million facility received €925,000 from the Exchequer, including €188,000 in October under the Sports Capital Programme, which is being used to equip an elite athlete recovery suite.

Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to have been able to support this magnificent facility. It will be of tremendous benefit to the athletic community, the students at AIT and all of the local and regional teams that regularly make use of the facilities here, both for training and for competitions.

I congratulate all those involved in the development of this facility. I am sure it will be money well spent.”

Further information is available at www.aitsport.ie

AIT Graduate Featured in Irish-America Wall Street Top 50 AIT business graduate, Michael Brewster, has been named in the 2015 Irish America Wall Street 50, the eighth time he has made the list. The list, which is compiled by Niall O’Dowd’s Irish America magazine, comprises the top 50 Irish-born or Irish-American executives who work in and around Wall Street.

Mr Brewster graduated from AIT with a diploma in finance management in the 1980s. During his time in Athlone he was inspired by a visit from a trader who spoke to his class about his job. He left Ireland on a J1 visa in the early 1990s when unemployment was running close to 20%.

Hearing Screening Programme: Cost Effective Alternative to Existing Model – International Audiology Expert AIT Goes Completely Tobacco-free AIT has become the first third level institution in Ireland to completely ban tobacco products on its campus. The ban includes e-cigarettes.

The tobacco-free campus is part of AIT’s Healthy Campus initiative. A survey undertaken amongst staff and students earlier this year highlighted that 80% of the college community are non-smokers, while one-third of respondents who are daily smokers said that they would like to quit. Less than one-third (31%) of respondents were opposed to the move towards tobacco-free status.

A hearing screening programme for adults would be a far more cost-effective option than many currently funded health treatments, according to an international audiology expert.

Prof Mark Lutman from the University of Southampton, made the claim at a public lecture on the cost effectiveness of adult hearing screening in AIT.

Adult hearing screening would provide a cost-effective way to improve quality of life for many older adults and would have wider benefits for society, said Prof Lutman.

It is estimated that 500,000 people in Ireland have a hearing loss of at least 25dB in the better ear averaged over the frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz. About half of those would benefit from hearing aids, one-third of whom will have hearing aids already, leaving a maximum of about 170,000 people to be fitted (if they all agreed).

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AIT Graduate appointed tax partner in KPMG Brian Brennan, AITI Chartered Tax Adviser, ACCA, has recently been appointed as a tax partner in KPMG. Brian is a former student of Athlone Institute of Technology where he completed his ACCA professional accountancy examinations in 2003.

Brian was placed first in the world in the advanced taxation paper of the ACCA final examinations in 2003. Brian advises a wide range of clients, both domestic and international, in cross border mergers and acquisitions, aviation financing, leasing, banking, structured finance and tax-based fundraising. He has particular experience in advising on international financing and leasing structures and the operation of tax treaties. He has significant experience of leading large multi-country teams in delivering tax advice to his clients, including leading international tax teams on large scale mergers and acquisitions transactions.

AIT Signs Major Academic Collaboration with Regional Partners AIT has signed a memorandum of understanding with strategic partners Dublin City University (DCU), Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and Maynooth University.

This new agreement commits the partners to collaboration in three key areas: shared academic planning process, a regional approach to transfer and progression, and a shared approach to enterprise and community engagement.

Prof Ciarán Ó Catháin, President of AIT explained: “Each of our organisations have clearly demonstrated a leadership role in our local environments. Maynooth University and AIT already have a shared history of successful collaboration on bi-lateral projects, as have DCU and DkIT. This next step, in formalising collaborative efforts between all four parties, will strengthen the educational offering to students across the MidlandsEast and Dublin North region.”

Extension of AIT’s Delegated Authority to Award PhDs AIT has been granted authority by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to award PhDs in the areas of software engineering and network communications. This is a significant achievement and further underpins the institute’s drive towards achieving the quality targets required to become a technological university.

The new area within which AIT can now award PhDs is in addition to polymer engineering, microbiology and toxicology. The four domains that enjoy this level of accreditation makes AIT one of the very few institutes of technology in the country who have been delegated such extensive authority.

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animation & illustration “A new degree targets a global industry in which Ireland is a major player� writes Oliver Hegarty

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AIT design faculty and students

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ith five Oscar nominations since 2002 and a sector valuation of €150 million, Ireland is now a global animation industry leader. In fact, animation is one of the fastest growing industries in Ireland, accounting for one-third of all jobs in the audio-visual sector.

With millions of children – as well as older viewers – every week watching animated programmes produced here, Ireland is a front runner with talented and technically sophisticated 2D and 3D studios creating and producing content for TV, film, games, mobile and apps. This is before one even gets to the impressive curtain call of worldwide screen awards garnered, including Oscar nominations, BAFTAs and Emmys.

In response to this burgeoning industry need for talented qualified graduates, AIT has developed an exciting new degree, a BA (Hons) in Animation and Illustration (AL861). This programme is unique to AIT, as no provider of third level education in Ireland offers a combined animation and illustration degree qualification. Demand for animation graduates outweighs supply and companies currently have to hire specialists outside Ireland.

This exciting new four-year honours degree will enable you to develop as an imaginative, confident, creative individual capable of thriving, exploiting and adapting to a rapidly changing visual culture and world of communication, education, entertainment and advertising.

You will be allowed to give full vent to your creativity and explore all sorts of areas where your illustration and animation skills could be used. You will be encouraged to cultivate your creative abilities and technical skills through an understanding of the connections between illustration and animation and

by creating sequential narratives using traditional and cutting-edge digital image-making techniques.

It will particularly suit applicants who wish to work in creative industries that value artistic talent, inventiveness and individuality.

Whilst finding your own visual style and voice, you will develop a diverse range of skills through observation of the visual environment and telling stories through moving image. In recognition of the convergence of the illustrator’s and animator’s roles in recent years with the development of digital books and online networks, the programme combines the best of handmade animation and illustration with the best of digital, ensuring that you leave with an excellent portfolio that demonstrates the widest range of skills. Your portfolio will reflect your artistic capacities and meet the current opportunities and demands of the growing contemporary illustration and animation practice.

As AIT is the only third level institution in Ireland offering a degree in animation and illustration, it will give the student a diverse range of skills. And according to industry leaders, that is exactly what they are looking for. Brown Bag co-founder, Cathal Gaffney, puts it succinctly: “Graduates need to be highly creative, articulate, tech savvy and have a diverse range of skills.” John McDaid, creative director with Dog Ears, is of a similar mind: “The more strings they have to their bow the better; if they can create unique characters they can be applied to any format.”

This is the space AIT animation and illustration graduates will be looking to occupy. Those wishing to experience more of the creative output of the AIT design community should visit their Facebook page, DesignatAIT.

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Constantly

Connected Digital marketing is one of the global growth industries, combining creativity and analytics in new ways writes Owen Ross It’s official! Irish people are the biggest phone internet users in the western world. A recent survey by Statcounter showed that we use our smartphones for internet activity more than any other western country, with a third of all web access in Ireland now coming from our handsets. Add to this the fact that half of us use social media every single day and you get a sense of how enormous the world of social media and digital marketing is.

Where once social media were primarily used by individuals, now more and more organisations across every industry are using these powerful technologies to communicate with and market to their fans, followers and customers. The numbers involved are staggering – e.g. Taylor Swift has 67 million followers on Twitter, while 95 million people like Coca-Cola on Facebook – and are set to grow even further. In fact, online advertising in Europe is expected to exceed €34 billion in 2015, up almost 10% on the previous year, and accounts for 1.4 million jobs.

AIT has delivered programmes in the area of social media marketing since 2012, with graduates now working for leading digital marketing agencies and in digital marketing positions in industry both in the region and beyond. Now, the institute has developed a new Level 7 degree, a BBus in Digital Marketing (AL751).

Digital marketing is a broad term that refers to various promotional techniques deployed to reach customers via digital technologies. One of the fastest growing arms of digital media

is that of social media and its growing social networks. Digital marketing and social media have become commonplace as a communication tool for individuals over the last decade.

In more recent years, businesses have strived to use digital marketing and social media as effective marketing tools to acquire, engage and convert customers. While these new tools afford companies the ability to measure the results of marketing campaigns and analyse user interactions in ways that have not been possible before, there are emerging challenges with the growth of ad blocking software. Digital marketing, therefore, now involves an exciting mix of creativity and analytics, story-telling and science.

On this degree programme, we teach the concept of creative content marketing for digital and social media marketing. You will learn how to plan, develop and implement a digital content strategy. You will learn about search engine optimisation (SEO) and apply that learning in a practical context. There are also opportunities to explore cyberpsychology, by studying human interactions with other emerging technologies, including the internet, mobile computing, mobile phones, games consoles, virtual reality, digital media and any other technology which has demonstrated an ability to alter human behaviours.

Ireland’s digital economy is expected to be worth €21.1 billion by 2020, making up 10% of gross domestic product and creating 150,000 jobs. A recent report has identified digital marketing as one of the few industries that have more jobs than qualified candidates. Be part of that success by choosing the digital marketing degree at AIT in the CAO (code AL751).

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Core Competencies Graduates must have the skills and flexibility to succeed in the ever-changing workplace, discussed below are the competencies prioritised in AIT’s Faculty of Business and Hospitality, writes Eoin Langan.

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he concept of a job for life no longer exists – graduates must have transferable skills and abilities that enable them to adapt, to change, to problem solve and to overcome challenges.

In the Faculty of Business and Hospitality, we develop core competencies in all our students to instil in them the employability skills sought by industry.

Our aim is that by the completion of their studies, they will have the knowledge, skills and attributes that make them attractive to employers.

We have focused on seven key areas, which encompass both personal and functional competences. All seven competencies are underpinned by a positive approach: which involves being ready to participate, make suggestions, accept new ideas and constructive criticism, and take responsibility for outcomes. The reaction of employers to these competences has been hugely encouraging.

analytical thinking skills, which are so important given the complexity of challenges in the business world today.

Right from induction, we challenge students to think for themselves, teaching them how to conduct primary and secondary research and testing them on their ability to solve problems. This creates a dynamic, sharp and innovative graduate.

3: Working together Throughout their studies the Faculty places great emphasis on communication and working together, developing this skill in all its students. The modern workforce demands employees who can co-operate, persuade, communicate and negotiate, and in the Faculty of Business and Hospitality we develop these skills through group work, project work and through conducting real research projects for real business problems.

1: Self-management One of our first endeavours with students is to develop a readiness to accept responsibility, personal organisation, punctuality and time management. To get the ball rolling on this we give all our new students their first assignment on Day 1!

4: Understanding the business Our research with industry indicates a strong employment market for graduates who can judge risks, contribute to the whole organisation and understand the key drivers for business success. We develop this competency through assessment, case studies and work placements, making sure our graduates’ knowledge is contemporary and relevant.

2: Thinking and solving problems We also quickly focus our energies on developing students’ creativity and

5: Using numbers effectively The application of numeracy, including manipulation of numbers, general

mathematical awareness and its application in practical contexts is key to all our subject areas. Whether you study equine management, accounting or culinary arts, strong numeracy skills are vital and we examine these in all our courses.

6: Using language effectively Use of language has a direct influence on the way that a business engages its audience. In the Faculty of Business and Hospitality we understand this influence and develop students’ language, literacy and communication skills from the start of their course.

7: Using IT effectively Finally, in today’s digital world, understanding information technology is crucial. We develop strong IT skills in all our graduates, including familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets, email, databases and file management, as well as an increasing emphasis on cloud-based software.

The Faculty of Business and Hospitality offers a wealth of programmes including business, law, business psychology, digital marketing, computing, accounting, tourism, leisure, sport management, bar supervision, culinary arts, music and instrument technology, office management and equine studies.

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What Freud has to say about Times Square

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ver wondered what might link Sigmund Freud to the sensory overload that is Times Square?

At one level, it might seem that there could not possibly be a connection, but drill down into the area of business psychology and you discover that the Father of Psychoanalysis has quite a lot to offer in terms of understanding this amazing piece of the Big Apple.

That journey to discovery could very well be yours, courtesy of the BA (Hons) in Business Psychology (AL854), an exciting course applying the science of behaviour and the mind to the business context.

If you are interested in people, what makes them tick and influences their behaviour, if you are curious about teams and their dynamics, if you want to understand more about organisations, their culture, how they can stagnate and change, if the areas of advertising and consumer psychology appeal to you, and if you want to learn more about business environments, then this is an excellent course for you.

Over four years you will learn about the psychology of individuals, teams and organisations at work – incorporating

elements such as personal development, conflict resolution, managing people, organisational change, leadership and performance. You will study marketing – including the psychology of advertising and media, consumer psychology, buying behaviour and strategic marketing. You will learn about human resource management and people development in the modern organisation. You will develop skills in critical and analytical thinking and research. In year 4 students have the opportunity to apply these skills by completing a consultancy research project with an employer.

Overall the course will give you an excellent grounding in applying psychological principles and knowledge to business issues in the modern workplace and prepare you to pursue roles in such diverse areas as management and leadership development, human resource management, marketing, communications and PR, organisation development, sales and negotiations.

Applicants can apply for this course though the CAO using the course code AL854.

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Gordon Brett spoke with Miracle Man, Cathal Joyce, about his recovery from a cardiac arrest in September

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athal Joyce (25) is a social studies student at AIT. An active sportsman, he played soccer and Gaelic football to a very high level. In September, Cathal suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch at Cusack Park, Mullingar prior to the Westmeath Intermediate Football Championship semi-final.

He had been feeling unwell just prior to throw-in, and told his brother James that he was losing his vision. James, who is the physio for the team, knew something was wrong and called an ambulance. Moments later, Cathal collapsed and had to be given CPR. His brother James leapt to action and immediately began chest compressions.

Luckily, Stacey Egan who works in the A&E Department at Mullingar General Hospital was at the scene and she, along with the help of opposition player Patrick Boland a trainee doctor from Rosemount GAA and Dave Hannon a Westmeath GAA referee, administered three shocks with a defibrillator to resuscitate Cathal. He was rushed to Mullingar Hospital where his condition stabilised.

Tell us about the lead up to the incident that occurred in Cusack Park on 13 September?

It was the day of the Westmeath Intermediate Level County semi-final and Athlone were playing Rosemount. I was feeling great, I was in the fittest form that I could have been in for a long time. I got through the warm-up with no problems. About ten minutes prior to the start of the match I had a lack of coordination and I felt that my vision was going. Just as suddenly, my vision went completely and I collapsed within seconds. Luckily for me, there were personnel on hand who could perform CPR. My brother is team physio and he instantly started CPR and requested a defibrillator. I was extremely lucky that there was a defibrillator nearby and people available who had been trained in the use of this vital piece of life saving equipment.

Do you remember the incident?

Initially I didn’t recall the crisis, but my memory of the event came back after one week. I can now remember it all very clearly.

Pictured at the AIT Sports Awards 2015: Cathal Joyce (second from left) with Ireland and Connacht rugby star, Robbie Henshaw, AIT president, Prof. Ciarán Ó Catháin, and Cathal’s father, Gerry Joyce. Pic Pádraig Devaney

Tell us about your recovery to date?

Recovery has been very good, my rehabilitation has mostly been doing pilates and I am using the new state-of-the-art gym in AIT to lift light weights and to do light cardio work.

Have you been doing any awareness work for defibrillators since?

Yes, I got one defibrillator for my local community from Heart Safety Solutions. I attended talks in Newtownforbes and Roscrea where they are setting up CPR Community/Cardiac First Responders. For RAG week 2016 I hope to have demonstrations of CPR and how to use a defibrillator on the AIT campus. I’ve also spoken on many local and national radio programmes and appeared on Ireland AM on TV3.

Any advice for young people playing sport that could be potentially affected by this in the future?

The advice that I would give players is to have appropriate screening before competing or joining your team. Adhere to medical advice and pay heed to what the medical practitioners tell you. My advice to organisers is to ensure that appropriate personnel are trained in CPR and the use of a defibrillator. Make sure that equipment is up-to-date and fully functional at all times and follow the ACT Campaign.

In the week following the incident, Cathal had an internal defibrillator and pace maker fitted to monitor his heart. Since those traumatic September days, he thankfully has been in excellent health. Cathal has settled back into college life, but has made it a personal goal to create greater awareness amongst players, clubs and administrators of the needs to screen players properly and to make a priority the need to purchase defibrillators, train people in their use and to maintain the equipment.

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Patrick Flynn, chef and AIT cookery student, who won first place in the Chef Ireland Grand Piece Decorative Competition, pictured with lecturer Kevin Ward.

Success upon Success The past year has been a phenomenal period for students and staff in the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure with numerous awards and national titles added to its laurels. Dr Anthony Johnston, head of department, recounts the successes.

National Hygiene Partnership Student of the Year Award An AIT student won the inaugural National Hygiene Partnership (NHP) Student of the Year Award. Joelene Minogue won the perpetual award, sponsored by the Food Safety of Ireland (FSAI), which celebrates the achievements of students who have excelled in the NHP’s Management of Food Safety programme.

Ms Minogue, who is from Shannon Harbour, Co Offaly, achieved the highest overall mark in Ireland in her Management of Food Hygiene examination combined with her project submission entitled “HACCP Food Safety Management System in the Workplace”. Some of her work is included in the 2015 edition of the NHP Management of Food Hygiene Programme textbook.

Presenting the award to Ms Minogue and her lecturer and mentor, John Harding, Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, said: “The National Hygiene Partnership has played a crucial role over the past 20 years in raising standards for food safety and hygiene. Our food industry is now worth

€24 billion and employs 230,000 people.

We can grow this sector further by keeping the strong focus on food standards.”

Clodagh Fitzgerald, Chair of the National Hygiene Partnership said: “Continuous training of personnel is crucial for the hospitality sector and since 1995 we have trained over 9,500 managers and supervisors to EU food safety standards.

We will continue to develop food safety programmes and ensure that they are promoted within the Irish Food Industry.”

The National Hygiene Partnership is a not-for-profit organisation, formed in 1995 to provide effective training for personnel working in the hospitality sector. The current partners of NHP are Environmental Health Association of Ireland (EHAI), Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA), Fáilte Ireland, Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI), NSAI, Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), Safefood – The Food Safety Promotion Board, Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI), Catering Management Association of Ireland (CMAI), Teagasc, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI).

Irish Hospitality Business Award An AIT team won the 30th Anniversary Irish Hospitality Institute Business Game in the Aviva Stadium in March. The team featuring Victoria Grehan (Athlone), Tyler Lovenuk (Ontario, Canada), Paul O’ Rourke (Daingean), Kate Butler (Mullingar) and Katie McLoughlin (Strokestown) competed against eight other teams in the two day event.

The team was coached by Sean Connell, Kevin McLoughlin, Sarah Jane Coffey, Karen Guest, Mary Meeany, Brian Toolin and John Carey. AIT have won the Business Game three times since the inaugural event and achieved two in a row success in 2000/1.

National Chef Competition A magnificent chocolate stove made by an AIT cookery student won first place in the Grand Piece Decorative Competition at the Chef Ireland competition held in the RDS in February.

AITLife Tullamore native, Patrick Flynn, designed and made the enormous creation, which weighed 50kg – costing about €700 – of chocolate to complete.

Mr Flynn is a first-year trainee student on the National Cookery Traineeship at AIT, and completed the design under the mentorship of lecturer Kevin Ward.

Work on the design, which is based on traditional fuel burning stoves, began last November. It included drawing plans, creating moulds, tempering the chocolate and assembling the parts. Edible paints and bronzers were sourced from France to complete the stove.

According to Mr Ward, “Patrick spent counless hours designing and developing his stove, and his success in this national competition is wholly merited.

It’s also a boost to the entire community in the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure at AIT, as we’re currently looking to expand our programme offerings.”

Tourism Students Raise €3,000 for Charity In April, tourism students presented cheques for €2,000 to the National Council for the Blind of Ireland and €1,053 to the AIT Student Hardship Fund.

The fourth year tourism and hospitality management and tourism and sport

management students raised the money through planning, organising and executing a darts night event. The undertaking of this event is an integral part of the event management module in their degree programme.

Lecturer, Dymphna Scanlon, said that “organising the event develops the students by equipping them with the appropriate knowledge, understanding and professional management skills necessary to be successful in the exciting and vibrant events industry”.

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) is a not-for-profit charitable organisation that offers support and services nationally to people with eyesight problems. NCBI was set up in 1931 and offers many services to over 15,000 people. The aim of the NCBI is to promote the full independence of people who are blind or vision impaired.

The AIT Student Hardship Fund is available to students experiencing particular or unexpected hardship during their course of study in AIT. Some 450 students are currently undertaking programmes in hospitality, tourism and leisure at AIT. The BBus (Hons) in Tourism and Hospitality Management and the BBus (Hons) in Management in Tourism and Sport are both level 8 add-on degrees.

Pictured: Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, Joelene Minogue, winner of the NHP Student of the Year from AIT and Clodagh Fitzgerald, Chairperson NHP.

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International travel and work placements with Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure In 2016, students from the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure will take part in fieldtrips to Paris, Poznan, Barcelona and Beijing. International fieldtrips provide a great learning experience for our students, and reflect the global focus of AIT. The field visit to Beijing will include the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. In Barcelona we’re going to the Nou Camp, in Paris we’re going to sample the culinary delights and in Poznan we’re going to study the spa and leisure industries!

All of our hospitality, tourism and leisure courses contain compulsory work placements. These placements can take place at home or abroad. In the last few years, students have completed placements in the United States, Canada, Poland, France, Spain and Germany.

We assist students in finding the best placements, where they will put into practice what they have learned in the classroom. We work with some of the country’s best hotels, restaurants, spas, bars and sporting institutions to ensure that students get the most from this experience.

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Engineering & IT futures A major CAO and careers event will help inform college choices just in time for 1 February writes Dr Austin Hanley.

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eaving Certificate students are inundated with programme choices. While there are many reasons why students choose one course over another, sometimes they make the wrong choice and come to regret it later.

Key considerations include the student’s own interests, aptitude and strengths, as well, of course, as where employment opportunities lie. With this in mind, AIT has invited industry leaders across a number of crucial technology and engineering domains – civil/construction, mechanical, advanced manufacturing, IT and medical devices to talk about the future of each of their industries.

It is envisaged that this event will assist students and parents in making an informed decision about where employment might be and what careers in these areas look like.

Engineering and IT Futures will take place at AIT on 14 January 2016 at 7pm in the Douglas Hyde lecture theatre. With the CAO closing date of 1 February just two weeks later, this is an event not to be missed.

Chairman of IDA Ireland, Dr Frank Ryan, will provide a view of future careers from an Irish perspective. Dr Martin Curley, Vice-President Intel, will look to electronics and advanced manufacturing and paint a picture of the future and the technologies that will drive it. Paul Madden, senior manager with Ericsson, will describe the world of changing communications and the opportunities that will exist, while the exciting work of prolonging people’s lives will be described by medical devices company Crospon’s CEO, Dr John O’Dea. In addition, AIT’s nationally recognised CAO expert Norrie O’Callaghan will describe the process of completing a CAO application.

This is a significant initiative that should not be missed.

It will be of interest not just to Leaving Certificate students – no matter what they think they might study now, their parents, as well as subject teachers and guidance counselors, will gain invaluable knowledge.

ENGINEERING & IT FUTURES

HEAR INDUSTRY LEADERS PROVIDE A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE OF IT & ENGINEERING

ATHLONE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY DOUGLAS HYDE LECTURE THEATRE 7PM, 14 JANUARY 2016

To book your place, visit www.ait.ie/engineeringfutures.

Early booking is advised.

The rapid pace of technological change, not to mention the plethora of programmes on the CAO, has meant that it can be challenging to fully comprehend engineering and IT career opportunities. Engineering and IT Futures – Career Opportunities and the CAO sets out to directly address the needs of Leaving Certificate students looking to make their college choices.

This major engineering and IT careers event will feature industry leaders presenting a picture of the futurewithin the advanced manufacturing, computing, medical device and built environment sectors and the opportunities that exist.

These senior personnel from leading Irish and multinational organisations – CRH, Crospon, Ericsson, Intel and IDA Ireland – will provide first hand, expert opinion on their respective sectors, and crucially on how to access these careers.

These companies employ graduates from every discipline; their perspective has implications well beyond engineering and IT.

Call: 090 646 8163 / 8186 Book: www.ait.ie/engineeringfutures

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Quantity Surveying Recovers Strongly The most recent innovation involves the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to control the construction project from initial design through to occupation writes Alan Duffy

A new honours degree in quantity surveying (AL810) will commence at AIT in September 2016. This new programme provides an excellent opportunity for candidates to obtain a recognised qualification and to pursue an exciting career as a professional in the construction industry.

What is Quantity Surveying?

A quantity surveyor manages all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects, from the first outline design through to occupation by the end user. A quantity surveyor may work for either the client or the contractor, working in an office or on site. When the project is in progress, quantity surveyors keep track of any changes that may affect costs and report to either the client or the contractor. Quantity surveyors ensure that construction projects are properly planned and completed within the clients’ budget. Starting salaries for graduates are generous both in Ireland and the UK. Opportunities for highly paid overseas posts and for occasional overseas work or travel are available.

Future Trends The construction industry is evolving to embrace new ways of working. The most recent innovation involves the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to control the construction project from initial design through to occupation. The quantity surveying programme at AIT has a particular focus on BIM. This means that graduates are job ready in relation to this new and essential skill set.

An equally significant issue for the industry is the high volumes of output in the construction of facilities for the pharmaceutical, ICT and agri food sector. Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services account for a greater than normal portion of the costs on these project types, and this is an area where quantity surveyors have not traditionally carried out the role of cost consultant. The new programme at AIT will have a strong emphasis on M&E both in terms of understanding the technology of systems and the methods of costing that apply.

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Support of Industry There has been an overwhelming response from potential employers to the particular design of the programme. The focus on BIM and M&E are particularly welcomed. Some of the largest M&E construction firms in the industry have expressed a willingness to employ graduates and support the placement semester. Conor O’Brien, associate director of Kirby Group stated that his firm would be willing to support the placement semester, and given industry output at current levels, would be willing to employ graduates. “Overall I would be in full support of the course; it’s quite comprehensive and more practical to the changing QS industry”. Sean Downey, Specialist Contracting Director at Construction Industry Federation (CIF), stated “In particular, due to the extensive mechanical and electrical services modules and elements focusing on BIM I believe that it could help to fill an important role in delivering skilled construction management personnel for both the contractor and professional consultants into the future”. David Byrne, Proposals Manager with Mercury Engineering, stated “We would welcome the opportunity to support the course in the placement of graduates in the work place”.

Placement Element The programme includes a substantial industrial placement which will allow graduates to be more “job ready” than those from comparable third level programmes. The student will be placed with a consultancy or construction firm working in the large data, pharmaceutical, agri/food and commercial office re-fit construction sector. It is envisaged that the placement will run from January

to August in the third year, where the student will work for an organisation in the construction industry and receive first-hand experience of quantity surveying in practice.

Potential career opportunities Graduates will typically follow the career path of a professional quantity surveyor, taking up roles as junior surveyors, progressing over a number of years to senior positions where very generous salaries are available. It is expected that graduates from this course will find employment in a wide range of sectors including: • • • •

Quantity surveyors working for contractors in the data, pharmaceutical, agri-food, large scale commercial construction sectors; Quantity surveyors working in chartered surveying consultancies, working in dedicated M&E specialist departments; General quantity surveyors working for mainstream contractors and quantity surveying practices; and In terms of ability to travel, graduates will find very attractive opportunities to get experience working for firms based in the UK, Canada, the Gulf and Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Quantity surveying is a globally recognised qualification.

The particular specialisation in the area of M&E cost management allows graduates pursue a specialised career in a sub-sector of the industry that is more resilient to potential downturns that can be a feature of the broader construction industry both nationally and internationally.

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Industry Cries out for Polymer Graduates AIT polymer engineering graduates have a fantastic success record of securing well-paid employment

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olymer graduates are in increasingly short supply; to address these needs AIT now offers a mechanical and polymer engineering degree (AL820).

According to Joe Lawless, head of department of mechanical and polymer engineering: “AIT has an excellent history in polymer and our graduates are very highly sought after. Based on previous experience 100% of our polymer graduates can expect to be employed within three months of graduating with starting salaries in many cases in the region of €25,000 to €30,000.”

Dr Declan Devine, an AIT polymer graduate and Director of the Materials Research Institute at AIT stated that: “Graduates from AIT’s polymer courses have limitless career opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, construction and medical devices. There are AIT polymer graduates in every corner of the world and in every county in Ireland.

“My own career has brought me to Switzerland, Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic before returning to AIT to conduct research on the development of polymer based bone tissue engineering constructs.”

At a recent meeting held in Athlone, Ibec, medtech and engineering director, Sinead Keogh, said that companies are finding it difficult to recruit suitably qualified polymer engineers. “The polymer industry underpins several manufacturing

industries throughout Ireland and recent industry surveys have indicated that medtech and plastics companies specifically are finding it difficult to source suitably qualified polymer engineers and technologists. The availability of graduates with polymer expertise is vital for the sustained and continued success of these sectors amongst others in the Irish economy,” she stated Engineers with a strong knowledge of polymers are in demand in the medical devices and plastics industries, and across selected domains within other sectors. Firms report a shortage of engineers with strong skills in the area.

The strength of the Irish-based industry in the west and midlands is such that it has developed the characteristics of an industrial cluster, where core skills sets applied to one industry act as a catalyst to supporting the creation and development of non-competing industries.

Strategically, the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics is building upon a track record of developing competencies and programmes within mechanical, manufacturing and polymer engineering over many years. The new BEng (Hons) in Mechanical and Polymer Engineering is another step in aligning the department’s programmes to current industrial needs, while offering progression possibilities for graduates to pursue postgraduate research in polymer engineering.

A key differentiator of this new programme is the eight-month industrial placement in the third year. This will give students an extensive opportunity to apply the academic knowledge they will have acquired to that point and utilise it in a real-world setting. The duration of the placement came at the request of employers, who felt that it was the appropriate period of time for students to be able to gain and perfect their workplace knowledge.

Employment opportunities It is expected that graduates from this course will find employment in a wide range of sectors and roles including: • • • •

Design engineers Mechanical engineers – advanced manufacturing, process development and maintenance Polymer engineers Medical device and plastics industries

AIT would expect that graduates will pursue professional status given how polymer and mechanical engineering graduates have and are progressing.

The institute expects that graduates from this new programme will be highly skilled and will be capable of attaining senior positions. We also expect that many of the top graduates will progress to research and further study.

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Living in a Connected World Dr Enda Fallon

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n 2003, there were approximately 6.3 billion people living on the planet and 500 million devices connected to the Internet. By 2020 it is anticipated there will be 50 billion connected devices in use worldwide. The expectation is that everything that can benefit from a network connection will have one. This expanding device connectivity will be driven by the networking of traditionally standalone devices; vehicles, sports equipment, livestock. The term Internet of Things (IoT) is used to describe this ubiquitously connected world and the technology is expected to dominate the ICT market by 2020. Sectors which have been relatively isolated from the ICT revolution will now be impacted greatly. As an example in the health sector, remote patient monitoring could save as much as $200 billion in the treatment of chronic diseases across OECD and BRIC countries. IoT solutions are one way of achieving higher service levels and a more sustainable society at a reasonable cost.

The use of mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets has increased significantly in recent years. With the transition from traditional desktop and laptop computers such mobile devices will provide the user with the ability to control and manage IoT devices. Recently the European Commission vice-president Neelie Kroes predicted the “European app market has the potential to create up to 4.8 million jobs by 2018”.

It’s precisely these jobs that graduates of a new degree in software development (mobile apps and connected devices)

(AL705) at AIT will be looking to fill. The graduates of this programme will emerge into a world of 50 billion connected devices where mobile Apps will integrate data from a range of connected devices.

Through its Software Research Institute (SRI) AIT has extensive experience and understanding of the needs of its industrial partners. AIT has recently undertaken government funded applied research projects with 45 separate software companies valued in excess of €6M. As far back as 2005 AIT undertook Enterprise Ireland sponsored Innovation Partnership research programmes in the IoT area. The results of these projects won major international awards. In recent years the results of research projects undertaken by the SRI has enabled activities such as work placements, student competitions and final year projects. This programme is underpinned by such expertise. Problem Based Learning (PBL) approaches will be used to create real world projects which will be specified by our industrial partners. This real world experience will challenge and expand the students’ knowledge, skills and competence. The implementations created will provide the student with an understanding of the practical application of theory in a dynamic real world setting. With an expectation of 44,500 new job ICT vacancies in Ireland by 2018 graduates of this programme will have the skills, competence and experience to work in this dynamic environment.

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Physical Activity and Health Dr Don Faller discusses how a new degree can help address Ireland’s serious health challenge

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he statistics don’t make for pleasant reading: 60% of Irish people are overweight and two-thirds are not getting enough exercise. These results are all the more startling given the success of tv programmes such as Operation Transformation and Ireland’s Fittest Family, to say nothing of initiatives like Fit4Life and Couch to 5k.

The message coming from experts and the relevant authorities is that we need to tackle this situation head-on, using a variety of approaches and innovative solutions.

This is precisely the space that graduates of a brand new BSc (Hons) in Physical Activity and Health (AL843)* at AIT will look to occupy. The four-year degree programme builds on AIT’s success and expertise in delivering courses in the areas of health science and nutrition, sport science with exercise physiology, athletic therapy and rehabilitation, as well as sport and recreation, and leisure management. In this instance, however, the emphasis is on the domains of public health and physical activity.

Graduates from this programme will be equipped to: • Identify and assess individuals or groups whose health is at risk due to their sedentary lifestyle; • Measure and interpret key health indicators impacted by insufficient physical activity (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, etc.); and

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Design and implement effective interventions to increase physical activity and subsequently improve health outcomes.

It’s worthwhile considering how this new degree relates to and differs from other programmes offered by AIT. For instance, the BSc (Hons) in Health Science with Nutrition looks at a wide range of factors affecting optimal health with an emphasis on food and nutrients, while the BSc (Hons) in Physical Activity and Health is focused on promoting good health through physical activity.

Similarly, in terms of the BSc (Hons) in Sports Science with Exercise Physiology, it concentrates on the application of the scientific method to measure strength, performance and endurance in a sports context, while the physical activity and health programme concentrates on looking at the detrimental effects of a lack of physical activity on all members of society and way of intervening to reduce the ill-effects of inactivity.

Employment opportunities for graduates will include physical activity co-ordinator (public/private sector), health promotion, GP exercise referral, fitness consulting and facilities management. * This degree programme is subject to final approval

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Volume 7 Number 1

AIT International Grand Prix - All Systems Go for 2016 As year three of the annual AIT International Arena Grand Prix looms, plans are at an advanced stage to provide another night of top class athletics at our fabulous arena. We’ve been able to attract some big names in the past two years. Ashton Eaton, widely regarded as the best all-round athlete in the world, was the star turn in 2014 while in 2015 Mutaz Barshim, Asafa Powell and Carmelita Jeter were the big names. Barshim, however, stole the show last year (see below) with some world class jumps.

A similar field of big international names is being confirmed at present and we’ll have another amazing night of performances for sure.

The 2016 AIT International Arena Grand Prix will take place on Wednesday 17 February. For updates and ticket information visit www.aitsport.ie.

Mutaz Barshim Shines at AIT Grand Prix recounts Alex Mills

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f you looked at the poster for the 2015 Athlone Grand Prix you would have noticed that three international world class stars were on the front, all of whom could draw a crowd in their own right and yet by the end of tne night it was clear to see that there had only been one true headliner.

While Asafa Powell cannot be blamed for unfortunately getting injured in the warm-up and Carmelita Jeter ran well considering she is still getting back into the stride of international competition, Mutaz Essa Barshim, did what he always seems to do, excelled.

Rising to the crowd’s support, the Qatari star jumped with ease as he improved his season’s performances yet further by securing a world leading indoor mark of 2.41m that now places him just two centimetres and two places away from the indoor world record and despite three failed attempts at the WR, there is no doubt that it was another breakthrough night for the 23 year old.

Such was the brilliance of his latest clearance, as he floated over the bar, making it with at least a book space to spare, many speculated that at that moment had it been measured to its full entirety then Barshim would now hold at least the indoor world record.

Of course that is not how the event or the sport works and so Javier Sotomayor’s record remained safe, even if he did come mighty close once more in the first of his actual attempts at a 2.44m world record.

Speaking after the event about his new Asian record Barshirn said: “Yeah I’m happy, every progress is important, I’m very happy it’s an Asian record, a

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personal best and a world lead so that’s very good.

“I felt it was a high jump, it was good I liked it, technically my coach was happy, so I’m really happy to do such a technical good jump over 2.41 m and it only shows that you can do much more but you need to go through the process.”

As for which of his three attempts at the WR he felt closest with, he added: “I think the first one ...

But I didn’t like any of the them. I didn’t get that right moment I was just a little bit too excited for it.

I was running fast without control automatically your body is running fast, you can’t control it, the speed is too high for the take off, I can’t tool that speed I’m not that strong so I’ve got to start slower. As you know it’s still part of the process, it will come hopefully.”

In the past Barshim has been known to quote Muhammed Ali as an inspiration, even going as far as to create an alternative tag-line based on the star’s famous words; “I want to float like a butterfly, spring like a bee,” he said in March last year before he poignantly went on to win a first world title at the World Indoors in Sopot. So as he did his best to live up to his new quote once more last night, there was another element of Ali’s makeup that shone through, his charisma and personality. No one would be audacious enough to put the high jumper on the same level as one of the world’s greatest athletes, yet the way that Barshim delivered himself oozes with class and enthusiasm for his sport.

If anything he is more gracious than Ali; you never see any slating of an opponent or gamesmanship, just someone who is willing to give back to his fans in whatever way possible.

That night in February, for example, he probably took selfies or signed autographs with 90% of the capacity crowd at AIT, and although he may have been tired he refused to show it, smiling for whoever wanted him to.

His popularity and star value is one that is rising almost by the day, to the extent that alongside being the face of field events, he seems like the most likely candidate to take over as the face of athletics once Usain Bolt does finally retire and now Doha 2019 seems the perfect stage for him to have a Berlin 2009-esque moment, although there’s a strong chance that will come sooner than then.

In truth, a world record is all that stands in his way from ultimate super stardom to the extent where people will be saying “I can jump as high as Mutaz, I’m the next Barshim”, in the same way so many young kids and more than a few adults have claimed to be “the next Usain Bolt” since the euphoria of 2008.

Until then Barshim’s stock will continue to rise with every Asian record or world lead that he sets. What gravity, huh?

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All about the Bees

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ork by a research biologist at the Bioscience Research Institute, AIT has been gathering global attention. Dr Erin Jo Tiedeken is co-first author on the article published in the leading scientific journal, Nature, which explores the impact of insecticides on bees.

The research, which was undertaken while Dr Tiedeken was completing a PhD at Trinity College Dublin, shows that bees are attracted to nectar containing common pesticides. The researchers showed that this could increase their chances of exposure to high levels of pesticides. Previous studies have suggested that exposure of this kind can affect bees’ fitness and their ability to reproduce.

Pollination is an ecosystem service that is essential for human well-being and for maintaining a healthy environment.

Pollinators are necessary for the reproduction of most flowering plants, including wildflowers, as well as many of our favourite foods. For example, tomatoes, strawberries, apples, almonds, and many more crops used for human consumption require pollination by insects like bees. In fact the annual contribution of pollination to the economy is estimated at €153 million worldwide, probably more.

Put simply, pollinators are responsible for approximately one out of every 3 bites of our food.

Dr Tiedeken explained that the research “asked how two bee species, a bumblebee and a honeybee, are impacted by a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids. These pesticides are unique because they are systemic; that is, they are applied as a seed coating on crops and then spread to all of the tissues of the plant. That means they end up in the nectar and pollen that beneficial pollinators are consuming as food.

“There is a big debate right now as to whether or not these pesticides present an unacceptable hazard to bee species. The science suggests that these chemicals can be harmful to bees, and in 2013 a two-year ban was instated that restricts the use of these seed coatings on flowering crops that are attractive to

pollinators. Now that ban is coming to an end and the EU needs to decide if they are going to reinstate it.”

According to Dr Tiedeken, their work shows “that bees cannot taste neonicotinoids in sugar solutions at the concentrations they are found in floral nectar. In fact, we found that the bees actually prefer food containing neonicotinoids if given a choice. This is concerning because it indicates that bees will not be able to control their exposure to neonics in real-life agricultural situations, and that they might be consuming a lot more of these chemicals than we previously thought.”

This research was very important to the current debate about neonicotinoid exposure in natural agricultural landscapes, she stated. “These studies provide really strong evidence that neonicotinoids are harmful for bees. Our hope is that this information will help policymakers make an informed decision when the ban is reconsidered this year.”

Erin Jo Tiedeken is a research biologist interested in how humans alter the environment and cause global environmental change. Her work focuses on how chemicals in the environment impact humans and animals, especially pollinators. She received her BSc in Biology and Public Health from Muhlenberg College (Pennsylvania, USA) in 2010 and then was awarded a National Science Foundation GRFP grant and the Irish Research Council scholarship to study at Trinity College Dublin. Her work investigated how natural and synthetic chemicals in the environment can impact pollinator behaviour and health. She completed her PhD in 2014 under the supervision of Dr Jane Stout in the Botany Department of TCD. Currently, she is working on an EPA-funded postdoc at AIT which aims to inform policy makers about the impact for Ireland of contamination of receiving waters with pharmaceuticals.

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MOREFISH to Improve Aquaculture Management

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new joint multidisciplinary aquaculture project between NUI Galway and AIT will significantly improve management and efficiencies at inland aquaculture sites.

MOREFISH, which is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, aims to develop and test new innovative technologies and processes.

Led by Dr Eoghan Clifford (NUI Galway) and Prof Neil Rowan (AIT), the project addresses critically important needs identified by industry end-users, including the potential for advanced aeration technologies, efficient production management and deployment of next-generation disinfection technologies.

According to Dr Eoghan Clifford “Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food sectors in Europe where Ireland is the seventh largest producer of aquaculture in terms of volume of high value fish species with exports of Irish aquaculture products supporting approximately 2,000 direct jobs.

However, there is an increased reliance to develop innovative technologies in order to increase both Irish and broader European fish stock densities and productivity along with the need for reducing energy costs, water consumption and environmental impact.”

Professor Rowan, who also holds an adjunct professorship in the School of Medicine at NUI Galway, said: “This project brings together a critical mass of engineering and scientific expertise, industry stakeholders and policy-makers, commercial operators and international experts to respond

directly to pressing issues identified through industry scoping.

Indeed, the central novel theme that embodies MOREFISH is the generation of new knowledge on the application to management processes and alleviation of finfish diseases through development of novel innovations for sustainable freshwater aquaculture applications. Pilot studies are already underway in several freshwater aquaculture sites across Ireland using what are beyond-state-of-the-art MOREFISH approaches.”

The NUI Galway and AIT team envisage that MOREFISH will provide real time impact for pressing challenges facing fish farmers that will ultimately help increase fish biomass yields, productivity and stocking densities, mitigate contamination and cross-infection, and reduce production costs and waste.

This timely multidisciplinary research will position Ireland as a leading innovator for established and emerging problem solving for aquaculture through enhanced production efficiency and sustainability resulting in increased competitiveness, reduce environmental impacts of aquaculture production and improved fish health and reduced finfish diseases/mortalities in rearing systems due to improved operating conditions.

Further information about MOREFISH can be found on the website www.morefish.ie or on Twitter at @MOREFISHproject Above: Prof. Neil Rowan

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Dr Luke Geever, who leads one of Ireland’s largest polymer research groups, went to Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic as the Fulbright-Enterprise Ireland Scholar last autumn. Dr Geever is undertaking collaborative research with world leading experts while exploring the clinical applications of novel biomedical polymers.

Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges

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omorrow’s challenge is to develop new medicines, devices and procedures that provide better treatment to existing medical conditions and offer patients a better quality of life.

Amongst the research currently being conducted by Dr Luke Geever’s Smart Polymers Research Group at the Materials Research Institute in AIT is the development of novel bioresorbable polymer materials for medical device implant applications. Bioresorbable polymers are becoming the materials of choice in the development of medical devices, including cardiovascular stents and fixation devices for bone repair, with demand for implantable medical devices, forecast to reach $52 billion in 2015.

AIT principal investigator, Dr Geever was recently the recipient of a Fulbright Enterprise Ireland Scholar award, which will see him carry out studies at leading research centres in the United States, in work that seeks to expand the clinical applications of novel bioresorbable polymers.

The Fulbright programme is a highly competitive, merit-based grants programme for international educational exchange which was founded by United States Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946. It is one of the most prestigious awards programmes worldwide, operating in over 155 countries. Under Fulbright, competitively selected candidates are awarded scholarships to study, conduct research and exercise their talents in the United States. The Fulbright programme is sponsored by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

In autumn 2015, Dr Geever commenced a research position in Harvard Medical School, at the Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, while in 2016 he will carry out related research at the Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester.

During his time in the US, he is collaborating with world-leading experts in the field of regenerative medicine, Prof Christopher Evans, Director of the Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center at the Mayo Clinic, and Dr Ryan Porter, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School.

Both Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic have been the focal points of countless significant scientific medical discoveries, which have resulted

in improved medical treatments that are used around the world today. In 2014, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, was ranked as the No.1 overall hospital in the United States by US News & World Report.

According to Dr Geever: “Such has been the influence of polymers on modern medicine that polymeric materials are now a key component in the majority of medical treatments and a necessity in today’s medical world.

Innovations in the field of polymers have contributed to the advancement of medicine, including improvements in surgical equipment and techniques, critical care and life support hardware.

“Despite these great advancements, there is an urgent clinical need to develop new materials and processes that will support the development of the next generation of bioresorbable medical device implants.

“During my time in the US, through collaboration with Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic, I will undertake a clinical observership, observe surgeries and review case studies with surgeons, which will enable me to develop technical solutions with the patient’s welfare at the very heart of my research. Bioresorbable polymeric implants are materials that can break down in the body over time and have many advantages over traditional materials avoiding the limitations of metal alloy implants, by elimating the need for painful, costly and possibly harmful additional removal procedures. Also the materials currently under development by my team allows for the controlled release of active pharmaceutical ingredients which has the potential to lead to further therapeutic advantages.”

A graduate in polymer technology from AIT, Dr Geever undertook his PhD in Athlone in the controlled release of pharmaceutical ingredients from smart temperature sensitive polymers. Dr Geever now leads one of the largest polymer materials research groups in Ireland, the Smart Polymers Research Group. This specialist research team currently comprises of 15 full-time scientists and engineers. The group has played a key role in securing €6 million in research awards, attracting significant competitive state and industry funding. Dr Geever is also a co-founder and principal investigator of the Applied Polymer Technologies (APT) Gateway,

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“Such has been the influence of polymers on modern medicine that polymeric materials are now a key component in the majority of medical treatments and a necessity in today’s medical world”

Ireland’s national polymer materials and processing research centre which is supported by Enterprise Ireland. The APT Gateway in AIT was established in 2012 and offers companies, locally and nationally, access to world-class R&D infrastructure, expertise and resources.

The APT Gateway currently works with in excess of 100 companies every year, delivering solutions to a wide range of industry partners who rely on polymer technologies to support their core business, from SMEs to multinationals across the medical, pharmaceutical, composite and sustainable sectors.

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AIT Students Rate College Life Positively Results of Student Survey Published More than four out of every five students (83%) at AIT rate their educational experience as good or excellent. That’s according to the 2015 results from the Irish Survey of Student Engagement (ISSE), which was completed by 27,300 students from 30 higher education institutions.

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he ISSE asks students about their full experience of higher education, with the results providing institutions with valuable information to identify effective practice and provision and to prompt awareness of, and action on, any particular issues or challenges that affect students.

AIT students had the highest response rate of all the participating institutions, with 51% of eligible students completing the survey.

Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Registry, Dr Joseph Ryan, welcomed the findings. “This is a very valuable direct insight into the experiences and views of our students, and we are grateful to them for the large numbers in which they shared their opinions. Higher education confers not only advanced levels of knowledge and understanding in various disciplines, it is also about enabling students become critical thinkers, problem solvers and team workers. The ISSE results highlight that this is the experience of the vast majority of AIT students. We look forward to exploring these findings in greater detail and to learning from the insights shared,” stated Dr Ryan.

President of the AIT students union, Kevin Ronan, said: “Each year more and more students complete the survey, and AIT students have engaged with it in greater numbers than any other institution.

ISSE is quickly becoming the accepted authority on student opinions of their

academic and college experiences. It is crucial that this data be utilised to its full effect.”

Amongst the results of the 2015 AIT survey were: • 63% of all participating students selected often or very often, when asked if they were improving knowledge and skills that will contribute to their employability (62% in 2014); • 76% of all participating students reported positive relationships with teaching staff, finding them to be available, helpful and sympathetic (a score of 5 or greater on 7 point scale) (75% in 2014); • 74% of all participating students selected quite a bit or very much when asked how much their experience had helped them to think critically and analytically (74% in 2014); • 53% of all participating students selected quite a bit, or very much when asked if they were solving complex real world problems (52% in 2014); • 70% of all participating students selected often or very often, when asked if they used an online learning system to complete an assignment (72% in 2014); • 57% of all participating students selected often or very often, when asked if they had conversations

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with students of a different ethnicity/ nationality (57% in 2014); 26% of all participating students selected plan to or done, when asked if they were considering study abroad/ student exchange (26% in 2014); 73% of all participating students selected quite a bit or very much, when asked if they spend a significant amount of time studying and on academic work (74% in 2014).

The Irish Survey of Student Engagement is open to all first year undergraduate, final year undergraduate and taught postgraduate students in 30 higher education institutions including all institutes of technology, universities and colleges of education. The number of students participating has steadily increased from the national pilot survey in 2013 through implementation of the full survey in 2014 and 2015. The ISSE is the first system-wide survey of its kind in Europe and one of only a handful of similar surveys worldwide.

The ISSE project is funded by the Higher Education Authority and co-sponsored by the HEA, Institutes of Technology Ireland (IOTI), the Irish Universities Association (IUA) and the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

A copy of the 2015 survey report is available online at http://studentsurvey.ie.

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Lifelong Learning – from ‘Cradle to Grave’ – But, what about the lost years 30-55?

Dr Michael Tobin believes that a fundamental opportunity exists in that quarter-century window to reap the benefits of lifelong learning.

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he concept of lifelong learning is often described using the term from ‘cradle to grave’. The general interpretation being that we commence learning once born and that we should only cease learning when we die. Ideally, it implies that we should have a ‘steady rate’ of learning throughout our lives.

Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Research shows that in the early years of our lives, we learn at a significant pace and that up to 30 years of age we strive for as much knowledge as we can find. But, for the next 25 years – from 30 to 55 – the practicalities of life take over. We typically start our families, we focus on our jobs/careers and we tend to let ‘learning’ take a back seat. Research suggests that this continues until we are about 55 years of age, at which point we start to re-engage as we begin to plan for our retirement, seek out new hobbies and once again begin to focus on skills that will bring us through our fourth age.

But, what about those ‘lost’ years? How do we reclaim them? At 55, while it is great that we as citizens start to focus on our learning again, might it not be better if we managed to stay actively learning for ourselves throughout our lives and in particular the 30-55 year bracket?

Recognising this, at the Department of Lifelong Learning in AIT, we ensure that we address these lost years through the delivery of part-time flexible programmes. These courses are family-friendly, they will assist in terms of career development, and the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. This is achieved through the delivery of over 80 accredited part-time programmes, across levels 6-9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), in the areas of business, accountancy, science, engineering, humanities, childcare and hospitality to name just a

few. Indeed, we have a community of over 800 lifelong learners attending our programmes each year – typically on one to two evenings a week or on Saturdays.

At the heart of lifelong learning in AIT, our objectives are: • to increase significantly adult participation in higher education and training; • to ensure greater ease of progress through the system of qualifications; • to provide a more coherent relationship between education and training provision and the skill needs of the regional economy; and • to enhance collaboration between education and training providers and the world of business and industry.

So, don’t overlook the opportunities that will emerge through lifelong learning in the 30-55 years category. Instead, why not take a look at our part-time prospectus for courses commencing in September 2016, available on www.ait.ie or contact us on lifelonglearning@ait.ie where we can advise and support you to make the choice suitable for you.

And, for those of you younger than 30 and older than 55, we are delighted that you continue to choose the Department of Lifelong Learning in AIT as your place of learning. Through your learning success we are also successful, so ‘thank you’ and we look forward to welcoming you in September as you choose programmes specific to your career or your pending fourth age.

Together we can change the research and ensure that we have lifelong learning in the midlands from ‘cradle to grave’.

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Volume 7 Number 1

MBA: Hallmark of Executive Education

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he Executive MBA programme at AIT is characterised by applying the latest thinking in management and leadership to solve real-world business problems. You’ll be challenged by faculty who have extensive experience of industry, and whose teaching connects ground-breaking theory with the business stories making the news.

The culture of the AIT MBA is one of teamwork; where you’ll work together with classmates to solve complex business problems. A residential weekend at the start of the programme provides the perfect opportunity for getting to know your classmates, while obtaining an overview of this challenging degree.

With students drawn from the private and public sectors, start-ups and multinationals, you will develop the analytical skills and acumen to appreciate business forces and decision making scenarios from a wealth of different perspectives.

On the AIT MBA, you will encounter a variety of teaching and learning approaches. For example, you will spend a significant proportion of your time participating in case exercises and working on assignments in small groups.

This will provide an opportunity for understanding different viewpoints, as well as sharing experiences and ideas. Group work will also allow you to practice skills of analysis and, through discussion, to argue for and negotiate solutions to problems.

According to Dr Jason Palframan, MBA Course Director: “Students on the MBA typically have built up vast expertise in a particular area within their organisation. The MBA broadens that palette of knowledge considerably and exposes learners to areas as diverse as strategic management, economics, supply chain management, financial statement analysis, strategic marketing, organisational development, leadership and change, strategic human resource management, corporate finance, innovation and project management, as well as a management consulting project, and a research-based dissertation.

“While there is a very strong theoretical underpinning to the MBA, students get to apply that learning in the context of case studies and real-life scenarios,” Dr Palframan added. “This is the elixir that makes the MBA so desirable in terms of career progression and gives graduates a competitive advantage in the jobs market.”

MBA graduate and regional manager for the West at Waterways Ireland, Éanna Rowe, returned to education 15 years after completing his primary degree. According to Mr Rowe: “The partnership approach adopted by AIT, its lecturers and the business sector in general provided the ideal opportunity not only to learn, but to put that learning into practice. I found the encouragement, co-operation and support of the institute and the business faculty, in particular, of great assistance.”

According to MBA graduate Vincent English, managing director of Vernier Europe: “After being an entrepreneur for the last 20 years, it is easy to think that you know it all. I had put off doing the MBA for several years precisely because of that reason. Looking back on the MBA programme, from both a practical and intellectual stance, my only regret was that I had not done it much sooner.

No matter what life experiences you bring to the MBA programme, there are a multitude of new experiences waiting there for you.”

In order to gain entry to the MBA, applicants should normally have at least five years’ work experience, with three years in a management-related role, in addition to their academic qualifications. All qualified applicants will be invited to attend for interview and selection will be based on qualifications, experience and interview performance.

Further information about the Executive MBA programme at AIT is available at www.ait.ie/mba.

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Pictured: Stephen Bennett demonstrates the Fanstream technology

Fanstream – A new player in live streaming

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here’s a new player in the world of live streaming.

Fanstream, a pioneering spin-out from AIT, provides event organisers with access to an advanced online video platform (OVP) for broadcasting and monetising live events. The company which was spun-out by its founder, Stephen Bennett, in October 2015 was based on research performed in AIT’s Software Research Institute.

Bennett has a career spanning over 20 years in ICT and electronics, as well as over a decade working with independent bands and artists helping them with ICT technology on and off stage.

Fanstream’s current capabilities allow it to stream live geotagged HD video, captured on both professional and consumer devices located at events. Fanstream will deliver live video streams to consumers with a unique un-intrusive embedded advertising technology. This technology can be utilised by sponsors and brands to maximise their exposure at live events.

According to Bennett: “Fanstream is positioning itself to become a key global provider of live pay-for-view video streaming services and utilises custom built scalable cloud architecture to support these ambitions. We are currently exploring a number of prospective funding opportunities, including crowdfunding.”

Bennett was principal investigator on an 18-month Enterprise Ireland commercialisation fund awarded to AIT’s Software Research Institute, which concluded in September 2015. Collaborators were Dr Brian Lee and Dr Yuansong Qiao.

Fanstream is based in the Midlands Innovation and Research Centre at AIT, where Bennett is now a participant on the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme for entrepreneurs and early stage start-ups delivered in the midlands mid-east region by AIT in partnership with Maynooth University.

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Volume 7 Number 1

New Book on Parenting Co-edited by AIT Senior Lecturer Published

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senior lecturer at AIT has co-edited a new book on parenting in modern Ireland, which was published recently.

“Learning on the Job: Parenting in Modern Ireland” is edited by Dr Ashling Jackson (pictured above), senior lecturer in social care at AIT, and by Dr Colm O’Doherty, lecturer in applied social studies at IT Tralee. The book is a reflection on parenting issues in Ireland and parenting for a variety of “new” emerging parent groups. It examines and explores the everyday practices and concerns of different parenting forms in modern Ireland.

The book reviews and discusses the social terrain in which parenting takes places at the moment in Ireland, focusing on modernity and social change, changing family patterns, the value of parenting and supporting parenting. It also reflects on key parenting issues in Ireland at the moment, including navigating adolescence, parenting in a digital age, parenting alone, parents with intellectual disability, grandchildcare, fatherhood, supporting parents, parenting programmes, parenting in a multicultural society and foster-parenting.

According to Dr Jackson: “We have experienced phenomenal social, political, economic and cultural change in Ireland in recent decades. We can see all of these changes reflected in family life.

How the family is defined, the nature of family life, our roles within the family, parenting, how we parent, and care responsibilities associated with the family are all rapidly changing.

“This is a very timely publication which offers an analysis of everyday issues and concerns experienced by parents, thus providing a real insight into the reality of parenting for parents,” she stated.

“The book brings together research, analysis and experiences of different approaches to parenting in contemporary Ireland,” added co-editor, Dr Colm O’Doherty. “The contributors are drawn

from a range of disciplinary and life skills backgrounds. They share their understandings of the positive aspects of parenting and examine the issues facing different family forms as they rear the next generation. In my view, the real strength of the book is its recognition that there is not just one way to bring up children and that parenting is the most important activity in all our lives.”

Amongst the contributors to the book is AIT social care lecturer, Karen Leonard, who wrote a chapter on the dilemmas parents and professionals are presented with during adolescence.

It looks at the period of adolescence as a transition and developmental stage that the family has to go through and provides some ideas on how to manage it more effectively.

Head of department of social sciences and design at AIT, Oliver Hegarty, commented that: “AIT is a noted academic centre of excellence in terms of child, youth care and family studies.

This latest important work by Ashling and Karen cements this reputation and brings the benefits of their expertise to a wider audience.”

Dr Ashling Jackson lectures in the areas of sociology, social policy and community development at AIT. Her doctoral research examined premarital cohabitation as a pathway to marriage and how it is changing the social institution of marriage in Ireland today.

Dr Jackson has researched and published on family change, community education, health and experiences of the Irish Traveller community.

Karen Leonard is a lecturer in social care at AIT. Ms Leonard started her professional career as a child protection social worker and is also a registered family therapist, with experience of working with children, adolescents and their families.

“Learning on the Job” is published by Oak Tree Press and is available in print and e-book editions from all good bookshops and at www.SuccessStore.com.

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World-class Gym and Sporting Facilities

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s an AIT student you will have affordable membership to the new state-of-the-art gym and studio facilities. The gym and studios are located on the first floor of the AIT International Arena. The large gym boasts over 70 diverse workout stations. The top specification techno-gym equipment will ensure safe and effective workouts. The cardio machines are just like a tablet and allow you to manage your training, access your favourite websites or watch your favourite TV programmes, access your social networks and connect and charge your smart phone.

We have a wide range of both plate-loaded and traditional strength equipment, and an extensive weight area. For cycling enthusiasts, we have a selection of the best bikes on the market including the Watt Bike, Keiser M3, Body Bike Connect and Airdyne so you are spoilt for choice.

If that’s not enough, we offer over 30 group exercise classes each week and scheduled access to run on the IAAF indoor 200 metre track in the AIT International Arena.

We have a dedicated team of instructors waiting to help you settle in and show you around our state-of-the-art facilities. Our friendly and highly qualified team will provide

you with excellent guidance, advice and comprehensive fitness programmes to match your fitness level; from complete beginners to elite athletes.

So whatever your personal fitness goal, we will help you along your journey. What we offer at a glance: •

• • • • •

• •

A state-of-the-art gym with a team of dedicated instructors who will work with you to develop a comprehensive fitness plan that matches your needs, whether you are a beginner or elite.

70 diverse workout stations and you can access the web including YouTube on our cardio machines.

Access to over 30 group exercise classes each week Access to run on the IAAF indoor 200 metre track in our International Arena An indoor cycling studio with 20 bikes A group exercise studio, fully air-conditioned for our extensive range of classes including Boxercise, HIIT Circuit, Pump, Spin & Tone, Bodyshock and much more. You can book your favourite class up to 3 days in advance!

A High Performance Training Area Modern and clean changing rooms

AIT International Arena

Fitter stronger Faster

State of the Art Gym facility with an extensive range of Group Exercise Classes is now available on campus

GREAT VALUE MEMBERSHIP OFFERS Visit www.aitsports.ie to join now

SPORT Delivering Results

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Volume 7 Number 1

Connect & Discover your future at AIT

Connect & Discover

Situated in the heart of Ireland, Athlone Institute of Technology delivers an education that equips students for career and life success. AIT graduates lead companies around the world, conduct life-altering research, design new ways of doing things, and work for societal benefit.

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