Lecturer/Assistant Professor
UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics
Aoibhinn is an Assistant Professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics, where she is director of the BSc Science, Mathematics and Education initial teacher education programme in UCD College of Science.
Her research investigates issues in mathematics education, with particular focus on teacher education, and on making STEM more accessible and exciting for those who have historically been left out, whether because they are underprivileged economically or because they are female. A former post-primary teacher in a DEIS school, she is committed to making the teaching of mathematics more effective, with her impact reaching far beyond the university classroom as a science communicator on TV, radio and in print.
It's important that young people, particularly young women, can see themselves succeeding in the fields of maths, science, engineering and technology, and recognise how working in these can make a meaningful difference in society. Role models can play a key role in encouraging young people to consider pathways that otherwise might not seem tangible or obvious. It's important to highlight that more diversity in decision-making and problem solving, will lead to ideas and solutions for sustainable development and equity across society.
The project is based on research demonstrating that role models from diverse backgrounds can encourage young women to consider such careers. The videos and materials are build on the UNESCO framework for features that encourage young women and girls in STEM. The project has been funded by the HEA, Institute of Physics, Grant Thornton and SCOR Global Life Reinsurers and partnered with WITS (Women in Technology & Science), teacher associations such as the ISTA (Irish Science Teachers Association), TU Dublin, Atlantic Technological University and Society of Actuaries. Research is currently underway assessing the impact of the videos on young people's attitudes towards careers in science.