21 minute read
QUEEN’S GRADUATIONS
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY CLASS OF 2020
Graduation celebrations at Queen’s University Belfast are taking place virtually this year. In this edition we shine a light on students and their success stories as they graduate during changed times.
EMMA MALONE
Emma Malone graduated with a Master’s (MSc) in Software Engineering from the School of School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Queen’s University Belfast.
Despite having no previous experience in IT before enrolling on the Master’s programme Emma Malone gained the expertise to develop a prototype for WeeWeeCat for her dissertation, to help cats like her beloved Charlie who nearly died because of an undetected obstruction in his bladder.
Emma, 33, who is originally from Derry/ Londonderry but now lives in Belfast, explained: “I came up with the idea for this project as I have two cats, both of which have experienced urinary health problems. It wasn’t until Charlie was very ill that I realised that the fact he was hiding and not using the litter tray indicated signifi cant health issues.
“I decided to focus on that for my dissertation, building a prototype using technology to monitor cat activity in their litter tray.”
The system Emma designed uses a radio frequency identifi cation chip attached to the cat’s collar and a reader attached to the litter tray.
She added: “The system works by identifying which cat has approached the litter tray using the RFID and then infrared break beams inside the litter tray indicate if the cat has entered. This data is then transmitted wirelessly to a database.”
“This is coupled with a website system where the cat owner can set up customised alerts to be notifi ed if their cat hasn’t visited the litter tray the specifi ed number of times per day.
“If they noticed unusual activity they could take their cat for veterinary care to be checked out and hopefully any health issues would be detected early enough to treat.”
Emma, who had previously worked in procurement, has now secured a job with Belfast-based cybersecurity company Cynalytica International.
She added: “I had never done any IT before, so starting the MSc was a massive change in direction for me but it was a great challenge and I loved the whole experience. The support and feedback I got from my tutor made me feel confi dent that I could achieve the qualifi cation.”
ASHLEIGH NEILL
Ashleigh Neill graduated with a PhD in Finance from Queen’s Management School at Queen’s University Belfast.
Ashleigh, aged 29 and from Listowel in Co Kerry, balanced her PhD in Finance: ‘Law and Financial Stability’ and starting her new business as an illustrator after using her artistic skills to illustrate her PhD chapters to make it easier for people to understand.
Ashleigh explained: “I used illustrations and some data visualisations to depict key concepts of my research which crossed between Law, Finance and Econometrics as it can be a little diffi cult to explain. My illustrations started to win prizes at academic presentations and gained the attention of other researchers, both locally and globally, as far as Australia. I started collaborating with researchers to help them express their work in a creative and accessible way, and ‘PhDcartoon’ was born.”
As well as starting her illustration business, Ashleigh taught in the Economics department during her fi nal year. She said: “Starting my PhD, I was eager to gain experience teaching. I was fortunate that the Heads of the Finance and Economics departments at my School at the time, Professor Donal McKillop, Professor John Turner, and Professor Rob Gilles, were very supportive and helped facilitate this.
DIANE ROBERTS
Diane Roberts graduated with a Master’s (MA) in History from the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics at Queen’s University Belfast.
Diane, aged 54 and from Warrenpoint in Co Down, always dreamt of studying history, however, she ended up studying for a business degree when she went to university and had a very successful career in business.
She said: “I started my own company in 2008, and have assisted many companies set up, get funding and grow. In 2017, I was driving home one evening listening to a radio programme which had a feature about returning to study later in life. It got me thinking, and before the weekend was over, I had applied to Queen’s to study my dream degree.
“Current aff airs and history have always been a passion, and in recent years I have read many historical books so I was delighted to study the subject for ‘fun’. I have loved every minute of it and would encourage anyone thinking of going after their dream, to just do it, you will not regret it!”
Diane, who is dyslexic, found going back to academic writing an adjustment. Speaking about the support she received, she said: “My School and in particular, Dr Marie Coleman, were so encouraging. It had been 25 years since I had written an essay and being dyslexic, I found that a challenge. Every time I reached out for help, from academic writing advice to fi nding archival material, the whole team at the School supported me.
Catherine McLaughlin graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Adult Nursing from Queen’s University Belfast. Catherine is a proud mum to her six children and has had to overcome many of life’s challenges to graduate. Her mum passed away aged 32 from breast cancer when Catherine was just 15. She says: “In the middle of my GCSEs, my mum had just passed away and I was struggling to keep up. I decided it was too much and left. It had always been my dream to be a nurse or a midwife, as it was my mums.
“At 32, by then married and having just given birth to my fi fth child, I decided to pursue the career again, so I enrolled onto a health and social care A-Levels course. Within three months of the course, I discovered baby number six was en route. With the support of the college and my family I continued my studies and applied to Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s and was beyond excited when off ered a place on their adult nursing course. It was a dream come true!”
Sadly, for Catherine, in her fi nal year at university, her husband and youngest daughter were involved in a very serious car crash, being hit by a stolen vehicle. Bravely, and with the support from her friends, family and the nursing staff at Queen’s, she continued to excel and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
Despite being a busy mum of six, Catherine has played a key role during the pandemic. In her fi nal year of nursing, she was asked to join the workforce early due to the increasing number of hospitalisations from COVID-19. She also became an advocate for other nurses to ensure they were kept safe at work.
EMMA BOHAN
Emma Bohan, aged 34 from Alderney in the Channel Islands, graduated today with a First Class Honours Degree in Adult Nursing from the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast.
At just 24 years old, Emma took a sudden cardiac arrest and was without oxygen for 15 minutes whilst being resuscitated. She said: “I was put into an induced coma to let my body recover. The medical team prepared my family for the worst, where I would need 24-hour care, not being able to talk, walk or communicate.
“I was soon diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome (a congenital heart condition) and had an ICD (Internal Cardiac Defi brillator) implanted. I have spent quite a bit of time in and out of hospital since and have been cared for and treated by the most amazing nurses, which inspired me to train as a nurse myself. I suff ered a hypoxic brain injury due to the lack of oxygen, so I fi nd learning and remembering really tricky now, but every day I consider myself so lucky to be alive.”
Emma initially started her degree at Queen’s in September 2016, but within a month she was admitted to hospital. She explained: “I had two cardiac arrests and eight shocks from my ICD, which was thankfully doing its job and keeping me alive. I was too poorly to continue my degree, so I went home to Alderney. I deferred until the following year and came back to Northern Ireland in September 2017 and returned to my degree.”
In her third year, Emma completed her management placement on a cardiology ward in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and has since taken up a permanent post as a staff nurse back on the same cardiology ward.
FIONA MONAHAN
Fiona Monahan graduated graduating with a Master’s in Educational Studies (MEd) with distinction from the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast.
Fiona, a specialist teacher and assessor from Newry, completed her Master’s degree parttime over four years whilst working as a freelance Disability Needs Assessor and Autism/Dyslexia Tutor based at Queen’s and Ulster University.
Fiona received a late diagnosis of Asperger’s in 2012 at the age of 38. She said: “Growing up without understanding that I was autistic made life very diffi cult and confusing which could have been avoided had I been diagnosed and received support earlier but Asperger’s as a subtype of autism wasn’t recognised until 1991.
“My experiences inspired me to write a book for autistic teenagers to help them understand their spectrum of autism – ‘Know Your Spectrum!: An Autism Creative Writing Programme for Teenagers’. “My aim is to allow teenagers to develop a strong sense of identity based on their strengths and challenges and hopefully avoid negative self-perceptions from becoming their identity.”
In April 2020, whilst in the fi nal year of her degree, Fiona was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy.
Speaking about the support she received from Queen’s, Fiona said: “My dissertation tutor, Dr Aideen Gildea, was very supportive. Due to the pandemic I had to change my dissertation topic and restart it in June after my operation. Her support and encouragement enabled me to continue and complete my dissertation despite the diffi culties I faced and I passed with distinction.
JONAH FAMBRO
Jonah Fambro graduated with a Master’s MA in International Relations from the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics at Queen’s University Belfast.
Elise Fambro, from the USA, was the fi rst to congratulate her husband, Jonah, on his graduation from Queen’s University Belfast, and hailed him a hero for achieving a Master’s while caring for her during a chronic illness and their two young children.
The couple, who moved from Utah to Belfast with their children Liam (aged 4) and Jaeleigh (aged 2), have endured an intense and gruelling year.
Jonah said, “For us, this Master’s not only signifi es academic achievement, it will also always serve to remind me what can be achieved through perseverance and determination by the grace of God. I decided to undertake this Master’s to improve my job prospects and to be better equipped to serve international communities with my family. Little did I know what personal challenges I would have when I embarked on this course. I’m so thankful to have completed my Master’s – it feels like an amazing accomplishment given our circumstance.”
Jonah’s wife Elise, added, “I am so proud of and thankful for my husband. Shortly after selling whatever didn’t fi t in our suitcases and moving to Belfast, I became chronically ill and was so debilitated that I was no longer able to care for myself or my children. Jonah had to care for us all, while researching and trying to write a dissertation. The pandemic also impacted my treatment, with delayed appointments further hampering my recovery.”
The family is now back living in the United States. Jonah is currently working towards becoming an international missionary within the next year and hopes his Master’s will provide him insight on how to best care for the communities he serves.
EMMA SHERMAN
Daughter of Garfield and Lisa Sherman from Tandragee has graduated from Queens University, Belfast with a BSc Management degree. Emma is a former pupil of Tandragee Primary school, Tandragee JHS and Portadown College and has recently taken a post with First Derivatives.
DR HELEN MCCREEDY
Daughter of Eric and Ruth McCreedy from Tandragee has graduated from Keele University with a MBChB with honours. Helen is a former pupil of Tandragee Primary School and Banbridge Academy and has currently taken a post as a doctor in the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
CIARA MCELMEEL
Daughter of Malachy and Roisin McElmeel from Armagh graduated from University of Ulster with a 2:1 BSc with Honours in Real Estate. Ciara is a former pupil of St Catherines Primary school and St Catherine College Armagh and has taken a post with CBRE in Dublin.
TARA GRANT
Daughter of John and Karen Grant from Tandragee graduated from Stranmillis College with a 1st Class Honours BEd Primary Degree. Tara is a former pupil of Tandragee Primary School, Tandrage JHS and Portadown College and has currently taken a post in Gilford Primary School.
JAMIE CALVERT
Son of Michael and Dawn Calvert from Hamilstonbawn graduated from University of Ulster with a BSc 2:1 Honours degree in Business studies. Jamie is a former pupil of Markethill Primary School, Markethill High School and Royal School Armagh.
BETHANY MCKITTERICK
Bethany McKitterick daughter of Sharon and Joshua McKitterick from Richhill graduated from University of Ulster with a BSc 2:1 honours degree in Adult nursing.
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OUR PHILOSOPHY
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WELCOME TO THE COURTYARD, CARRICKFERGUS, AN OASIS OF LOCAL BUSINESS!
As you walk in, you will find four wonderful shops. Firstly, they have Men’s Lodge Room, a funky barbershop where you are guaranteed your favourite fade. Painted in black is The Silver Store, a beautiful jewellers filled with an array of classic and unique pieces. Next to them, you will find The Art Gallery. Here, the fabulously talented Tom Stephenson is always working away on his next piece, and is more than happy to discuss any finished pieces. Opening this month, Locos is joining the community bringing freshly made mexican cuisine!
Through the archway is their wonderful garden. Renovated throughout 2020, it is a bright, welcoming area to take a seat and enjoy some treats with a coffee from Take Thyme, a classic delicatessen. Look no further than The Nail Room and Kellie Courtney Hair Design for the latest styles and trends. It’s the perfect combination for a relaxing afternoon. Nestled between the two, Dreamy Gifts and Crafts is your go to for a celebration, offering balloon displays and personalised gifts. For more classic gifts, stop in to JAVART, who also stocks the incredible Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for all your up-styling needs. Finally, we have The Secret Bookshop full of an eclectic range of new and old so you’re sure to find your favourite.
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10. FAVOURITE
Movie: Overboard Band/Musician: Coldplay Book: What I know for Sure – Oprah Winfrey Restaurant: Pequeno Mundo in the Algarve
Holiday Destination:
Portugal Drink: Cosmopolitan Meal: Roast beef with all the trimmings
1. What do you love most about your job?
I love the creativity that comes with it. I might see a colour scheme in a magazine or out in nature and I will get an idea for a bouquet. Bringing that concept from idea into reality is just magic.
2. What has been your career highlight to date?
Starting my own business is by far the best thing I ever did. There was lots of self doubt before I started, but I knew that I was creating something beautiful and that if I loved it, and those close to me loved it then there was a good chance it was going to work out.
3. What are your favourite hobbies/ activities outside of work?
I would love to say I have many, but work has become my hobby too. I used to ride horses a lot and that is something I defi nitely want to get back into now. Other than that I love going for walks and spending time with my children.
4. What is your daily routine?
Get up anywhere between 6/6.30am as my kids are early risers. I’ll get them and myself ready for the day and do the school run. Then my working day starts. I will pack all the days orders and then start to work on new arrangements or get the admin done. There are so many hats to be worn as a solo entrepreneur, so I could be a fl oral designer one minute and a marketing director the next. I collect the kids at 5pm and then we have a family dinner together with my husband. Once the children go to bed I can really unwind. This will usually involve tea and something naughty. My sweet tooth emerges after 8pm! I am usually in bed by 10.30pm.
5. Do you have a fi tness regime?
This year my exercise regime has been terrible but I have just gotten a treadmill at Christmas so my step count is increasing by the day. Before that, my daily exercise was work and running around after two young kids.
6. Do you have any tips for staying positive during this time?
Don’t sweat the small stuff and remember that worrying never solved any problems. Sometimes we let things get us down but a chat with a friend or a loved one or a walk in the fresh air can often give a new perspective on things.
7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Ireland?
The scenery is some of the best you will see in the world, we are so lucky to have beautiful coastlines, as well as bustling cities.
8. What is your mantra or favourite quote that you live by?
‘Do onto others as you would like to be done onto you.’ I remember my mother saying something along these lines to me when I was a child and it just stuck. It costs nothing to be nice. There are so many keyboard warriors out there now that I wish would think in terms of this quote. It might prevent them from posting nasty comments. I fi nd myself saying it to my daughter a lot now and I think it’s one of the most important lessons a child can learn.
9. Who has been your biggest infl uence?
I’m not sure there is just one. There are many entrepreneurial people in my family, so I have never known anything else. Watching the success of those around me has defi nitely been a huge infl uence. I have always been fascinated with entrepreneurship, so much so I did my thesis on it.
