IT Tallaght Graduates
Magazine for Graduates & Friends of the Institute of Technology, Tallaght, Dublin 2008 / 2009
Graduate People & News from Clubs and Profiles Features the Institute Societies
CONTENTS
Welcome from Graduates Association Officer 5
Features What the Tweet is Twitter and how are businesses using it 12 The Harambee Scholaship Fund - An Update 20 Creative Digital Media students putting ITT Dublin on film 28 11 Bluebrick.ie - New flexible learning initiative launched by IOTs 78
Graduates Association News News over the last year at ITT Dublin 6
Institute News Business & Humanities 14 Science & Computing 23 Engineering 29 Other Institute News 32 New Courses 36 20 Graduate Profiles Get a glimpse into what some of our graduates are getting up to at home and abroad 52
Research and Innovation The latest news from research and innovation at the Institute 60
News from the Clubs and Societies News from the ever-thriving clubs and societies 72
46
Acknowledgements: Editor: Gareth Ebbs Cover Photo: Stephen Darcy. Darcy Imagery - www.darcyimagery.com Design: Matt Scallan / Horizon Graphics Email: [email protected]
Contact the Graduates Association Tel: (353 1) 404 2107 Email: [email protected] 77 Web: http://graduates.ittdublin.ie Advance Corporate Club Advance Pitstop 10% off ALL Products and Services Pitstop For all ITT Dublin Graduates, Students, Staff & Friends CorporateAdvance✓ Great discountsPitstop available to ITT Corporate Club Corporate Club members and their families ✓ Over 40 branches nationwide Club ✓ Comprehensive 35-point car service from %180 ✓ FREE 5 point safety check ✓ FREE pre NCT check ✓ Quality work guaranteed and affordable prices 10% off ALL Products and Services For all ITT Dublin Graduates, Students, Staff & Friends Please mention ITT Corporate Club at time of booking Check your or *%180 applies to cars below 1.1 litre. Check branches for other details nearest branch at book online .com advancepitstop ✓ Great discounts available to ITT Corporate Club members and their families ✓ Over 40 branches nationwide ✓ Comprehensive 35-point car service from %180 ✓ FREE 5 point safety check ✓ FREE pre NCT check ✓ Quality work guaranteed and affordable prices
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some really worthwhile guidance on how to advance Hi folks, I hope this yourself in these tough times so don’t be afraid to get in issue finds you well. touch and pick their brains. Make sure you’re registered as an official Association Needless to say it finds Ireland and indeed the globe, in a member at http://graduates.ittdublin.ie to ensure very different position to when we ran our last magazine you receive monthly e-bulletins. The site includes jobs and I hope our readers haven’t been affected too badly posted by the Careers Service, Member Discounts and as a result of it. much more. You can also find our Facebook page by searching Facebook for ‘IT Tallaght’ - we now have over The Graduates Association is no different and there are 800 friends so log on and see who else is online that you greater challenges than ever. Indeed there’s a chance may know. you are only reading a digital version of the magazine but we hope to print as soon as possible. Our flagship ITT Dublin now has a college Youtube channel – check event, the Graduates Association Ball, has unfortunately out www.youtube.com/user/ITTDublinadmin. It’s also been a victim this year and it’s uncertain when it will mostly a bit of fun for the moment but as it grows and go ahead in the near future. we add more footage of academic interest as well as recreational, I hope this will become an genuine We’re particularly looking at low-cost reunions which will promotional tool for prospective students to get an idea make it cheaper (or free in the case of ‘Drinks on Us’) for of the Institute when pondering over their CAO choices you to attend. With funds so scarce it’s very difficult to as well as graduates who are interested in keeping in hold events unless we know there will be a reasonable touch with what’s happening. By the time you read this attendance, so your input and participation are more it should also include five videos made by our 2nd Year valuable than ever. We know many are interested in Creative Digital Media students, who we teamed up reunions, so if you have a network of your old mates who with for the first time to produce promotional videos for want to get together for a bit of catch-up, do contact a range of recreational and academic areas within the us and we can work with you and help to tailor an event Institute. This was a great success which will continue on that suits your people. One idea that may appeal to you an annual basis. is ‘Drinks On Us’ – read more about this in the ‘Drinks On Us’ article in this issue or on the website. We’d love to Lastly I hope you enjoy the magazine and I want hear from you. thank everyone for their contributions, particularly our graduates who as always have given an interesting peek Now more than ever, careers advice is vital so if you are into their exploits beyond the walls of the Institute. a recent graduate, don’t forget that ITT Dublin may have a unique insight into your opportunities. Our Careers All the best, Officer, Marie Kielty is available to offer advice on your Gareth Ebbs next steps and along with your old lecturers you may find [email protected]
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 5 Graduate Association News
Dr. Tim Creedon Retires as President During a time of unprecedented growth for the Institute and among many achievements, Tim was responsible for implementing the Strategic Plan and instrumental in developing the new Strategic Plan for the Institute which helped to facilitate a period of great strides in all facets of the college.
One of Tim’s considerable achievements was developing the Research and Innovation capabilities of the Institute and in these areas, ITT Dublin has grown to consistently punch above its weight among its Institute of Technology counterparts. He also successfully led the Institute through the Delegated Authority and Institutional Review processes, with both commendably highlighting the extremely high level of professionalism in ITT Dublin’s academic and administrative structures.
Always an approachable and popular member of staff, In June 2009 Dr. Tim Creedon announced his resignation we wish Tim well in his retirement and expect a steady as President of the Institute. Tim served as President from decrease in his golfing handicap, indeed at the time of September 2004 until his departure in August 2009. Prior writing Tim has confirmed he has already reduced it by to taking the position as President, Tim served as Head two shots. of the School of Science and Computing from the opening of the college in 1992. Best of luck from all at the Institute!
delighted to provide support for the night at the Metro ‘Drinks On Us’ Reunion Bar in Tallaght which turned out to be a great success. Held at Metro Bar Funds are thin on the ground at the moment but if you fancy setting up your own reunion of ITT Dublin g r a d u a t e s and have 25 guaranteed attendees then why not get in touch with us with a view to us providing some support for the night. If you want to have it on an evening at the Institute, needless to say, funds will go a bit further but like January’s event we can also consider going offsite.
On Saturday 30th of January we held our first Drinks On Special thanks to Peter O’Neill for his work in putting the Us event. A group of 30 Business Studies graduates from night together. To read more about Drinks On Us visit 2007 got in touch with us and put forward a date and the website at http://alumni.ittdublin.ie and click ‘Have venue for a reunion. The Graduates Association were Drinks On Us’. Make it happen!
6 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Graduate Association News
Christmas Reunion 2008
On Wednesday the 17th of December a small Christmas reunion was held in the new staffroom. Amidst Christmas tunes and decorations and a healthy amount of food and drink, a small but lively mix of staff and graduates whiled away a few festive hours. There was also enough food and drink left over to ensure the St. Vincent de Paul raffle had a nice injection of small prizes the following day, which was certainly appreciated by Sister Elizabeth and the St. Vincent de Paul. Thanks a mill to everyone who made the effort to attend.
Drinks On Us!
you have planned. You can also add whatever quirks you want to the event by talking with us.
How do you get involved? There needs to be a minimum 25 people (with a minimum of 15 ex ITT Dublin students) to attend for this to go ahead so if you’re interested we need you to contact your Institute mates to come along and make it happen. If you mention the word free, it might help! As soon as you get confirmations, contact us at [email protected], suggest a date and we’ll go from there. These 25 people don’t have to be all from your group – there may be other groups Are you interested in meeting some of your old mates and we can combine to make up the 25. Kids, friends, here at the Institute? Then why don’t you come over, girlfriends, boyfriends, wives and husbands are very do some catch-up, and have a few drinks on us while welcome too. you’re here? Why are we doing this? Drinks On Us was launched in Spring 09 as a Events are always a big challenge for us and it’s compliment to reunions and an attempt to vastly cut tougher than ever now, money-wise in particular. We event costs given recent funding cutbacks. But we don’t have the funds or graduate numbers that other need your help to make it work. bigger colleges have to make it easy to hold events that guarantee a good attendance. With Drinks On How does it work? Us, if there’s demand for the event, it can go ahead Drinks On Us will be held here at the Institute, in the and if there’s no demand, there’s no event and we new staff canteen on a weekday evening of your don’t waste money on something that falls flat on its choice from approx 6.30pm until 9pm with free face. We’ll see how it goes for a while. Needless to wine, beverages, snacks and music (request tunes say we’d love to hear from you so get in touch! in advance). You could also do it on a Saturday Please feel free to email your comments and ideas afternoon if you like. Get your Friday/Saturday to [email protected] regarding this and started here, have a stroll around and see what’s events in general. At the time of writing we expect to changed and then head off to enjoy whatever else hold our first Drinks On Us in August 09.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 7 Graduate Association News
Bank of Ireland Item of the Month - Competition Finishes
2008 signalled the end of the Bank of Ireland-sponsored Item of the Month Competition for members of the Graduates Association online community. The competition ran successfully for one year giving out €600 worth of prizes for the best photograph received each month from members.
Big thanks to Brian Harman and Dolores Quigley at Bank of Ireland Tallaght for facilitating what was an extremely popular feature each month. Over 200 entries were received and you can see the winning entries at:
http://alumni.ittdublin.ie/?boiitemofthemonth
Westpark Gym No Joining Fee + Reduced monthly, yearly and flexible monthly option now available
Members can receive a big discount in their first year of membership at Westpark’s €10 million facility on the Greenhills Road which boasts the first stainless steel swimming pool in Ireland and some 60 exercise classes per week. Members will pay an exclusive annual membership fee of €550 with NO joining fee. Ordinary adult membership is €675 per annum with a €75 joining fee.
You can also take advantage of the monthly offer which includes NO joining fee, a reduced monthly payment of €53 (normally €63). Also ask about their casual membership options.
Contact Westpark and speak to Alison or Kevin at (01) 462 6911 and visit the website at www.westpark.ie for further details and virtual tours of the gym. You can become Westpark’s friend on facebook: www.facebook.com/group.
8 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Graduate Association News
Friend or Foe of Graduate and Alumni Associations?
In late 2008 I set up a Facebook profile for the Graduates To give an idea of the kind of usage we’re talking about Association. Since then over 700 friends who have come I’ve included their recent membership count in brackets to me to offer their virtual handshake. As a proportion which has probably gone up significantly by the time of our graduate/student base this is actually quite a lot you read this: compared to bigger colleges. Now social networking friends are generally not to be confused with the type of • Myspace (260,,000,000) friends you actually meet and chat to but that’s OK – it’s • BEBO (40,000,000) been great to see so many friend requests come in and • Badoo (13,000,000) it’s been a great development all round. For those of • Blackplanet (20,000,000) you who don’t know what Facebook is, well can I invite • Hi5 (80,000,000) you to crawl out from that rock you’ve been under and • Linkedin (35,000,000) take a sharp sniff of the coffee! • Tagged (70,000,000) • Reunion.com (50,000,000) With over 300,000,000 registered users, Facebook is one of many online social networking phenomenons of There are many, many more with lots of varied recent years, some of the other big western ones are membership databases depending on things like race, listed below. geographical location and social interests. Given its user demographic and the style of its content Facebook was probably the one most suited for our first social networking page.
“WITH OVER 300,000,000 REGISTERED USERS, FACEBOOK IS ONE OF MANY ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING PHENOMENONS”
Social networking like Facebook has had quite an impact on graduate associations around the world and the initial reaction a few years back from many seemed to be to view them as competition rather than allies. In their defence perhaps that was just a natural instinct because it’s certainly true to say that social networking now facilitates the kind of reconnections for graduates (albeit online) that graduate associations traditionally tended to have a monopoly on which used to give them a unique selling point. But that’s no reason to despair.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 9 Graduate Association News
The music recording industry’s reluctance to abandon virtual-conversations that is. If used cleverly it should their antiquated business models and refusal to accept actually drive traffic back to our main website and the inevitable growth of online music sales and sharing other college functions rather than doing the opposite. has been partly to blame for a recession in the industry There’s little point in graduate/alumni associations (and that was years before we started talking about the trying to compete with the level of functionality and big ‘R’). They serve as an example of how not to swim entertainment something like Facebook offers so the key against technological tides. Graduate associations is to take advantage of what it provides and see how have had to accept the inevitable and look for ways to best to feed it back into your area. expand their profile by aligning themselves with the social networking sites and benefiting from their many and “ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING HAS RADICALLY varied features, rather than viewing them as adversaries. CHANGED HOW MANY PEOPLE COMMUNICATE.” And there are huge advantages in doing so. Online social networking has radically changed how “THE KEY IS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT IT many people communicate and to that end, it certainly PROVIDES AND SEE HOW BEST TO FEED IT BACK INTO has many flaws as well as benefits but that’s for another YOUR AREA.” article. I’ll certainly continue to embrace what it gives to the Graduates Association. Facebook and social I’ve found our Facebook extremely helpful in maintaining networking are here to stay until the next technology- the profile of the Association. Among other things it based development sweeps in and changes how we do facilitates instant news to members about things like things once again. events, surveys, competitions and publications as well as photos and videos I upload periodically to keep If you are a student or graduates (there are also students among our friends) in graduate on Facebook touch with the latest developments and of course with who would like to be each other. It has also allowed me to easily get in touch friends, just search Facebook with people abroad who have provided interesting for ‘IT Tallaght’. We look forward articles about their experiences which you will read to making your virtual about in this issue. acquaintance.
It’s been interesting and entertaining to get feedback from our Facebook buddies and the simple uploading of a photograph of something new at the college can be Gareth Ebbs enough to get tongues wagging and before long there Graduates Association Officer can be full blown conversations happening as a result… [email protected]
Arena Leisure and Fitness at the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght
Arena Leisure and Fitness has opened based at the Maldron Hotel at Whitestown Way, opposite the Square in Tallaght. They are kindly offering discounts to all Association members and ITT Dublin students and the rates are as follows:
gym discounts:
10 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Graduate Association News
Introducing ‘The Dunnes Conundrum’ – Do You Have The Smarts? A shopping voucher to be won every fortnight!
Dunnes Stores have very kindly sponsored us with shopping vouchers as prizes for our new fortnightly competition – The Dunnes Conundrum. This is a fortnightly question/ brainteaser for Graduates Association members and friends. All who enter and submit the correct answer are in with a shout of winning a €20 Dunnes Stores Voucher every fortnight.
All our members and Facebook friends will be notified with a weblink to each conundrum which will only take a few seconds to enter. You will also be able to get the conundrum weblink at http://alumni.ittdublin. ie/?page=dunnesconundrum so log on and bookmark that page on your computer so you can cruise over every fortnight and enter – best of luck!
New Entrance Completed In September 2008, just in time for first semester, construction was finally completed on our brand new entrance. Boasting an ultra-modern glass structure which extends further out into the front area, it provides increased space inside around the reception area and library entrance which accommodated our huge Christmas tree beautifully last Christmas.
The construction also meant works to the staff canteen which was extended and refurbished and the Presidents Office which has been relocated, extended and thoroughly modernised. A large revolving door now gives entry as well as automatic side doors and it is undoubtedly a magnificent addition to the Institute. Some might say it’s a long way to go to stop a draft, but when it looks this good, who’s worrying?
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 11 Feature
What the Tweet is Twitter and how are businesses using it?
Twitter is a free service that allows you to post updates What about businesses can they leverage it? (called Tweets) as often as you want. You are limited to You could segment the businesses usage into four main 140 characters and the idea is to get people to publish areas. PR, Employee, and Listening: ‘what are you doing now?’, not unlike a small blog. This is why it’s been labelled micro-blogging. PR This is where the company uses Twitter for PR or as an The main functionality is to ‘Follow’ a person or a extension to their company blog. This is the easiest business. When you follow other people on Twitter, you and most common way of getting started. However see their tweets. When they follow you, they see your companies need to be aware that publishing self serving, tweets. George Hook & Stephen Fry have embraced the self promotional ‘salesy’ tweets does not go down well in channel. You can search for their names and get started the community. Starbucks and Dell have managed it well by following them. rewarding followers with specials offers and discounts. Small business and sole traders also commonly drive their While the names are silly, and some people are using it personal brand through twitter becoming perceived to broadcast their cereal choice at breakfast, more are experts in their fields. now using it as a business networking and communication tool.
Why is it getting so much media coverage? One of the main reasons it gets so much coverage is the vast number of celebrities that have set up profiles. It allows them to build up an unlimited fan base of followers, and communicate their daily updates directly to them.
The celebrity can control the message and deliver almost uninterrupted access to their lives. Unsurprisingly Paris Hilton is an avid user, as is Justin Timberlake along with a veritable who’s who of stars. Twitter has become a real-time online gossip magazine of sorts.
12 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Feature
Employee This is where an employee effectively becomes the online face of the company. When the employees How to Get Started reputation is enhanced so too is the company’s • Well first Sign up. Its very easy go to reputation. The employee can post everything from www.twitter.com/account/create industry commentary to personal reviews of products. Even posts unrelated to the company or industry can • Listen First: Start to listen using search.twitter.com enhance the company image. Matt Cutts from Google for your company name, competitors or keywords is a prominent choice (http://twitter.com/mattcutts). in your industry. Treat it like a cocktail party. Don’t just jump in and start shouting, listen, wait, and Listening then talk. This is how savvy marketers use it. Using search tools like search.twitter.com we keep track of what is being said in • Add a picture: This adds transparency. real-time about the company or campaigns. It’s a great way of collecting feedback and getting early warnings. • Be respectful of others and talk about their interests too. Participate in the community and Some companies are even using it as a support tool. talk about non-business items. Zappos.com (online shoes / clothing store in the US) is doing this to great effect. • Do more than promote your own agenda. Point out interesting things in your area.
For business ideas and inspirations see this blog article: • Humanise it – use actual names e.g. http://www.chrisbrogan.com/50-ideas-on-using-twitter- RichardATDELL for-business/ • Find Some Friends. Start at home; do you have friends, family or co-workers who are using Twitter? Check out their feed and follow them if you like. Then find leaders in your industry, search for them and follow them.
• It’s not about numbers: You can build up lists of 1000’s of people, but will that add any value? The old adage of quality and not quantity applies.
• Be Patient: When you continually add content of value you will get followed. It just takes time.
• Be Yourself: Start a conversation.
• Be restrained: You don’t need to tweet constantly.
• Enjoy Yourself. Twitter is fun. You can learn, make friends, and develop business contacts. Most of all you should enjoy it.
Written by Conor Ebbs and Cormac Smyth of a:m web. Cormac is a past student of ITT Dublin and runs a:m web, a web development, and online marketing company.
[email protected] 01 662 4000 www.amweb.ie
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 13 Institute News Business & Humanities Honours Bachelor Degree in Business Financial Services & Investment Analysis
Skill up for the future of Skills gap financial services A number of reports have identified major skills gaps in the financial services industry and the need to attract ‘This programme will appeal to those who want an people into the sector who have the right qualifications industry-specific qualification that will help them as well as re-skill those already in the industry to move progress their career in financial services’ into new roles. Our new part-time honours degree aims - Martin Nolan, Head, Department of Accountancy & to plug this gap by providing a comprehensive and Professional Studies market-relevant qualification that will appeal to a wide range of employers. With the recent happenings in the financial services industry, there is a much greater need for graduates who have a thorough understanding of the challenges and complexities of this industry. Employers are no Who should apply? longer satisfied with general business qualifications but are seeking high-quality graduates with industry-specific • Experienced financial services professionals who knowledge’ wish to gain a formal qualification - Pasqueline Tierney, Programme Leader • Current or former financial services employees The financial services market has had its difficulties who wish to re-skill in order to move into growth recently but eventually it will pick up. And when it does, sectors of the market you can be in a position to take full advantage. How? By enrolling on our new part-time degree in Financial • Commercially savvy employees from other Services & Investment Analysis starting in September industries who wish to move into financial services 2009.
Honours Bachelor Degree in with the significant market downturn. Now, more than ever, this sector needs well trained individuals that can Business – Financial Services move quickly into middle and senior management roles. & Investment Analysis
Programme Outline & Aims Awards The Financial Services industry is a key sector for the Irish The award on successful completion of the four year economy and is a very significant employer in Ireland programme is an Honours Bachelor Degree in Business – and internationally. This industry is going through a Financial Services and Investment Analysis. Exit awards process of change, as was demonstrated recently are also possible at the end of years two and three.
14 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
Career Opportunities Leaving Cert with a minimum of Grade C3 in two Higher Graduates from this course can choose from the Level subjects and a minimum of Grade D3 (Ordinary very diverse and dynamic range of opportunities Level) in four other subjects , which must include available:- Mathematics and English or Irish. Prior knowledge of accountancy or economics is not required. Corporate Treasury Currency Trading Custodial Services Investor Mature applicants (23 years of age) may not be Research Private Banking Life Assurance Governance required to meet the minimum entry requirements (as & Compliance Credit Risk Management Fund set out above) but may be considered on their merits. Accounting Hedge Fund Management Pension Fund All applicants must have competence in spoken and Management Client Wealth Management . written English
Modules are semesterised and delivered using a Research Opportunities combination of industry specialists and lecturers. Research opportunities are available at Postgraduate level for Honours Students. Exam Note All modules on the programme are examined in Exemptions common and at the same time as the full-time It is possible on the successful completion of this programme. program to gain exemptions from the Institute of Bankers of Ireland examinations and from Professional More Information Accounting Bodies examinations. Information Desk, Department of Lifelong Learning. Tel: 01 404-2101 Email: [email protected] Programme Leader Pasqueline Tierney FCCA, MBS Tel: +353 1 404 2426 Entry Requirements Email: [email protected]
Year One Semester 1 Financial Economics 1 Business Maths Business Fundamentals of I.S. Principals of Accounting 1 1 Administration 1 Law Semester 2 Financial Economics 2 Business Maths Business Business Information Business Law Accounting 2 2 Administration 2 Systems Year Two Semester 3 Financial Monetary & Research Introduction to I.S. Analysis & Banking & Accounting 3 International Methods Financial Design 1 Insurance Law Economics Services Semester 4 Financial Regulatory Applied Personal Finance I.S. Analysis & Banking & Accounting 4 Environment & Statistics Design 2 Insurance Law Compliance Year Three Semester 5 Financial Fund Accounting Investor Income Tax E-Business for Financial Reporting & Research & Financial Services Management Analysis Analysis Semester 6 Information for Internal Control Institutional Corporate & S.I.S. for Fin. Investment Management Lending Capital Services/Financial Analysis Decision Taxation Modelling Making Year Four Semester 7 Corporate Business Treasury & Risk Tax Planning & Strategic Corporate & Governance Communications Management Wealth Management International Management Finance Semester 8 Business Ethics Marketing Financial Financial Tax Planning & HRM & Industrial Corporate & Services Derivatives Wealth Relations International Management Finance
! The modules must be completed over the course of this programme.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 15 Institute News
Fonsie, confined to a wheelchair, does not share Philly’s McGahern’s appreciation enthusiasm for the area or its people. Yet, as he watches for the rituals of death the funeral cortege making the tortuous ascent towards Killeelan cemetery, he cannot help finding “the coffin lives on. and the small band of toiling mourners unbearably moving”. The following article written by Dr. Eamon Maher appeared in the Irish Times on 24th March 2009. The Country Funeral makes us aware of the transience of life, a transience that is graphically captured in the RITE AND REASON: JOHN McGAHERN passed away following lines from The Pornographer: “The womb and three years ago this month. In the intervening period, his the grave . . . The christening party becomes the funeral, grave in the cemetery of Aughawillan has become, in the shudder that makes us flesh becomes the shudder the words of Declan Kiberd, “a place of pilgrimage”. that makes us meat”.
I have been in that lovely church and cemetery myself and it enabled me to feel very close to the spirit of McGahern, who spent the majority of his life in this area. The national school where his mother Susan taught and where he attended is just down the road from the church, as are the ruins of the house in which she died. It is appropriate that the beloved mother and son now share the same grave, in the heart of the countryside that was a source of such joy to both of them.
The timing of John’s death, March 30th, could not have been more appropriate. This is the period in early spring when flowers begin to blossom, birds to sing, days to lengthen, as nature undergoes its wondrous regeneration. It is right that we should think of McGahern at such a time.
While adroit at evoking nature, he was superb in his depictions of the rituals surrounding death. The Country Funeral is rightly hailed as a classic. In it, we witness how Likewise, the laying out of Johnny’s corpse in That three brothers, John, Philly and Fonsie Ryan, undergo They May Face the Rising Sun assumes a particular a change in their relationship as they travel west from metaphysical resonance for the agnostic Ruttledge: “The Dublin to attend the funeral of the maternal uncle, rectum absorbed almost all of the cotton wool. The act Peter. was as intimate and warm as the act of sex. The innate sacredness of each single life stood out more starkly in McGahern knew the significance of a funeral in rural death than in the whole of natural life.” Ireland. It was not simply a question of putting a corpse in a coffin and burying it. No, certain customs had to Exposed to the traumatic loss of his mother at the age be observed: food and drink bought for the wake; a of 10, McGahern explored the difficulty of coming to detailed discussion and appraisal of the man’s life; the terms with the prospect of eternity through characters funeral Mass and the laying to rest of the body. like Elizabeth Reegan in The Barracks, the mother in The Leavetaking, and Moran in Amongst Women. Philly, who works on the oil rigs, is struck by the warmth of his uncle’s neighbours and feels a strong attraction for In an interview with Mike Murphy, the writer quoted the the area around Gloria Bog, where Peter lived. comment of a friend of his who was a bone-setter: “
16 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
Ah yes, when you think of it, life’s a shaky venture.” the recitation of a decade of the Rosary at the graveside, were all in conformity with a man who respected local The interesting part of the sentence for McGahern was tradition and appreciated the importance of ritual. the sub-clause “when you think about it”, because I must make the trip again to Aughawillan this summer. mostly we don’t think about it. Eamon Maher is writing a second book on McGahern He did reflect deeply on it, however, and while enthralled entitled The Church and its Spire: John McGahern by life, people and places, he was also acutely aware and the Catholic Question, which will be published by of their finite nature. His passing, while not totally Columba Press. unexpected, marked a watershed in Irish social history. Eamon is Director of the National Centre for Franco Irish The country was losing the bard who understood in a Studies (NCFIS) at ITT Dublin. For more information on the unique way the psyche of its people. The simple, dignified Centre visit www.ittdublin.ie/ncfis. funeral, the Mass celebrated by his cousin, Fr Liam Kelly,
Dr. Eamon Maher Honoured by the French Government
On the evening of Tuesday 26 May, Dr. Eamon Maher sphere. In Dr. Maher’s case, His Excellency emphasised was one of four Irish academics to be officially raised the pioneering work carried out by the lecturer from to the rank of Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes ITT Dublin in establishing and developing the highly Académiques by His Excellency Yvon Roé d’Albert, regarded National Centre for Franco-Irish Studies, of French Ambassador to Ireland. which he is Director.
The Palmes Académiques is an order that was This Centre, based in ITT Dublin, seeks to highlight the established by Napoleon Bonaparte on the 17 March strong historical, literary and cultural links between the (a date not without significance in the Irish context!) two Celtic cousins. Visit the Centre at www.ittdublin. to reward outstanding contribution in the academic ie/ncfis/.
Dr. Eamon Maher (above)
(Left) Dr. Eamon Maher and his wife Liz with The French Ambassador, His Excellency M. Yvon Roé d’Albert and his wife
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 17 Institute News
Awards for Joy Davis
In May 2009, Joy Davis, Professional Cookery Year 1, won the Green Planet 2009 Award (Catering section). She was required to design a Vegetarian menu to support eco-eating. The menu was adjudicated by Denis Cotter of the renowned Café Paradiso restaurant in Cork. Her prize was the Green Planet Award Trophy & €500.00.
The Green Planet Awards are a brand new third level initiative which encourage students in colleges across Ireland to consider how human actions impact on the environment. For more information you can visit www. greenplanetawards.org/. Earlier that month, she also won the Bord Bia, Farm to Fork 2009 competition. A good month for Joy!
18 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
ITT Dublin Students Creative Digital Media Win Medals at students win awards at the first NOISE Flicks Youth National Apprentice Film Festival Awards 2009 Year four Creative Digital Media students won three awards at the first NOISE Flicks Youth Film Festival in Tallaght on Saturday 21st of March 2009. NOISE Flicks is a new festival featuring short films of any type, drama, comedy, action, documentary, or Flash animation by young people aged 14-25 in South Dublin County as well as groups (such as in schools, PLC, Third Level colleges or youth services) in South Dublin County. This first annual event was held at RUA RED South Dublin Arts Centre.
In February 2009 our Culinary Arts Winner of ‘Best Overall Film’ for the 19-25 age students had some great success category went to “Dust” a gripping short drama at the 2009 National Apprentice about heroin addiction directed by ITT Dublin student Awards. Amy Buckley from a script by Emma Coogan and produced by the Oracle group. The results were as follows: Overall winner and Gold medal award winners: The documentary “A Sign For Life” on the challenges Ross Mullally and Gareth Glynn, Bronze Medal of being a hearing person in a deaf family, directed award winners: Fatima el Kehel and Kim Leem by ITT Dublin student Laura Greally and produced by Yek. The awards were presented by Gissur the Omega group, won the ‘Special Mention Prize’ Gudmundsson, WACS President (World Association for the 19-25 age category as well as ‘The Overall of Chef’s Societies) and Brendan O’Neill, Northern Audience Choice Award’. European Director of WACS. Both films were also short-listed for the Oxygen Student Media Awards. NOISE is a South Dublin County Council Initiative. You can find out more about them Culinary Arts Lecturers by visiting their website at www.NOISEsouthdublin. attend École Grégoire com which is a creative, interactive web-space for young people ages 13 to 25 in South Dublin County. Ferrandi
Congratulations to Culinary Arts Lecturers Ita Holton and Jonathan Sultan, who won scholarships to attend the prestigious École Grégoire Ferrandi in Paris in June 2009. This is a wonderful opportunity for them in particular and is further recognition of the excellence of our staff in general.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 19 Feature
The ITT Dublin-based Harambee Scholarship Fund in Kenya - An Update
sees at first hand his role as an educator and facilitator working with a slum population of over 100,000.
Brian has spent the last five years in Nairobi, living and working among the slum communities of Mukuru. The Tallaght native, who spent a number of years as resident photographer at ITT Dublin, has been the driving force behind numerous projects aimed at improving the economic and social conditions of the local community.
“TO DATE THE FUND HAS SPONSORED FORTY-SIX STUDENTS, ALTHOUGH THERE ARE MANY MORE WHO NEED HELP”
On our last publication we highlighted the work The film follows Brian through the slums, a vision of hell of The Harambee Scholarship Fund, An ITT Dublin for most Westerners plagued by poor sanitation, a lack initiative established in 2006 which is assisting of clean water and the absence of a sewage system students in poverty-stricken Mukuru, Nairobi, Kenya in Mukuru which has led to widespread disease and an to continue their education to 2nd level. You can unusually high death rate. The average life expectancy read the complete article by downloading our 2008 in Mukuru is below 40 years of age, with HIV/AIDS one publication on our website at http://alumni.ittdublin. of the biggest, most feared and most stigmatised killers, ie/?page=Magazines. To date the Fund has sponsored along with other, treatable and curable diseases such forty-six students, although there are many more who as Polio, Typhoid, and TB. need help.
In the article we spoke about one particularly successful student, Hawo, for whom second level education would never have been possible due to her family’s severe poverty. Indeed prior to the Fund’s intervention Hawo was to be sold off by her family for her ‘bride wealth’ (a common practice in the region) in order to provide vital finances to her family. She is now a shining example of the ongoing achievements of the Harambee Fund in the Mukuru slums. The work continues and the challenges are greater than ever. In an attempt to combat the spread of the epidemic, Documentary on the Harambee Fund is aired on TG4 MacCormaic is deeply committed to a number of in Christmas 2008. related projects. Local home-based care (HBC) teams provide much needed care and assistance to AIDS On Saturday 27th of December 2008, TG4 aired a 30- sufferers, many of whom are confined to their beds, minute documentary entitled: ‘Fear Bán na Slumanna’ offering not only practical help but also emotional (The White Man of the Slums). In the documentary, and spiritual support. A women’s group has also been Seán Mac an tSíthigh visits Brian MacCormaic, and
20 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Feature
formed providing those living with HIV and AIDS with Irish Volunteers to Construct a a support network and a friendly forum whereby the Library and Adult Learning Centre women can share their concerns and hopes for the future. Numerous activities are organised for the women in Mukuru – many having an educational or income-generation thrust. One of the main aims of the group is to ease the In 2009, a team of Irish Army personnel and volunteers isolation experienced by those infected and affected will travel to the Mukuru slum settlement of Nairobi to by HIV, while also creating a greater awareness of the take part in a unique mission. Working alongside local virus within the wider community. volunteers, including Harambee committee members and scholarship students, they will construct a Library “THE FILM FOLLOWS BRIAN THROUGH and Adult Learning Centre in the heart of Mukuru. THE SLUMS, A VISION OF HELL FOR MOST WESTERNERS PLAGUED BY POOR SANITATION, Very often, while parents may recognise the A LACK OF CLEAN WATER AND THE ABSENCE importance of education for the future welfare of their OF A SEWAGE SYSTEM children, they rarely have time or available financial ” resources to consider taking up educational study Interviews during the program included staff and courses for themselves. Many adults and parents in the students of Our Lady of Nazareth Primary School, slums therefore, can neither read or write or do simple KwaNjenga; students sponsored by Harambee, basic maths. This places a huge obstacle in their way and their parents at Ruchu Girls’ Secondary School; when seeking work or any meaningful employment. It Mwamko Mpya Women’s Support Group and Home also restricts them from helping their children in their Based Care team, and staff at the Mukuru Central studies, or nurturing a love of study or reading in the Dispensary, KwaNjenga. Seán also visits Ruben Primary home. School; Gatoto Community Primary School and St Elizabeth’s Primary School, to hear their success stories Many parents, particularly fathers, begin to resent their and listen to their beautiful choral music. children’s knowledge, leading to conflict and tension in the household, and sometimes forcing the children If you want to see the documentary go to the TG4 to drop out of school long before they complete website at www.tg4.tv/default.aspx?p=channels/ their final primary exams, let alone continuing into FaisneasArchive&a=58225 - It’s a half an hour extremely secondary. well spent.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 21 Feature
The Centre will provide classes for adults in many basic has condemned them to a life of poverty, hunger, subjects, such as literacy and basic maths, while the disease and death - through no fault of their own. Library will provide a haven of learning, study and relaxation for adults and children alike. HARAMBEE is a If you’d like to take part in this project, post or email non-profit, non-denominational, voluntary organisation, the details below to Harambee Scholarship Fund, dedicated to the welfare and improvement of the c/o ITT Dublin, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland or email lives of the people of Mukuru. This Centre will create [email protected]. the ideal environment for learning and recreation for the entire community of Mukuru. Donations to: • Harambee Scholarship Fund, c/o IT Tallaght, We wish Brian and all in Mukuru continued success with Dublin 24 the Harambee Fund and congratulate them on their • Bank of Ireland, Tallaght, Dublin 24 achievements so far. A/c Name: Harambee Scholarship Fund A/c No: 459 474 84; Sort Code: 90 13 43 Supporting the Harambee Mukuru Scholarship Fund for just €25 per month, you can give a child a chance Each volunteer is required to raise at least to fulfil their dream of a secondary education and a €4,000, which covers travel and brighter future. A chance to uplift themselves, and accommodation costs, and the purchase of future generations out of the slums and the poverty materials and tools for the construction work. trap in which they find themselves and a chance to combat the injustice, exploitation and corruption that Name:
Female: Male: (please tick) Address:
Phone: Email: Skills, Training or Qualification:
22 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News Science & Computing
Of the many entrants, a certain number are usually SciFest at ITT Dublin expected to enter the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition afterwards. SciFest is a local one-day festival of science mainly for the Dublin area which includes a competition and This type of recognition is a major boost to the exhibition of projects, a selection of science talks, promotion of science in schools which hopefully will science demonstrations in the college laboratories and benefit our intake into science particularly in future a prize-giving ceremony. SciFest aims to encourage a years. The day also includes advice on careers and love of science through an investigative approach to the relevant course options in ITT Dublin. For more learning and to provide an opportunity for students to information contact Dr. Brian Murray at brian.murray@ display their scientific discoveries and win prizes. ittdublin.ie
The inaugural SciFest was held at ITT Dublin, in 2006. Scifest is jointly funded by Intel and Discover Science Following a second successful SciFest here in 2007 the and Engineering and is supported by a number of project was launched nationwide in September 2007 other partners. The project thus creates a valuable link and in 2008 a total of nine Institutes of Technology between the second and third level education sectors hosted SciFest science fairs. and between education and industry.
353 students from 154 schools displayed their projects in the college at the event in 2008 which was opened by Minister of State, Conor Lenihan and a reduced but ever-eager group of students were here on the 8th of May for SciFest 2009. Participation in the exhibition is a valuable learning experience for the students involved and helps promote an interest in science in the school.
a pipedream just a few short weeks ago, and pride Computing Project from lecturers, at the standard achieved (we always knew they could do it) and also how well the students Exhibition Attracts Strong scrubbed up and spoke about their work. Industry Turn-out. Most satisfying was the feedback from industry representatives present who spoke of being impressed with the creativity, achievement and impressive command of cutting edge knowledge displayed by the students. This year’s projects covered a wide range from David Higgins, (Student) Colin a GPS Person Tracking System to Utilising Complex ACLs Orr, (Oracle) in Network Security. Sean McHugh, (ITT Dublin Lecturer in Computing) Visitors to the exhibition included representatives from IBM hi-performance computing who have a joint research This year’s Computing Project Exhibition had a project with ITT Dublin Department of Computing. Other novel element as for the first time, B.Sc. (Honours) IT companies present included Oracle, Mobile Exchange, Management presented their projects. As ever at this Connectit, Merrill Lynch R & D, Idiro, Colgate Palmolive year’s event there was a mixture of feelings on display (whose EMEA IT headquarters is in Citywest), Gallaghers – relief and euphoria from students who had managed to deliver excellent projects which had seemed only Ireland and NOVA UCD.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 23 Institute News
Science Student and Lecturer Develop Prototype Biological Fertiliser
An undergraduate student and lecturer at the School fertiliser which is termed a “biotic-fertiliser” consists of of Science have developed a new prototype biological living organisms that are safe and occur naturally at low fertiliser for the agricultural and horticultural market. The levels in soils. They have increased the levels of these fertiliser called N2-Fix Biotic Fertiliser was selected as a organisms in the laboratory and put them into a bead finalist in the 2008 Enterprise Ireland Student Enterprise material that can be placed into soil to advance plant Ireland Awards that were held in Cork Institute of growth. Technology on June 3rd and 4th. “THE INSTITUTE’S RESEARCH TEAM HAVE DEVELOPED A SIMPLE FERTILISER PRODUCT THAT IS CAPABLE OF RELEASING NITRATES SLOWLY AND CONTINUOUSLY TO THE SOIL AT LEVELS THAT STIMULATE PLANT GROWTH”
Although the product is still in its infancy, the scientists at the Institute teamed up with a team of business students under the guidance of Business lecturer, Dr. Philip McGovern, to develop an entry into the Enterprise Ireland Student Enterprise Awards at Cork Institute of Technology. The team of Suzanne Cummins,
Pictured at the Enterprise Ireland Student Enterprise Awards held in Cork Institute Desmond O’Connor and Catherine Maher developed of Technology are students (from left to right) Catherine Maher, Desmond a commercial business plan around the biotic fertiliser O’Connor and Suzanne Cummins product concept and were awarded a merit prize Demand for food and bio-fuels is increasing the global at the enterprise competition. ITT Dublin are intent on demand for fertilisers, non-chemical fertilisers in particular. advancing the technological development to the Chemical fertiliser production relies heavily on the use next phase and eventual commercialisation of this of fossil fuels in particular natural gas. They are applied revolutionary product. to soils in concentrated form and contribute to the pollution of ground water, rivers and lakes with nitrate Computing Student run off from the land. The use of chemical fertilisers also leads to the increased release of nitrous oxide from soil Awarded IRCSET EMBARK into the atmosphere which is a green house gas and a Postgraduate Scholarship major contributor to global warming. Congratulations to Lorraine Carmody, Restrictions on the use of chemical fertilisers allied to the final year student in the BSc Honours IT Management who has been an awarded an IRCSET EMBARK postgraduate increasing need for productivity from the EU agri-sector scholarship. There were only five successful applicants caused Dr. Ger Colleran and Suzanne Cummins to focus in the Institute sector across Computing, Science and their attention on developing a safe and environmentally Engineering so it really is an outstanding achievement. sustainable alternative to chemical and organic fertilisers that can lead to increased crop production. Congratulations are also due to Lorraine’s selected supervisor, Liz Sherry, of the Department of Computing. The Institute’s research team have developed a simple This award is in part recognition of Liz’s standing in the fertiliser product that is capable of releasing nitrates slowly field of e-learning research. Liz is part of a research and continuously to the soil at levels that stimulate plant group including Patricia Magee, John Cardiff and Eileen growth and are unlikely to contribute to atmospheric Costelloe who will now be adding a fifth postgraduate nitrous oxide or nitrate pollution of water systems. The to their team.
24 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
funding. Following on from the recent news about ITT Dublin NMR Facilities Delegated Authority for the Institute to award PhD’s in Significantly Upgraded Chemistry and Biology, it is noteworthy that the majority of PhD’s already completed in these subjects have NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) is a very powerful involved NMR to a greater or lesser degree. analytical technique for characterisation of chemicals and biochemicals and at least 8 Nobel prizes have In May 2009 we installed an upgrade to the 1997 been awarded to individuals involved in its discovery instrument, funded by the HEA Research Facilities and major advances over the last 60 years or so. Its Enhancement Scheme (RFES) and also a completely medical counterpart, MRI (Magnetic Resonance new 500 MHz instrument, also funded by the HEA. The Imaging), is a well-established technique for visualising latter is part of our Centre of Applied Science for Health soft tissues and is critical in diagnosis of many types (CASH), funded under the Programme for Research of disease; more recently, functional MRI has helped in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI). The Institute has also identify the precise location of many brain activities. provided some additional funding to refurbish and expand our NMR laboratories to accommodate the The Institute installed its first NMR (a 300 MHz instrument) new instruments. The 500 MHz instrument will be the in 1997. Since then, it has played a crucial role in largest in the IoT sector, very close to the best in the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and university sector and will have greater capabilities than research and it has also allowed us provide a service to the current instrument for biological NMR. It will also be local Small to Medium Enterprises and to other Institutes able to examine solid samples for the first time. The of Technology (IoT’s). Our capabilities in the area have CASH programme has also funded a Technician, Keith undoubtedly helped us leverage additional research O’Prionsias, with significant responsibility for NMR. Pharmaceutical Science Placement Success
The Student Industrial Placement Program (SIPP) is part of third year of the Honours Degree in Pharmaceutical Science at ITT Dublin. It has now been running successfully for 5 years. The placement provides Pharmaceutical Science graduates with valuable working experience within the industry which is essential when competing for graduate positions, especially in the current economic climate. Students return to their Pharmaceutical Science students with Maeve Scott, Lecturer and SIPP final year motivated and focussed, often reflected by Co-ordinator and James Cassidy from Berkley Recruitment at ITT Dublin in 2008 after up to 8 months placement in pharmaceutical companies. dramatically improved exam results. Upon graduation, many then get employment in the same company in “They really fit in here and will be missed so much when which they did their work placement. they return to college, we hope they will apply to Pfizer when they graduate” Pfizer, Dun Laoghaire; The program has proven hugely popular with our third year Pharmaceutical Science (Hons) students “He has been an excellent asset to the team, showed and comments from employers have been equally great enthusiasm and initiative” Merrion BioPharma, enthusiastic after they return from their seven month placements in the pharmaceutical companies: “A great team player and excellent technical skills” Wyeth BioPharma, Grangecastle. “She has been the best student we have ever had from a third level institution and we hope to employ If you want to participate in the Pharmaceutical her after graduation, she is not someone we want to Science placement program please contact Maeve. lose”, Bristol Myers Squibb, Swords; [email protected].
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 25 Institute News Science Week 2008
We had over 300 primary school children visiting the Institute on Friday the 14th November to attend 3 showings of ‘The Bubble Show’ being hosted by Steve Allman. This shows the science behind soap films by blowing bubbles of all shapes and sizes, filling them with smoke and magically getting them to hover in mid air. The Bubble Show investigates how all of the above is achieved and covers simple molecular forces, surface tension, light, colour, density, volume and shapes.
One of our postgraduate Engineering students, Karl Odie, also performed the role of judge at a paper plane making competition on Wednesday in Tallaght Library and Drs Bernie Creaven (‘The Fight Against Infectious Diseases’) and Ger Colleran (‘The Science of Forensics’) went out with the mobile library service During the week of 9th-16th November, ITT Dublin to two of the local secondary schools to give their and South Dublin County libraries came together to presentations. organise several events for Science week 2008. During this week, lecturers, technicians and postgrads from For the week that was in it the library here in the Institute the Science and Engineering departments volunteered displayed a number of science posters on research their time and effort to prepare an interesting series of being carried out within the college and also printed workshops, lectures and even to judge a paper plane out and collated into books, the various publications making competition! from members of staff in the institute. We also once again hosted the Irish Science Teachers Association These included: quiz on the Thursday night. • ‘Sun, Sea, Surf and Kites; Renewable Energy’ - Gerry Ryder (Mechanical Engineering) • ‘How Science is Making Computer Gaming Better!’ - Stephen Howell (Computing) • ‘Images of Us: A Journey of Discovery from the Family Photo to the X-ray’ - Dr Andrew Donnellan (Electronic Engineering) • ‘The Science of Forensics’ - Dr Ger Colleran (Science)
There was also a Monday evening lecture in Tallaght Library given by Dr Hilary Humphreys (Beaumont Hospital) on ‘Hospital infections - Why Do They Occur and What Can We Do About Them?’ and additional lectures / workshops were being given at the various South Dublin Libraries including: Congratulations to all staff from ITT Dublin for their contributions and involvement to what was a very • ‘Robots’ – Dept of Mechanical Engineering, in important week for the promotion of science. For more Lucan Library on Tuesday information on events during Science Week, including • ‘Electronics for Fun’ – Dept of Electronic pictures and videos please visit www.scienceweek.ie/ Engineering in Clondalkin Library on Wednesday sw2008/index.asp. • ‘Bugs - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ - Dr Mary Costello in Castletymon Library on Thursday
26 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
Department of Computing Runs Summer School
During June 2008, the Department of Computing ran a short 2 day summer school on Tuesday and Wednesday 17th and 18th June which was aimed at introducing ideas in computing to early second level students. The course was delivered by Stephen Howell and uses software from MIT called SCRATCH. The main aims were to have some fun, learn how to make a simple game or piece of multimedia and get some basic ideas on computing should they be interested in following such a route later in life.
Other Science Events that took place in 2008
Below is a brief summary of two other events worth mentioning which took place back in 2008.
Salters Festival of Chemistry - Friday May 2nd This is a fun-based analytical competition for 1st Year Secondary School and 6th class Primary School students which this year involved nine teams. The students had to participate in two challenges, one involving forensic science and the other involving colour creation using chemicals. For more information visit www.salters.co.uk/festivals
Challenge Science - May 7th & 8th Developed by Junior Achievement and supported by Discover Science & Engineering, Challenge Science is supported in Dublin by Wyeth Biotech. This was attended by students from Colaiste Bríde, Moyle Park College, Deansrath CS and Collinstown CC and assisted by business volunteers from Wyeth Biotech, Challenge Science features hands-on workshops on forensic science, biotechnology and careers in science, technology and engineering as well as a tour of the ITT Dublin campus. In all, 150 students came to ITT Dublin for this event.
The Irish Times and RTE television covered this event in the college on Wednesday morning May 7th. The event was then televised on Friday at 5pm on RTE 2 as part of “News today” and repeated on Sunday morning. Well done to all involved.
Newlands Golf Club Newlands Golf Course is generally regarded as one of the finest park land courses in Dublin and recently underwent a €3.5 Million upgrade to its clubhouse facilities.
We have just negotiated a special €40 green fee for our members.
For more info log on to their website www.newlandsgolfclub.com or contact them at (353 1) 4593157 to find out when you can go for your round as there are only certain days where this rate applies.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 27 Feature
Creative Digital Media students putting ITT Dublin on film
This year, as part of their course work the second year another Dublin footballer who is currently in her final year students of the ITT Dublin Creative Digital Media Course, of study. In parallel another group looked at the Men’s directed and produced a set of various short video and recently established Ladies Soccer teams. projects relating to a number of Institute activities. When completed in mid-May, these short documentary-style Gerry Gilvary said that “The projects mirror the type films will then be made available to the Institute for of creative and logistical challenges, tight deadlines promotional purposes as well as contributing to their and strong client liaison that are required in the media end-of-year grades. workplace”.
Six groups of 2nd Year students under the supervision The project forms part of a wider aspiration of the Institute of Video Production Lecturer Gerry Gilvary, formed to compile as much video footage as possible relating production teams and then spent February and March to Institute activities for online promotion of ITT Dublin. We recording footage relating to various subjects. look forward to seeing the results of their hard work and similar successful collaborations between students and The topics included the postgraduate research of the staff in the near future. Centre of Applied Science for Health (CASH) featuring interviews with Dr Ken Carroll and Dr Ciara Corbett-Fields. The projects will be available online on Youtube at www. Another group captured the wide ranging activities of youtube.com/user/ITTDublinadmin so be sure to check the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CELT). them out.
The work of two successful cultural societies, The Radio For more information Society and the Drama society were documented by a contact Gareth Ebbs: team that recorded events during the recent Rag Week [email protected] Radio station, plus theatrical performances in the Civic (01) 404 2107 Theatre.
ITT Dublin’s strong track record of commitment and success within GAA featured in another project including interviews with former student and Dublin Gaelic Footballer Conal Keaney and Siobhan McGrath,
28 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News Engineering City of Rome and ITT Dublin Collaborate to Tackle Global Warming – International Conference held at ITT Dublin
ITT Dublin is a partner in an EU Life funded project geothermal and biomass energy which included working with partners in Rome, Italy, to produce a plan Wavebob Ireland, Clearpower and the Newcastle for the City of Rome to achieve the goals of the Kyoto Geothermal Project.
The event, which was a resounding success, was opened by Minister Eamonn Ryan, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and The Deputy Mayor of the City of Rome, Mr. Fabio De Lillo. It was attended by over 70 delegates from Ireland and Italy.
For more information about the conference, the people involved and the conference presentations please visit www.ittdublin.ie//romaperkyoto/Conference08/ (all photos by Joe McCartney) Pictured are: Robbie O’Connor, ITT Dublin, Mr. Fabio De Lillo, Deputy Mayor of Rome, Lucio Alberto Savoia, Italian Ambassador to Ireland, Minister Eamonn Ryan, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources , Tom Clarke, ITT Dublin Governing Body, Gloria Crispino, ITT Dublin, John Vickery, Registrar, ITT Dublin and Claudio Baffioni, City of Rome
protocol. The specific target is to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions to a level 6.5% below the 1990 levels by the year 2012, (read more about this at www. romaperkyoto.org). The project started in 2004 and concluded in 2008.
On the 30th of May 2008 ITT Dublin organised and hosted a conference entitled, “Greenhouse Gas Emissions, The Challenge for National and Local Government.”
The purpose of the conference was to facilitate dissemination of the results of the pilot actions from the Roma per Kyoto project and also to have speakers from the equivalent public bodies here in Ireland such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Sustainable Energy Ireland and the Dublin Transport Office.
Also represented at the event were several companies Minister for Communications, Energy and presenting innovative environmental projects in wave, Natural Resources Eamonn Ryan.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 29 Institute News ITT Dublin Goes Green Wind Turbine Completed On Campus
programmes with similar courses around the country over subscribed. Plus the introduction of an aspirational policy in the area of energy business will mean that there will be a need for graduates in this growth market”. Given its particular relevance today the course is likely to be extremely successful with much interest already garnered since it was announced.
“NOT ONLY WILL THE COURSE BENEFIT STUDENTS FROM A QUALIFICATION POINT OF VIEW BUT IT CAN HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT POSITIVELY ON EVERYBODY AS WE COME UNDER PRESSURE TO REDUCE OUR ENERGY OUTPUT”
As well as raising awareness within the college about energy efficiency, Fiona Cranley, Head of Mechanical Engineering, commented how the Institute aims to raise community awareness, both domestic and commercial- “We hope to involve local industries who are all trying to reduce energy costs. Not only will the course benefit students from a qualification point of view but it can have the potential to impact positively In December 2008, ITT Dublin completed the on everybody as we come under pressure to reduce construction of a brand new wind turbine on campus. our energy output”. As well as generating additional green energy for the Institute, it will also be used as a teaching tool for the In the week of the 6th of April 2009, the blades were Institute’s new Energy and Environmental Engineering finally let loose and with the week that was in it weather Degree course beginning in September 2009. You can wise, it turned out to be a highly successful unveiling read more about this course in the article about our with the blades thundering around all week long. You new Degree courses. can actually see footage of this on our new Youtube page here www.youtube.com/user/ITTDublinadmin. “AS WELL HAVING THE CAPACITY TO GENERATE The Institute still has paperwork to go through with the ENOUGH GREEN ELECTRICITY IN A DAY TO POWER ESB about the finer details of the grid connection but EIGHT OR NINE HOUSES, IT WILL ALSO BE USED AS A at first glance it seems like a marvellous success. TEACHING TOOL FOR THE INSTITUTE’S NEW ENERGY The process of evaluating the site and available AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING DEGREE products, installing, operating and maintaining the COURSE ” turbine will form an important case study in one of the modules of the new degree programme. This was the The turbine is a joint venture between the Institute’s main rational behind the construction of the turbine Department of Mechanical Engineering and the with the bonus being the additional environmentally Department of Electronic Engineering. According friendly electricity production which goes back to the to Electronic Engineering Lecturer Traoloch O’Brien Institute and which can be up 52,560 units per annum. “There are two main reasons why the Institute is offering this course. Firstly there is a demand for environmental
30 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Feature
Somethings Things Just Don’t Catch On…
I’m man enough to admit when things don’t go quite as you can spend absolutely anywhere, except the Metro planned, most of the time anyway. Sometimes a long- Bar of course, which come to think of it, was maybe a shot works out, and then sometimes you think you have bigger issue than I had thought! a great idea and it falls flat on its face. In that latter graveyard lies my first, but hopefully not my only, Student Videos Competition which I launched in early 2009. “A FEW VIDEOS OF STUDENTS OR GRADUATES WAXING LYRICAL ABOUT HOW WONDERFUL THE While discussing a revamp for the some of the website INSTITUTE IS WOULDN’T GO ASTRAY to make it more inviting for prospective students, among ” other things we decided that a few videos of students or graduates waxing lyrical about how wonderful the So after promoting the competition to students and Institute is wouldn’t go astray. To state the obvious, making lovely posters to plaster round the college, I online marketing and promotion is of vital importance awaited the deluge of entries. There was plenty of initial nowadays, so this would be a nice addition. enthusiasm after the competition was pre-launched but apparently students aren’t as broke we thought, or else With no budget for any big productions, or actors they’re shyer than we thought or else…it just wasn’t as – (its been suggested that some of the bigger 3rd- good an idea as I thought it was. Whatever the case, I level institutes have used actors – shock horror!) and had 3 tentative entries and received zero videos! Ouch, after some discussion we decided we would request now if I was a surfer, that’s what I would call a serious volunteers to be filmed, then choose the best to put wipe-out. online to sell the college so to speak. Oh well, nothing ventured, Then I decided to go one step further. Given the inherent nothing gained… Irish reserve (especially in front of a video camera) and the milieu ways of video-recording oneself thanks to today’s technology, why not put it out to the students Gareth Ebbs to record themselves and then send us the results? We had €600 in prizes for 3 runners up and a winner, the kind of budget that won’t be available again for some time. Sounds OK so far right? …Right? As we couldn’t give cash, the prizes were All4One gift vouchers where
Department and Social and Family affairs Back to Adult Learners’ Fair 2009 Education schemes. It is organised and funded by TALENT (Tallaght Adult Learning Network). TALENT is collaboration The 2009 Tallaght Adult between the Dodder Valley (Tallaght) Partnership, the Learners’ Fair was held Institute of Technology Tallaght, Co. Dublin VEC., South on Thursday 5th February, Dublin County Council, An Cosán, and the Department 11.00 – 19.00 in Tallaght of Education Tallaght Regional Office. Library where dozens of education providers, Our own Sarah Maher, Chemistry post-graduate student, support agencies, and also conducted Science demonstrations there at 12.00 State bodies provided and 14.00 during what was another extremely successful information and advice for adult learners. It was officially week for the festival. opened by Marie Corr and Minister for Lifelong Learning, Sean Haughey TD.
The Fair is designed to help adults find out how to learn new skills, or brush up on existing skills, take a second chance course, do a higher certificate or degree, find information on education, grants, and avail of
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 31 Institute News Other Institute News Institutional Review completed at ITT Dublin
been running in parallel and have contributed to the process and submission documents.
In January 2009 a comprehensive self study report was submitted to HETAC, the preparation of which included much input from Institute staff via e-consultations, management and staff meetings and Academic Council discussions.
March’s panel, which comprised national and international experts, conducted a 3-day external review of the Institute on behalf of HETAC. After the review was complete, ITT Dublin Director Dr Tim Creedon The Higher Education and Training Awards Council commented, “the exit summary report from the chair (HETAC) Institutional Review Panel completed their visit to of the panel was exceptionally complementary of the the Institute in March 2009. HETAC is required to conduct whole process. In particular the chair commented on a comprehensive review of all Institutes of Technology the quality of the interactions between the panel and on a five year cycle, namely an Institutional Review. the staff and students of the Institute, of the standard of Its purpose is to assess our activities, i.e. academic quality in the Institute, of the clear pride that staff and programmes, supports and services and with particular students have in the Institute and of the commitment by emphasis on quality assurance practice. Preparations all to the continuous development of the Institute.” for the visit were ongoing since September 2008 and were managed by Dr. Mary Deasy, under the direction of John Vickery, Institute Registrar.
This review completed a cycle of reviews by international panels over the last four years of the ITT Dublin quality manual, Delegated Authority Review for Taught Programmes, Delegated Authority Review for Research Register, Delegated Authority Review for Research Awards, Programmatic Reviews in all Schools plus other reviews from organisations such as Programme for Research in Third Level Institutes (PRTLI), Engineers Ireland and the Irish Medicine Board.
Following a successful outcome to this review, the Institute will be granted an extension of the timeframe for To its credit, in all of these the Institute performed extremely which we have Delegated Authority. It will also align our strongly and by identifying where improvements have taught and research Delegated Authority timeframes, been made and highlighting where they still need to be and a single evaluation will then be required in 5 years made, the process has made a valuable contribution to time. The Institutional Review process is helping to shape the process of continuous improvement and the revision future activities and goals as preparations take place for of The Quality Assurance Procedures manual. the next 5 year strategic plan. These preparations have
32 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
The Panel studies, including those from staff and student focus groups, specific staff meetings (in relation to evaluation Institutional Review Panel for IT Tallaght 16 – 18 February of strategy) and their current status. 2009
The main • Review Chairman – Dr Richard Thorn, Institutes of recommendations, Technology Ireland (IOTI, former President, IT Sligo) improvements and • Review Secretary, Mr Brendan Goggin, Former targets for future Registrar, Cork Institute of Technology development from • Prof Neil Mcloughlin Cook, Registrar, Liverpool Hope this Institutional University Review have been • Dr Norma Ryan, Director Quality Promotion unit, framed against University College Cork the findings and • Prof Dr Cees Karssen, former Rector Magnificus of recommendations Wageningen University, Netherlands of the external peer review panels of 2006 to 2008 • Ms Caroline Nash, the Louvain Institute for Ireland in for delegated authority, research accreditation and Europe. (Dublin based) programmatic reviews. They are aligned with those • Learner Representative - Colm Murphy, Students suggested for drawing up the new Strategic Plan (2009- Union Waterford Institute of Technology 1013), whose preparation has been running in parallel. Hence, the stakeholder consultations both internal and external have been used to advise both this self-study For those interested in the Institutional and our next 5 year Strategic Plan. A comprehensive self Review Process and Institute study document reflecting on the activities over the 2003 to 2008 timeframe was submitted to HETAC in January Preparations - There are two parts to 2009. the Institutional Review: Part 2: An external panel evaluation of our activities. They predominantly evaluated our processes and Part 1: An internal review within the Institute which procedures. They also met with a number of staff, involved consultation with management, staff, students students, graduates and industry representatives over and other stakeholders. the three days that they were on campus. Since November 2004 the Institute has been involved in HETAC provided us with a schedule that involved conducting a detailed self-evaluation of its educational the following: - a documentation audit, meetings to and training activities, for which staff and student focus evaluate the Institute under the following headings: groups have made a significant contribution. This resulted public confidence; Institute approach to strategic in the publication of the following comprehensive self- planning and governance; Access, transfer and study reports: progression; Quality Assurance overview; management
and operation of delegated authority; lifelong learning 1. The Self-Evaluation Report submitted for the provision. HETAC also requested to meet the Programme Institute’s Delegated Authority Application for its Boards (staff, students and graduates) from the following Taught Programmes, 2006 full time programmes – L6 Higher Certificate in Marketing; 2. The Research Accreditation Submission Self- L7 BSc (ab initio) in Bioanalysis and Chemical Analysis Evaluation Report, 2007 (Bioanalysis stream) and the L8 BEng (Hons) in Mechanical 3. The Self-Evaluation Report submitted for the Engineering. The panel also met with staff and students Institute’s Extension of Delegated Authority for its involved in FLASHE and MAP part time programmes. Research Programmes, 2008. 4. Programmatic Reviews, which have been The purpose of these meetings was to obtain views and conducted in all Schools between 2005 and 2008. feedback on the following:- staff/student involvement in the operation of the institution, teaching and learning experiences, including Quality Assurance processes; The Institutional Review self-evaluation process has student/staff relationships and interactions; nature and been a follow-on exercise and brings together all the quality of the student experience in the Institute; staff/ outcomes and recommendations of the previous self student involvement in the institutional review process.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 33 Institute News
Christmas Party 2008 was no different with over 130 Kids Christmas Party 2008 children attending with their parents. Special mention must go all the staff (particularly the Caretakers) for their great work in putting on the event and last but not least the irrepressible Tony O’Sullivan who as we know, has had a unique role in the event since it began.
Every year just before Christmas something very special happens at ITT Dublin - Santa comes to visit! For 15 years staff have organised the Christmas party for the kids. It continues to be a hugely popular event for the kids and We would like to clarify that there is absolutely no truth staff alike and those involved deserve huge credit for in the rumour that Tony claims the increased pressure on making sure everything has gone so well down through his knee every year around Christmas time contributed the years. to his bad leg.
massage, Aura Soma and manicures. All 20 practitioners Feel Good Day 2009 were completely booked up throughout the Day.
Vourneen Collins and Group 1B Professional Cookery students provided both students and staff with a fabulous array of cakes, breads and buns at the hugely successful cake sale held earlier that morning which raised €381.67 for St Vincent de Paul.
On Wednesday the 22nd of April, the annual Feel Good Day was held around the Institute. Now in its 9th year, Feel Good Day is dedicated to students to help relieve any stresses as they mark the end of the academic year and the run in to exams. Like every year it was a great success and ensured a fantastic atmosphere The Gaming Society kindly organised games in the around the Institute. Foyer which added greatly to the atmosphere and outside people enjoyed a tasty barbeque put on by With particular emphasis on well-being and health, Kylemore Catering. it featured fun-filled activities outside the college including inflatable sumo wrestling, bouncing castle, Well done to the Feel Good Day organising committee bouncy football, a long puck competition, DJ and a Orlagh Fleming, Marie Kielty, Aisling O’Brien, Jennie penalty shoot out. Clinton, Tim O’Connor, Gerry Anderson and Ciaran McEvilly for putting on another great occasion and Inside the Institute many holistic treatments were providing a day of distraction for everyone from exam available to students free of charge including: Indian pressure. head massage, back massage, relaxation techniques, reflexology, Bach remedies, cranio-sacral massage, You can also view a video montage of the day at hot towel shaves, polarity balancing, sports therapy/ www.youtube.com/user/ITTDublinadmin
34 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
Strategic Innovation Fund: Cycle II
The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is a multi-annual fund, as two sectoral submissions from the Irish Universities amounting to €510 million over the period 2006 – 2013, Association and the Institutes of Technology Ireland. which is directed towards support for innovation in higher education institutions. It supports new approaches Due to the collaborative nature of the projects, each of to enhancing quality and effectiveness within higher the 7 universities, 13 Institutes of Technology and the DIT education and research, incorporating the use of existing will be involved in a number of projects under SIF Cycle resources (including capital resources) more effectively, II. as well as new funding.
Projects approved to date under SIF are aimed at enhancing collaboration between higher education institutions, improving teaching and learning, supporting institutional reform, promoting access and lifelong learning and supporting the development of fourth level education. SIF Cycle II
€97 million in funding was announced by Minister for Launch of Dublin Region Higher Education Alliance Education and Science, Mary Hanafin on February L-R: Prof. John Hughes - President NUIM, Dr. Jim Devine - President IADT, Dr. Tim Creedon - President ITTD, Prof. Brian Norton - President DIT, Cllr. Eibhlin Byrne - Lord 19th 2008. A total of 31 projects have been approved Mayor- Dublin, Minister Batt O’Keeffe, Minister for Education and Science, Dr. Hugh Brady - President UCD, Prof. Ferdinand von Prondzynski - President DCU, Dr.Mary of which 30 are collaborative. In all, 17 institutions have Meaney - President ITB, Mr. Michael Kelly - HEA Chair, Prof. Patrick Prendergast - TCD been approved for funding as lead institutions, as well Vice Provost / Chief Academic Officer
LIST OF SIF II PROJECTS PROJECT LEAD PARTNERS
FLEXIBLE INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY ALL IOTS AND DIT
ROADMAP FOR EMPLOYER ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP CORK IT DIT, WIT, ITTD, UCC, ITS, AIT & NUIG
EASTERN REGIONAL ALLIANCE
STUDENT TRANSITIONS IT BLANCHARDSTOWN DKIT, ITTD & ITC
REPOSITIONING ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING IT CARLOW DKIT, ITTD & ITB
CONSOLIDATING SERVICES FOR INCREASED CAPACITY IT CARLOW DKIT, ITTD & ITB
DUBLIN REGION HIGHER EDUCATION ALLIANCE
GRADUATE EDUCATION UCD NUIM, TCD, DCU, DIT, ITB, ITTD & IADT
WIDENING PARTICIPATION ACCESS TCD UCD, NUIM, DCU, DIT, ITB, ITTD & IADT
INTERNATIONALISATION DCU UCD, NUIM, TCD, DCU, NUIM, ITTD
ENHANCEMENT OF LEARNING DIT UCD, NUIM, TCD, DIT, ITB, ITTD & IADT
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 35 Institute News
New Courses at ITT Dublin
As Ireland’s and indeed the world’s economic and demographic picture constantly changes, so must our list of programmes as we strive to offer the best and most relevant courses for new students. Below we look at some of our newer courses which reflect our commitment to ensuring the demands of today’s students are met.
Bachelor Degree of Science - Sports Science and Health
This level 7 BSc Degree is a brand new 3-year course and Health will emphasize the general concepts of involving applying scientific and medical principles to physiology, medical science, nutrition, health, and sports, exercise, and the ability of the body to perform related training. physically. These two fields of healthcare are broad and can lead to many different educational and career opportunities. ‘Sports Science and Health’ is the scientific study of physiology and biomechanics in relation to the ability of the human body to adapt to motion, movement, and physical activity.
Students who study sports science will find work in both clinical and academic settings or lead to career opportunities in fitness instruction, scientific research, and nutrition. The area also focuses on the medical aspects of physical activity. Professionals in sports science will obtain a full and thorough understanding of the identification, treatment and prevention of injuries that happen during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities. Courses will involve the study of injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, It is possible to enter a career in the sport and leisure and management, and also understanding how industry in the public or private sector directly from illnesses and disease impacts health and physical this degree course. Potential employment or business performance. opportunities would briefly include; Fitness Centre/ Leisure Centre Manager, Lifestyle consultant, Sports “STUDENTS WHO STUDY SPORTS SCIENCE WILL Coach/Instructor, Sports Development Officer, Sports FIND WORK IN BOTH CLINICAL AND ACADEMIC Therapist , Further or Higher Education Teacher among SETTINGS OR LEAD TO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES many others. The course will commence in September IN FITNESS INSTRUCTION, SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, 2009 and at the time of writing the CAO applications AND NUTRITION” have confirmed a massive demand already.
For most related professions, earning a Bachelor of For information on entry requirements, subjects, Science degree is the starting point for working in facilities and more please visit www.ittdublin.ie/ this healthcare field. The BSc (Ord) in Sports Science FullTimeCourses/Science/
36 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
Bachelor Degree – Energy & Environmental Engineering
This is a brand new additional green energy, will form a case study in one of 3-year degree the modules. (Read more about the new wind turbine in course beginning our ITT Dublin Goes Green article). in September 2009 with Masters and PhD In addition to energy technologies students will study opportunities after national and international energy markets and how completion. With the they relate to energy production, consumption and global challenges of optimisation. This course will also prepare them to work in energy consumption a variety of settings across the emerging energy industry and environmental either as an individual or as a member of a team. sustainability, this course seeks to address the important and exciting opportunities which are arising for people to develop careers in the energy and environmental “THIS COURSE SEEKS TO ADDRESS THE IMPORTANT fields. AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES WHICH ARE ARISING FOR PEOPLE TO DEVELOP CAREERS IN THE ENERGY It also allows students to study abroad in partner Institutes AND ENVIRONMENTAL FIELDS in Upper Austria or in the Vendee in France during the ” fifth semester. So while furthering their studies they can also experience the cultures and social life of these This programme will enable graduates to undertake two regions. English is the language of tuition on both roles in business as energy system designers, developers, exchanges. operators, auditors or consultants. In the final year students complete a project that will provide them Students learn the fundamental concepts of energy with the opportunity to develop their time and project sources, generation, distribution, consumption and management skills and to showcase their talents. The optimisation and then build on these to study more skills attained during this project work are life skills that specialised topics such as Green Technologies where are transferable and useful throughout a career. wind, wave, solar and geothermal energies are harnessed as an alternative to fossil fuel technologies. For information on entry requirements, subjects, facilities Another interesting aspect of this programme is that ITT and more please visit www.ittdublin.ie/FullTimeCourses/ Dublin recently completed a brand new wind turbine MechanicalEngineering/ on campus, which, as well as providing the Institute with
Bachelor Degree of Science – Healthcare Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Forensic DNA and Forensic Science based laboratories.
The biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare This exciting new 3-year programme will provide industries continue to grow and expand throughout graduates with a broad knowledge and understanding the region and across the country. Expert group reports of the core biological and chemical sciences. Practical suggest a continuing shortfall in Biotech graduates and problem solving skills will be developed in the numbers throughout the coming years. The Biotech laboratory for biotech, healthcare, pharmaceutical, industry is currently a major supplier of new disease biological and chemical/forensic analysis. It will also therapies. provide Masters and PhD research opportunities at Postgraduate level. For information on entry requirements, Students will also develop a broad knowledge of the subjects, facilities theoretical scope and practical elements involved in DNA fingerprinting technology. The programme will and more please provide graduates with the requisite multi-disciplinary visit www.ittdublin. knowledge, skills and competencies to be able to ie/FullTimeCourses/ work effectively as analysts in the Biotechnology, Science/
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 37 Don’t forget to check out our Discounts page Discounts for on the website to see how you can save a Graduates & few bob. There are discounts on gyms, hotels, golfing, car services, beauty therapy and Friends of ITT more. See http://alumni.ittdublin.ie/?Discounts Dublin for our full list of discount providers. ROOMEX HOTELS
10% OFF WAXING & Services O ered : DECELOR FACIALS tAROMA TREATMENT tVITAL EYES tAROMA FOOT RELIEF FULL SET OF MANICURE t GEL NAILS We have recently agreed a deal with RoomexHotels. tPEDICURE SPRAY TAN €50.00 €25.00 com to provide ITT Dublin Alumni, Staff and Students tGEL NAILS tWAXING with access to 20,000 hotel rooms worldwide at tBRIDAL MAKE-UP EYE LASH discounted rates. RoomexHotels.com is owned EXTENSIONS tFAKE BAKE SPRAY TAN €15.00 and run by Roomex Limited, a wholly owned Irish tTINTING company based in Dublin.
Treat yourself to the velvet experience Visit http://ittd.roomex.com/ to avail of these rates. Opening Hours Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 9.30am - 6.00pm ursday and Friday 9.30am - 8.00pm
Gi Vouchers and pamper packs available for those special occassions.
Telephone : 01 451 8731
Beside Maldron Hotel @ Arena Leisure (First oor) Whitestown Way, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
Shop at GiftsnIdeas.com for delicious chocolates, cakes, wine and gift baskets for delivery in 90 countries worldwide. Pickup Express Flowers Yourself!
GiftsnIdeas.com uses the local network of our vendors and agents across 90 countries to get you the best Shop at PickupFlowers.com for fresh flowers, gifts at low shipping costs. We make sure you shop at plants and gift baskets for delivery in 80 Giftsnideas.com with 100% satisfaction. It means - if you countries worldwide. See their website at www.pickupflowers.com are not pleased with any purchase from us, we replace the item at no cost or provide you a full refund. Use Coupon “ITTD” and Save 20% on all your orders and there is no expiry date.
Use Coupon “ITTD” and Save 20% on all your PickupFlowers.com uses the network of our local florists across orders and there is no expiry date. 80 countries to help you choose from a wide range of flower arrangements and more gifts. 100% customer satisfaction is our goal and you will see it in all interactions you have with us through See the website at 24 *7 customer service. It means - if you are not pleased with any purchase from us, we replace the item at no cost or provide you a www.giftsnideas.com full refund. Jennifer Duggan Beauty Clinic The clinic is based on the High Street in Tallaght and is offering current students a 20% discount on ALL treatments and former students a 15% discount on ALL treatments from Monday to Thursday. (Excluding special offers and student ID required). You can find all information at their website www.jenniferdugganbeautyclinic.com and www.bebo.com/JenniferDugganB.
Current special offers also include a Full Set of Gel Nails with White Tip ONLY €50 OR Refills & Whites & a Full Body Spray Tan ONLY €70. Make up courses can also be arranged if you enquire further with the clinic. THE CYCLE INN 10% off all bikes & products!!
The Cycle Inn in Tallaght is offering 10% off all products with a downloadable voucher which you can download from our Discounts section on the website. Click the link to download the voucher then print it off, cut it out and drop in to the shop on Greenhills Road to avail of your discount.
The Cycle Inn have also opened a brand new store as part of the Bikeworld Citywest Golfing Discounts Complex on the Long Mile Road where they stock their usual top of the line brands such as Santa Cruz, Ridley and Giant as well as being the only Citywest Golf Resort is offering ITT national dealer for the exciting new lineup of KTM bikes developed by the Dublin Graduates Association members famous KTM Motorbike Company. preferential rates on their Championship Course. Normally €50 during peak season this is reduced to €25 for our The Cycle Inn are also a Bike To Work Partner Store, so you save on tax by members. buying a bike here. You can also log on to www.thecycleinn.com to find out more and to view their great range of bikes and products. With these special rates you can enjoy the Championship Course with its wonderful parkland setting - a combination of perfectly manicured fairways, superb greens and beautiful mature trees. Contact the Pro Shop at Serenity Wexford (01) 401 0878 to reserve your tee time and say you are an ITT Dublin Graduates Serenity B&B are offering ITT Dublin graduates and staff a lower rate of Association member. Tony Shine is the €55 per room per night (including full Irish breakfast) for summer 2009 Golf Co-Ordinator who operates the (normally €65 from July onwards). Serenity is a country hideaway B&B set scheme. in picturesque Camolin Park, North County Wexford, an hour from Dublin. With large comfortable en-suite bedrooms, aromatherapy, exquisite A valid membership card must dining, surrounded by hundreds of acres of majestic forest, peace and be presented to display proof of tranquillity is close at hand. membership. If you are a member and don’t have a membership card email They also do cooking classes which are usually €49 per person (3 course [email protected] or call class which is the participant’s evening meal). They are proving very popular (01) 404 2107 to request one. For any and Serenity are offering them to graduates and staff at a reduced rate of other details contact the resort at (01) €39 per person up to the end of September 2009. You don’t have to be a 401 0500. You can visit their website at B&B guest to take part. There is also a special rate for 4 people for €150. For www.citywesthotel.com more information and to visit the Discounts section on the website. Institute News
Honours Bachelor Degree of Arts -
Social Care Practice
This new and innovative course opens up opportunities in the area of professional social care work (residential, for students to have a fulfilling and challenging career community and project work). in the social care sector. Social Care professionals work with a wide variety of client groups such as people • To ensure graduates are capable of acting as with disabilities, children and young people, members informed advocates for their clients and strive to of the Traveller Community, homeless people, elderly improve their clients’ quality of life. people, asylum seekers and people with mental health difficulties. They work in a variety of settings including • To afford graduates the opportunity to obtain residential services, community settings and training a highly respected degree that will open up the and education services. The course has a number of possibility for them to pursue post-graduate studies in key objectives: Social Care.
• To ensure students learn the skills required to work • To train students so that they will be in a position to effectively with individuals, families, groups and conduct research in the area of Social and Behavioural associations in the community, in project work and in Science. residential settings.
• To ensure that graduates will understand a variety • To ensure that ITT Dublin graduates have a thorough of emotional and behavioural disorders and be able grasp of the responsibilities of social care professionals to work effectively with clients who may experience to work in an ethical manner and to the highest standard of best practice. these disorders.
• To introduce students to social care interventions, • To enable graduates to apply creative therapies in policy management, administration and political Social Care contexts. advocacy. For information on entry requirements, subjects, facilities • To allow students to acquire a primary degree that and more please visit www.ittdublin.ie/FullTimeCourses/ will be recognized both nationally and internationally Humanities/
40 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
South Dublin County Council and ITT Dublin Access Scholarships
Winners of the 2008 SDCC / ITT Dublin Access Scholarships Back row: John Vickery (ITT Dublin Registrar), Jonathan Bolger (2nd year Engineering), Mariya Ogorrodnikova (2nd year Management), Connor Burke (1st year Creative Digital Media), Michael Solan (2nd year Engineering), Maggie Ryan (ITT Access Officer) Seated: Lorna Carr (1st year Pharmaceutical Science), Lisa Brennan (1st year Management), South Dublin Mayor Marie Corr, Kelly O’Brien (2nd year Management), Wayne Murphy (1st year Accounting)
In 2006 South Dublin County Council and ITT Dublin The schools involved are: Access Office entered into a Scholarship partnership. • Jobstown Community College Every year four first year students are awarded €2,500 • Killinarden Community School each, to assist them during their first years in third level • St. Aidan’s Community School, Brookfield education. The award is also made to the students on • Collinstown Park Community College successful progression to second year. • Deansrath Community College • St. Kevin’s Community College, Fonthill Rd. The Scholarship is designed to encourage students in six local disadvantaged schools to do well in their Leaving To date sixteen students have won SDCC / ITT Cert. exams and to progress to higher education. scholarships, to a total value of €40,000.
Finnstown are pleased to offer you a special discount rate of €89.00 per person for a single or double room inclusive of full Irish breakfast.
Finnstown House hold the AA Rosette and highest rated County Dublin Hotel in its category. Facilities also include its own fully equipped gymnasium, a Turkish bath, putting course and a swimming pool. Two tennis courts are also available, and several woodland walks.
To avail of these special rates call Finnstown at (01) 6010700 and quote the ITT Dublin offer. Check out pictures of the great facilities and more at www.finnstown-hotel.ie
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 41 Institute News Library Ireland Week 2nd - 8th March 2009
Library Ireland Week ran from the 2nd until the 8th of March 2009. As always it featured many activities put on by our library staff at ITT Dublin including exhibitions, seminars, competitions and surveys. Listed below are some of those activities during what was another busy and successful Library Ireland week:
• Who Do You Think You Are? entered in to a prize competition. You can find the A public exhibition, based on the very popular RTE library blog at http://libraryittdublin.blogspot.com/ series which traced the roots of celebrities including Joe Duffy, Charlie Bird, Pamela Flood, was on show in • Success Stories of South Dublin the library for all of March. This included books about Staff and students were asked to vote for who they how to trace family records and local history, a scrolling think are the most successful, inspiring people of South family tree of Brian Boru’s descendants including both County Dublin, past and present. Each person who parents of Queen Elizabeth II, maps of Ireland and the voted was entered in to a prize draw. World for attendees to show where their families are from, as well as tips and tricks for getting started. • Friends of the Library Group This group was set up during Library Week to notify • On Wednesday March 4th at 3pm, members of monthly updates on book and DVD Gerry Hoban, producer of ‘Who Do You Think You Are’, recommendations, news and more. All new members gave a talk in ITT Dublin on the making of the program who signed up during that week were entered into a and the great experiences people can get out of draw. tracing their genealogy and family history. Two of the prizes presented at the prize ceremony • Blog Competition on Friday the 7th of March were sponsored by the The library blog has been up and running for some time Abberley Court Hotel in conjunction with Sales and and staff and students, past and present are always Marketing Manager, Karen Garry, who is also an ITT encouraged to have their say. For library Ireland Week Dublin graduate. A big thank you to Karen from all at all approved comments posted to the blog were the library for her support!
42 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
The Provision of Lifelong Learning at ITT Dublin Focus on Workforce Development Dr. Terry Maguire / Head of Lifelong Learning
The institute continues, as it has done since its inception, • Provide choice and flexibility in terms of content to play a significant role in workforce development and teaching and learning opportunities to meet regionally and nationally. Historically, much of the identified needs. Allows a blend of modules across demand for this activity can be linked to economic subject areas, for example, technical/business development both at a local and national level and to the Institutes capability to react quickly to industry • Range of delivery options; in-company need in a flexible way. In the current economic climate programmes, day or block release, and flexible, employer and academic partnerships that plan for repeated delivery to allow for shift working and and build a vibrant economic future are essential. distance learning
• Award recognised accreditation. The National Framework of Qualifications gives ITT Dublin flexibility to build accredited qualifications in small steps by using individual module accreditation, and developing Minor, Supplemental or Special Purpose awards that accredit different-sized blocks of learning
Pictured at the recent REAP Seminar are Pat O Donnell, ITT Dublin, Robert Murphy, DIT, Terry Maguire, ITT Dublin and John P Murphy, CIT BENEFITS FROM AN EMPLOYEE’S PERSPECTIVE
The underlying approach to workforce development Relevant training designed to meet personal needs at ITT Dublin is to work closely with employers to design and deliver training that suits their needs. ITT Opportunities to up skill and get recognised Dublin provides work-based education and training accreditation programmes that build on the knowledge, skills and Flexibility and choice to suit individual needs and competencies of those currently in the workplace. work at his/her own pace
The training approach adopted focuses on ‘fitness for Roadmap for personal lifelong learning journey purpose’ courses and modules delivered in a flexible way to:
BENEFITS FROM AN EMPLOYER’S PERSPECTIVE • Enable access by supporting and accrediting the building of individual learning portfolios Training tailored to meet an employer’s particular needs • Identify individual training needs Cost-effective training - Facilitate the identification of individual goals for upskilling Employees who are better able to meet the - Facilitate the development of individual demands of their daily work personal training plans to achieve goals Employees who have the confidence to further identified develop their own lifelong learning
A competitive and progressive workplace
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 43 Institute News
Current Workforce Development • HEI’s and employers should strive for mature, long term partnerships that can meet and exceed current Research Projects needs and anticipate future needs.
In order to support current and future workforce The project will identify learning needs within development within the Institute, ITT Dublin is workplaces, draw up a comprehensive plan for collaborating with other institutes in two exciting partnership between employers and Higher Education research projects funded under cycle 2 of the Strategic Institutions, and verify the effectiveness of the strategy Innovation Fund (SIF 2). through a diverse range of demonstrator collaborative activities. It will provide the gateway to integrate and Roadmap for Employment rationalise complementary initiatives and offer a single simple, relevant, inclusive framework to facilitate Academic Partnerships (REAP) interaction with the workplace.
The Roadmap for Employment Academic Partnership ITT Dublin’s commitment to this project will act as a (REAP) is a collaborative project, involving eight springboard to further develop its links with business institutions nationally. The project addresses several and industry. At the end of the three years, ITT Dublin themes that have emerged from a range of national should have stronger business and industry partnerships reports: in place that meet the needs of both partners. • Lifelong learning is essential for the development of ‘Human Capital’, which is itself inextricably linked to personal, social and economic development.
• Educational provision for workplaces must be context-sensitive, flexible, innovative and adaptive.
• Developments must be informed by an understanding of the needs and opportunities, by region and by sector.
• The education sector needs to proactively facilitate and simplify the engagement process.
44 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
Developing Flexible Learning Opportunities for those at work
The aim of the Flexible Learning national collaborative project is to establish a branded initiative (Open IT) NOTES: The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is a multi- to mainstream flexible learning at the Institutes of annual fund that is directed towards support for Technology, enabling the sector to deliver on learner innovation in higher education institutions. It supports and workforce development needs. Flexible learning new approaches to enhancing quality and effectiveness opportunities developed will expand choice on within higher education and research, incorporating the what, when, where and how people learn. Flexible use of existing resources (including capital resources) Learning involves anticipating, and responding to the more effectively, as well as new funding. For further ever-changing needs and expectations of potential information visit: www.hea.ie/en/sif. learners and supports different styles of learning. Flexible learning incorporates a variety of media Tomorrow’s Skills – Towards a National Skills Strategy 5th Report Expert Group on Future Skills Needs 2007 including written and audio materials, the Internet, disk-based software and video conferencing. The Working to our advantage – a National Workplace project extends over four years. Strategy, Report of the Forum on the Workplace of the Future – National Centre for Partnership and Performance Workforce development is becoming increasingly 2005 important both for business and industry. The latter Ahead of the Curve – Ireland’s Place in the Global need professional development to create a dynamic Economy – Enterprise Strategy Group 2004 flexible workforce. Higher education institutions recognise that the work environment is rapidly Ireland – Knowledge is our nature IDA Ireland Annual changing, increasingly influenced by accelerating Report 2006 developments in information and communities Towards 2016 – Ten-year Framework Social Partnership technology and that new models of training and Agreement 2006-2015 education are needed. ITT Dublin’s commitment to the Flexible Learning project will ensure the Institute Guidance for Life – An Integrated Framework for Lifelong builds capacity and capability to respond effectively Guidance in Ireland National Guidance Forum Report to workplace needs. 2007
New Lifelong Learning Initiative - AIMS: Certificate in Preparatory Study for To provide an initiative to support the community in Third Level (Special Purpose Award Level 6) the current economic recession
Increasing members of the community are losing their To build participant confidence and encourage and jobs in the current economic recession. Many may support their to return to education want to take the opportunity to gain a third level To provide participants with: qualification but are unsure if they would like to or be •The necessary skills for studying at third level able for studying at this level. Supported by the HEA, ITT (e.g. study skills, communications, information & Dublin has developed this new part-time programme communication technologies and maths). (approximately 100 hours long) to meet the needs of •An introduction to the type of content and these individuals. activities inherent in studying in the subject area of interest to them. Further information can be obtained at www.ittdublin. • Practical information relating to returning to ie/part-time/CIPS/#d.en.20469 or directly from our education, including financial and personal Access Officer Maggie Ryan, who can be contacted implications, supports available and students’ at [email protected] or (01) 404 2173. You can experiences. also contact the Lifelong Learning Office by emailing [email protected]
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 45 Institute News Campus Development Here’s a brief outline of what’s going on at the moment...
Landscape masterplan
In September 2008, construction was completed on forms the second bundle to be brought to market the new main entrance foyer. An impressive glass- by the NDFA, along with a number of projects in fronted extension now provides increased space in the Waterford IT. The NDFA hope to be in a position to reception area and a more energy efficient design. It commence the tendering process before the end of has certainly been an eye-catching addition to the 2009. Again, all going well with tendering, evaluating Institute. and planning, they would hope to have a developer commence work on campus within 16-18 months of On 19th August last, the Institute’s design team the commencement of the tendering process with submitted a planning application for an infrastructural/ the construction period likely to take a further 18-24 enabling works project. This project will provide new months. campus roadways and car-parking developments, entrances from the Belgard and Greenhills Roads, new The Landscape Masterplan can be viewed at www. footpaths, underground services and landscaping. All ittdublin.ie/Other/Estates/LandscapeMasterplan going well with the planning process, it is intended that which includes the PPP site marked in yellow. Both of the work will start on the site next Spring, with completion planning applications and all the associated drawings in November 2010. and reports etc can be viewed on the planning section of the South Dublin Co. Council website - www. On the 1st of September 2009, the design team sdcc.ie. The reference number for the infrastructural/ appointed by the National Development Finance enabling works application is SD09A/0327 and for the Agency (NDFA) submitted an application for application for the PPP site, the reference number is outline permission for the proposed Public Private SD09A/0343. Partnership (PPP) Kelly Development. This includes the development of a new Engineering Building, a Multi In addition to the above, work is progressing on the Purpose Centre (including sports facilities and playing design for the Centre of Applied Science for Health pitches), and a new Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary (CASH) /Synergy II project. A planning application Arts Building. Of the capital projects recommended will be submitted shortly and construction is likely to by the HEA initiated Kelly review, this development commence centre in the first quarter of 2010.
46 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
Over the summer, the capacity of three theatres was increased to 60 and an additional classroom has been provided for 60 students in the rear area that was formerly Development & External Services. There were also a few remaining classrooms without AV facilities which have now had the standard AV systems installed.
As is now visible from the Institute, construction of the Crèche is nearing completion and it is likely to be handed over to the Institute before the end of October, a fantastic additional to our student support structures with accommodation for over 51 children of varied ages groups.
Finally, there are also some building works alongside the Student Union building. This extension to the building will provide changing rooms, showers and toilets to compliment the new sports pitch along the frontage with Belgard Road. This project is planned to New building frontage be completed before Christmas 2009. Appreciation of Sr. Elizabeth demonstrated the kind of fortitude associated with people of a strong inner life and managed to bring as much peace as was possible to people experiencing times of tremendous grief and stress.
She was also instrumental in developing the Peace Garden, a particularly warmly received addition to the Institute and central to the remembrance ceremonies throughout the year. It is unfortunate that she will not be here to see the fruition of the new college crèche which was completed in 2009 and will be in operation in January 2010. This is a project well known by all at the Institute to have been vigorously and tirelessly pursued by Sr. Liz and we are informed that fittingly, she will be flying back over for the opening ceremony.
When it was announced in early 2009 that Liz was being Sr. Elizabeth Gilmartin did two stints at the Institute sent to ‘fresh fields and pastures new’ by her order, there (from 2002 to 2004 and again from September 2005 was general dismay at the thought of losing someone to Summer 2009) and will be fondly remembered by of her wonderful human and professional qualities. both students and staff for her role as Roman Catholic She will be sadly missed in Tallaght, but the thoughts Chaplain at the institute. Familiarly referred to as ‘Liz’ or and prayers of all in the Institute will accompany her ‘Sr. Liz’, her calm, caring demeanour often hid a steely as she travels to her new base in Chicago, from where determination when it came to representing the rights she will have to operate a broad remit covering three and needs of the students. continents! She will need all her energy in this task, but we know that she will acquit herself with her usual There so are many happy memories of Liz’ time here good humour and professionalism. as Chaplain and as is life, there were also a number of occasions when tragedy did strike and Liz was A huge thanks and best of luck from all at the typically wonderful during these difficult times. She Institute.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 47 Institute News
massive upswing in the number of Western firms
The Chinese Connection opening there and of these there are many Irish - an ITT Dublin’s Strategic Alliance with unfortunate but undeniable reality given the cost Nanjing University in China advantages of operating in China, particularly in the manufacturing area.
NJUT itself was established by merging Nanjing University of Chemical Technology and Nanjing Institute of Architectural and Civil Engineering in May 2001 but Nanjing University of Chemical Technology goes right back to its establishment in 1902. It is a multi- discipline research and teaching university which offers mainly Engineering courses, but also courses in other disciplines such as Science, Management, Economics, Liberal Arts, Law and Philosophy. There are almost Students at the Nanjing University in China 23,000 students, all of whom live on campus and over Two years ago an agreement was set up between the 2,300 lecturers and staff. Nanjing University of Technology (NJUT) in China and ITT Dublin. Prior to this, representatives of the college had been invited by NJUT to liaise with them regarding the setting up of a strategic and mutually beneficial agreement. Given the prestigious reputation of NJUT, this invitation was extremely welcomed by the Institute.
“LOCATED INLAND IN EAST CHINA, NANJING IS THE CAPITAL OF CHINA’S JIANGSU PROVINCE WITH A POPULATION OF NEARLY 8 MILLION PEOPLE IN ONE OF THE LARGEST ECONOMIC ZONES IN CHINA”
Facilitated by the Presidents and staff members of both Fiona Cranley with NJUT staff institutions, this marked the establishment of an historic alliance between the two institutions. The agreement In September 2008, the ITT Dublin Electronic was based upon the initial aspiration for ITT Dublin to Engineering and Science Departments began running deliver approximately 30% of our Engineering and courses at NJUT. Two modules in each Department Science programmes in English to the Chinese students were delivered by ITT Dublin lecturers to 1st Year NJUT at the NJUT campus. students. Mechanical Engineering lectures began in September 2009. These lectures in Engineering and Located inland in East China, Nanjing is the capital of Science continue into 2nd and 3rd Year at NJUT and China’s Jiangsu Province with a population of nearly in their 4th year they join ITT Dublin final year students. 8 million people in one of the largest economic zones NJUT lecturers have also been at ITT Dublin observing in China. The city is a bustling, densely populated our lecturing methods since March 2009. All lectures by economic centre thriving with domestic firms and ITT Dublin staff are delivered through English. more recently the inflow of much foreign direct investment has cemented its status as one of the Given the competitiveness in the Chinese education Chinese economic powerhouses. sector and the cost of educating a son or daughter in China, our lecturers from ITT Dublin have been quite im- Nanjing, like the rest of China (particularly Shanghai pressed with the conscientiousness and extremely high which is roughly 2 hours from Nanjing) has seen a standard of students at lectures.
48 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Institute News
They are highly driven to achieve the utmost from marketing, project management and communication their academic studies and to excel in their area of skills. expertise for a highly successful career. Fiona Cranley, Head of Mechanical Engineering at ITT Dublin recalls In the Mechanical Engineering field, the how on one visit an ITT Dublin lecturer was pleasantly Thermodynamics, Energy Systems and Environmental surprised to find all students attending all their lectures areas have become particularly relevant within the and arriving approximately 20 minutes before the energy and environmental context given the high start of lecture! Students are extremely diligent and focus on reducing emissions and industrial output on rarely leave the library before 9pm in the evenings. It is the Chinese Government‘s agenda. virtually unheard of also for students to withdraw from programmes once they have enrolled. They leave after “WHILE AT ITT DUBLIN THE STUDENTS WILL HAVE 4 years of commitment and diligent work, to achieve A MORE GROUP BASED AND AUTONOMOUS their award on graduation day. LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, WITH MORE FOCUS ON PROJECT WORK, RESEARCH, PROBLEM SOLVING In this competitive Chinese landscape, English AND ANALYTICAL SKILLS language education is a highly sought-after addition ” to a Chinese student’s CV. The demand for it ensures Our historic alliance with NJUT has already turned out that students and particularly their families, who usually to be an extremely valuable and fascinating venture have one child on whom to focus their aspirations which will certainly become more powerful and and provide support to, will sacrifice much to get an worthwhile as the relationship strengthens. There is no edge over the competition when job-seeking after doubt both sides have already mutually benefited from college. As part of the agreement it is planned that the cultural and procedural differences which can be NJUT students will complete their degrees with their applied to our respective educational approaches final year spent at ITT Dublin. and this stands to continue well in to the future.
“IN THIS COMPETITIVE CHINESE LANDSCAPE, ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION IS A HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER ADDITION TO A CHINESE STUDENT’S CV”
As Fiona Cranley explained, it is not just the English language aspect that may give the Chinese students an edge over their competitor. It is also the difference in teaching and learning methods. While at ITT Dublin the students will have a more group based and autonomous learning environment, with more focus on project work, research, problem solving and analytical skills. This blended learning approach furnishes students with attributes attractive to many of the firms in China where they aspire to work. It is this self-directed educational approach that NJUT and countries like
China are keen to benefit from. Mechanical Engineering Building at NJUT
By liaising with ITT Dublin staff, NJUT hope to implement new innovative teaching methodologies into their For more information on NJUT, visit their website at academic programmes. They are also eager to www.njuct.edu.cn (click on English for English version). develop elements in their courses that address the so called ‘softer’ aspects of qualifications which will assist a graduate once in industry i.e., financial management,
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 49 Feature
Ophidiophobia - Part II ITT Dublin staff member Jenny Somers fills us in on the latest developments in her world of snakes and reptiles
If you are anyway squeamish when you do). The salesman was showing 2 lads this massive Carpet Python (8ft long). The python started to get a it comes to reptiles, please read on. bit uneasy and began wrapping her body around his You may be pleasantly surprised leg and both his arms. The 2 lads were terrified and just stood back and watched. Well, me being me, I at how fascinating they really are. decided to step in and give the poor guy a hand. He Welcome to my world! noticed I obviously had a wee interest in snakes and “20 ODD YEARS LATER, THEY’RE REGRETTING THAT In the last article we explained the basic ins and outs of DECISION AND I AM THE PROUD OWNER OF 6 how to care for these fascinating creatures. It’s time I let SNAKES you have a glimpse into my world. Since I was a kid I’ve ” always been fascinated by reptiles, snakes in particular. started asking questions. I mentioned I was hoping to I can still recall the first time I held a snake when I was eventually breed my female so with that he announced 7 on holidays. My parents thought it would be hilarious he just “happened” to have a 3 year old male Corn to get a photograph of me and my sisters holding a 6ft Snake, so I had a look at him. Scale for scale, he was python. Since I was the smallest sister, the others made perfect and had a great temperament and that was me do it! So now, 20 odd years later, they’re regretting it, I had to have him. He’s now 6 years old and 4ft 10” that decision and I am the proud owner of 6 snakes. in length. I decided to call him Zeus. Judging by both their personalities, their names actually suit them. He ‘Precious’ – Corn Snake immediately took over the roost and they’re quite My first snake was a female Corn snake, in ‘02. She happy together. He still shows off every now and again. was only a hatchling and the prettiest of the bunch. I (Zeus pictured top left) decided to call her “Precious” because she was so tiny but mainly due to my obsession with Lord of the Rings. Her colour variation was quite unusual. She had a bit of an attitude for the first 4 years of her life but eventually calmed down when I got her a man. She’s now 7 years old and 4 ½ feet in length.
‘Zeus’ – Corn Snake Left - Jenny aged 9 years old In ‘06, I dropped into a reptile shop just for a look (as Above - Lola the Blood Python feeding
50 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Feature
‘Lola’ – Blood Python developing embryo will attach to the top surface of the I picked up lovely Lola in January ‘08. She was quite egg. Rotating the egg may cause the egg yolk to cover ill - rule #1 in the world of reptiles is never buy a reptile the embryo; leading to its death by suffocation. that does not look 100% healthy but I did plenty of research on her and I knew exactly what was wrong Hatching and how to treat her. The most common sickness in Near day 50, I began constantly observing the eggs for snakes is a respiratory infection which is often the result changes. Normally a day or two before the eggs hatch, of inaccurate temperatures and humidity and poor their texture will change. They appear to be thinner captive conditions. It can also be carried by parasites or shelled and may also dimple. When the eggs start to reptile mites (which she also had). Most snakes actually hatch, the baby snake will slit open the leathery egg have two lungs, but the left lung is greatly reduced and with a temporary egg tooth located on the tip of their non-functional. The upper portion of a snake’s lung snouts. I barely even noticed the slit. I thought it was a performs gas exchange while the lower portion of the bit of moss stuck to the egg. When I tried to wipe it off lung serves as an air sac. This reduced lung capacity I got the fright of my life….it moved. Well I screamed is why a respiratory infection may be so devastating around the house for everyone to look. The babies will to snakes. It took almost 3 months to fully clear up the often stay inside the egg for a day or two with just their infection and kill off the mites entirely but she now has heads sticking out of the slit. This was torture for me, I a full, clean bill of health and will be ready for breeding was dying to see their colours. in 2 years time. Never try to force the baby out of its egg before it is ready, IT TOOK ALMOST 3 MONTHS TO FULLY CLEAR UP THE as it’s still attached to an umbilicus and yolk sac. Forcing INFECTION AND KILL OFF THE MITES ENTIRELY BUT SHE it out may result in killing the snake due to dehydration, NOW HAS A FULL, CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH as water will be quickly lost through the yolk sac and umbilicus. Also, do not cut the umbilicus, as it will cause the snake to bleed to death. The umbilicus will fall off on ‘Bonnie’- Colombian Rainbow Boa its own in a day or two so wait until the snake leaves its I was a bit unsure about buying this species as she is egg on its own. The baby snakes will usually start eating going to outgrow me by at least 2 feet. Unfortunately, after their first shed. Once they all start feeding regularly as they get older they lose their nice spots but still keep they can then be sold or re-homed. All went to new that beautiful iridescent sheen, like oil in water - hence homes except for 2. I just couldn’t give them up! the name Rainbow Boa. She’s now a whopping 3½ feet long. Hopefully she’ll be fully grown to 7 feet by the time SHE’S NOW A WHOPPING 3½ FEET LONG. HOPEFULLY she’s 4 years old. In the wild, Boas eat birds, lizards, and SHE’LL BE FULLY GROWN TO 7 FEET BY THE TIME SHE’S 4 small mammals. In captivity they’re quite happy with rats YEARS OLD and the occasional chick as a treat. She is surprisingly strong which makes it fascinating to watch her eat. Each time the prey exhales, she’ll squeeze harder If you’re considering venturing into the world of snakes preventing the ribs, diaphragm, lungs and heart from and reptiles, then my advice is to go for it! You won’t be functioning until her prey eventually suffocates. When disappointed. she’s old enough, it will be an interesting experience for me to breed her because unlike the majority of reptiles Written by Jenny Somers. All photos by Jenny Somers. which are egg layers, she will actually give birth to live young. If you have any questions feel free to email them to [email protected] My 1st Achievement Corn snakes are one of the easiest snakes to breed in captivity so I decided to give it a try last year. The easiest part is the breeding, after that it’s hard work so you need to be prepared and dedicated. In the wild they lay their eggs in rotting stumps, piles of decaying vegetation or other similar locations with sufficient heat and humidity and once laid, the parents go on their merry way. In captivity the eggs need to be incubated so a few hours after Precious finished laying her eggs, I transferred them from the nesting box to an incubator. The gestation period is 50-65 days at approximately 27-30 Celsius (78 - 82 degrees F) and humidity must be between 80-100%. Unlike bird eggs, in snake eggs the Bonnie the Colombian Rainbow Boa in 2007 & pictured again in 2009
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 51 Graduate Profiles Graduate Profiles
Something stirred inside me when I first heard Roy band struggling to make their mark on the Irish indie Orbison’s vocals on Handle With Care (December 1988) music scene. In early 2006, through a friend, I submitted and I knew right then that music would play a big part the first three chapters to a publisher in the UK and they in my life. Around my teenage years I turned into that asked for first refusal once the book was completed. kid who spent his lunch break negotiating loan deals However, mortgages and marriage pushed music for various mix tapes with fellow students. I’d swap my further down the pecking order in terms of priority and Smiths and Mexican Pets compilation but only if the so I failed to write another word. other kid could get that new Nirvana song off the radio for me. It was a time when piracy still meant wooden Career wise, I was still with the company I joined after legs and parrots and studying music gave me more leaving college and found myself becoming an integral pleasure than chemistry, French or business studies ever part of the team. I had been promoted for a second could. time and had full control of a number of areas above and beyond my marketing qualification. It also paid It was also a frustrating time as, growing up in small town well, which helped, but I was beginning to feel that Kildare, I didn’t get too many opportunities to go to gigs there was something missing. In late 2006 I discovered that didn’t involve bands who specialised in tuneless what that was. Metallica covers and whose moniker, more often than not, involved some sort of colloquial reference to THANKFULLY, MY TIME IN IT TALLAGHT (MARKETING & pleasuring yourself. Thankfully, my time in IT Tallaght LANGUAGES, 2000-2004) ALLOWED ME TO TAKE MY (Marketing & Languages, 2000-2004) allowed me to take OBSESSION WITH MUSIC TO UNFORESEEN LEVELS my obsession with music to unforeseen levels. Over the course of my time in IT Tallaght I probably averaged 3-4 gigs a week as well as spending far more than I should I was off work due to illness and browsing an Irish indie have on records and t-shirts with obscure band names music website, CLUAS.com, trying to find out if the emblazoned on the front. rumours were true that one of my favourite bands had just split. They hadn’t as it turned out but while on the In September 2004, almost by accident, I found myself site I read an album review that I didn’t agree with and working as a marketing assistant in a medium sized so I submitted my own review. It was published and financial services company. Over the course ofthe the sites editor asked me to submit more. Over time I next two years I found that a nine hour day, and the became one of the sites feature writers and have since 3 hour commute associated with it, meant I had much been given my own section, Key Notes, where I get less time for music. Indeed, my only real connection with music was a book I began work on about a fictional to wax lyrical about anything and everything loosely
52 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Graduate Profiles
related to the Irish indie music scene. As I continued and feeling rejected. It was my wife, Amy, who made to write for CLUAS my work was noticed by a number me realise that this wasn’t what I wanted to do with of other Irish and UK websites and I was asked to my life. It was writing about music that made me feel contribute to them too. happiest and so that is what I should do.
THE TURNING POINT WAS MID NOVEMBER 2008 It’s been over 7 months since I lost my job and in that WHEN WAS OVERLOOKED FOR A MARKETING time I have come to realise that, perversely, it is the POSITION THAT I COULD HAVE DONE EVEN WITHOUT best thing to have ever happened me. Not only have MY DEGREE AND FOUR YEARS EXPERIENCE I decided to return to college to study journalism in This didn’t pay very much of course, aside from the September 2009, but I have almost completed a first free albums and gig tickets, but it excited me more draft of my book. So far I have received very positive than anything I did in my actual job. By mid 2008 I was feedback from two publishing houses and I am now becoming disillusioned with my career choice and taking tentative steps into the murky world of literary though I started to look at possibly returning to college agents. I realise that it may take some time before I part-time to study journalism, I knew that I was too make a living from writing about music but at least I comfortable in my job to do something as risky as that. now know that I can, something I would have never However, in October 2008, the company I worked for been brave enough to discover had I not lost my job. had to reduce its payroll and, as tends to happen, my decision was made for me. My first thought, of It’s not easy, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart; course, was to try and find a job straight away. I soon learning to live on €200 a week takes some getting discovered that this wasn’t the easiest option. The used to. However, if you do find yourself a victim of industry I had spent the previous four years working in the current economic downturn then don’t lose heart. was suffering most from The Recession (capital letters If you find something you love, then you’ll find a way to © George Lee) and that opportunities were few and make a living from it. It might take a long time to see far between. the financial rewards but I can tell you from experience that the joy of immersing yourself in something you The turning point was mid November 2008 when care passionately about is immeasurable. was overlooked for a marketing position that I could have done even without my degree and four years Steven O’Rourke experience. I was growing tired of both being rejected [email protected] Tallaght Rockets winners of the Ladies Volleyball League
Annalisa Nardina, who completed an Honours Degree in Applied Languages and graduated in 2005 spent 2 years playing and coaching the Volleyball team at ITT Dublin and here she gives us a low-down on her progress in the sport to date, particularly her recent successes with the Tallaght Rockets. While attending she also participated in the Irish Cultural Society and the Swimming and Athletics clubs.
Our Volleyball Club was founded in the mid 1980s by a group of players from the Clondalkin and Firhouse areas as an amalgamation of two clubs recently renamed Tallaght Rockets. The main aims of the club are to allow club members, both experienced and new players, to enjoy training, improve volleyball skills and compete in the VAI League and Championship fixtures as well as in volleyball tournaments around the country.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 53 Graduate Profiles
League and won the Junior Championship in UCD. These new players have been training hard along with the 1st team to improve their volleyball skills and excel in their division. The club believes there is ample opportunity over the next few seasons to re-establish a Mens team and we intend working with the local schools to help them encourage volleyball at a school level. We hope this would result in many of these players who take up the game at junior levels to continue to do so, leading to a higher participation at the more senior levels.
“LEADING THE TOP OF THE DIVISION 1 TABLE FOR We had one Womens team last year playing in Division THE ENTIRE 2008/2009 SEASON AND GAINING 1, finishing the season as Division 1 Champions. We THE CROWN FOR THE 2ND YEAR IN A ROW HAS were also Runners Up in the National Intermediate PROVIDED THE ROCKETS WITH ANOTHER SHOT AT Championships, pipped to the post by Rebels from PROMOTION TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE” Cork and we came back to win the prestigious Aer Lingus Tournament at the end of May. We improved our The Club currently uses Coláiste de hÍde school hall performance this year due in part to recently recruited in Tallaght as its home venue, and recently obtained players and a 2nd team which entered the Division 2 permission to train in the VEC Sports Centre in Clogher this season. road, Crumlin. At the moment each member pays a subscription for every training session and the committee Leading the top of the Division 1 table for the entire organises fund-raising events to keep the Club alive. 2008/2009 season and winning the crown for the 2nd We hope to develop the club so that we can return to year in a row has provided the Rockets with another the days when we were considered one of the largest shot at promotion to the Premier League which was volleyball clubs in Dublin. just missed out on last year following defeat to Queens University in the final play-off. We recently met Dublin Whether you are an experienced player or a beginner VC (a Premier League Team) winning out 3-2 in the join us in our summer fun sessions! For more information Association Cup but missing out on a semi-final place email: [email protected] or phone: by loosing 3-2 against the top Premier Division team in Ireland, Aerlingus. 0857126074
The Rockets are now considered a threat for any team. Annalisa Nardina In Division 2, Tallaght Rockets were runners up in the Applied Languages, 2005
Selling Yourself - ITT Dublin Graduate Ian Foran tells us about coming back to his old stomping ground to do the new Higher Diploma in Business - Marketing Management
Going back to Tallaght in September supervisor brought me into the world of 2007, I was a little apprehensive. I had people management, production and not planned on any post graduate maintenance management and just work for at least a couple of years after about everything that goes with running my graduation in 2006. An email from a manufacturing process. I was looking the Graduates Association informed for something different, something me of a new post graduate course in exciting, more externally focused. I had Marketing which struck a chord with just set myself on a new career path me. doing analytical and planning work. After reading the prospectus for the Having spent 12 years working in Marketing course, I felt that the new manufacturing at HP, I was eager to skills I was learning at HP combined with broaden my skills with something that learning about marketing could create looked beyond the internal workings new opportunities for me beyond of the organisation. Working as a manufacturing.
54 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Graduate Profiles
I had a brief chat with lecturer Adrian Payne who had Somehow, we also managed to squeeze in the odd put the course together. He was very enthusiastic about sneaky Wednesday night pint along the way. Apparently the course and was very clear about a key aim of the people are at their most creative at 10pm, so needless course - to give people the skills to get marketing jobs. to say those ‘Après Class’ pints with Lindsay, Stevie & So I signed up, very clear on what I wanted to get from Garrett were essential to us becoming the creative the course and how I could use some of the concepts marketer’s of the future. in my current role as well as building my skills for future role as a marketer. The project work throughout the course gave a good balance to the course work and certainly helped me “I WAS GREATLY IMPRESSED BY THE SUPPORT OF THE as I tend to cram my learning activities around exam time. The projects helped build an understanding of the LECTURERS WHO ORGANISED SESSIONS IN THE LIBRARY module concepts which was a significant help come AND COMPUTER LABS” exam time. Some of these CA’s had us becoming virtual builders, virtual lawyers, virtual horticulturalists while I missed the first week - what a great start, but settled Pasqueline’s Finance class might’ve helped us halt the in quickly after that. Being a Tallaght veteran (I was a recession had we been given more time. Our Marketing student when the college first opened in 1992), I was Statistics CA had us work out the nappy buying habits familiar with the workings of the college however I was of the nation. So as you can see, we also had some fun greatly impressed by the support of the lecturers who along the way stepping into new, very different roles organised sessions in the library and computer labs. This than what we were accustomed to. was very helpful for those in the class who hadn’t been to Tallaght before and it helped look after a lot of the Working for the world’s number one technology basics early on. The class size was small enough. I think it company can certainly present exciting opportunities started out with about twenty students. It was a diverse from time to time and in doing the course I hoped to group, which was new for me as at under grad level, take advantage of these opportunities using the skills I always seemed to be studying with people from HP, and knowledge I’ve gained over the past two years. IBM, Intel or Wyeth. So for me it was exciting to study I’m delighted to say that in May I began a new role in with people who worked in other areas. These included HP as a Marketing Analyst so as you can see it already jobs such as services, childcare, education, equestrian seems to be paying dividends. and horticulture. “APPARENTLY PEOPLE ARE AT THEIR MOST CREATIVE AT The standard of the lectures in general were quite 10PM, SO NEEDLESS TO SAY THOSE ‘APRÈS CLASS’ PINTS impressive and I found the detail, delivery and pace WITH LINDSAY, STEVIE & GARRETT WERE ESSENTIAL TO US of the classes just right for a part-time evening course. BECOMING THE CREATIVE MARKETER’S OF THE FUTURE” Being one who might normally have been at risk of drifting off into a day dream during class or missing a I would certainly recommend the course. There is a good night because it clashed with the Champions League, balance between theory and practical substance in the I must say that the lecturers always kept me sufficiently various subjects. The lecturers do a great job in applying interested and engaged to have me opting for the Sky the theory to practical examples and applications and Plus box for champions league matches rather than I was lucky to have studied with and learn from a great miss lectures. It also helped that as a bunch of students bunch of people. we were a fairly tight group who supported each other and worked well together on the various projects. Ian Foran - [email protected]
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 55 Graduate Profiles
Fergal Rigby- ITT Dublin 1996-1998
company name and complete the legal documentation necessary for setting up a business in Ireland. Services at FORMit.ie also include vat registration, post-formation changes and other related procedures which may be required in Ireland.
If people intend to start up their own company, become I grew up in Rathfarnham, Dublin and attended St self-employed or re-locate their business to Ireland, we Mary’s College, Rathmines until 1996 when I progressed will provide clients with a fast, efficient and tax-compliant to IT Tallaght to study Business. I then graduated with start-up service. We take the client through the various a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UCD in 2000, steps required to form a company and look after a followed by a Masters in Electronic Commerce at Dublin multitude of aspects which can often be overwhelming City University in 2003. when setting up a new business.
When I graduated UCD, my first job was with Ernst & Young Currently, we also have an agreement with Google to as a trainee chartered accountant prior to entering the provide complimentary Google AdWords vouchers. This technology sector and commencing my Masters at offer will help drive more traffic to the new website and DCU. I then did a stint at PriceWaterhouseCoopers as thus grow business. In these days of budget restrictions, a technology consultant, having joined in 2004, later we want to ensure clients entering the entrepreneurial focusing as a Sarbanes Oxley IT analyst. world are getting an additional kick-start.
By late 2006, I felt I was equipped with the necessary skills Other plans for the future include the provision of a to set up FORMit.ie, an online company that specialises streamlined accountancy and taxation online package in online company formations and company law for small new businesses to also include a social compliance - helping a client to choose and register a networking element between businesses.
56 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Graduate Profiles
New Challenges & Life in Canada
Ph.D graduate Suzanne McKeon I was comfortable being in a place I knew well, surrounded by familiar and friendly people, I also had relives some of her ITT Dublin days a new sense of responsibility and opinions about the as well as giving an insight into work I would do, as well as the ability to “think outside the box” when faced with challenges or setbacks. As her new challenge at University of a post-graduate student I got the chance to travel Calgary and life in Canada to both national and international conferences and become familiar with the Cystic Fibrosis research going It hasn’t been long since I left the doors of ITT Dublin, on around the world as well as gaining some valuable although sometimes it seems a lot longer. When I lecturing experience in ITT Dublin. started college back in 1999 I had no plans beyond my first four years of what I wanted to do and where “AS A POST-GRADUATE STUDENT I GOT THE CHANCE I wanted to work. The first two years of the Bachelor TO TRAVEL TO BOTH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL degree were full of fun and nights out with new friends. CONFERENCES AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE The last two, in contrast were important years for CYSTIC FIBROSIS RESEARCH GOING ON AROUND defining goals, thinking of future careers and of course, THE WORLD” trying to focus on and work hard at the coursework and end of semester examinations. Throughout my studies at ITT Dublin I made some life- long friends and have got to see many of them go on Towards the end of my Bachelor degree and through to different industries, universities and sometimes even third and fourth year student projects, I became aware countries to work or further their studies. I can honestly of the research being carried out in ITT Dublin. I became say that when I always thought of myself moving on so interested in being a part of that research that I after completing my Ph.D that I was not fully decided signed up for another five years as a post-graduate on whether I would continue with research in a student. In 2003, I started my Ph.D project entitled “The post-doctoral position or spend a few years gaining comparison of the immunogenic properties of Cystic valuable industrial experience. And there were even Fibrosis pathogens” with Dr. Maire Callaghan as my times when I was writing up my thesis that I thought I supervisor. wouldn’t ever finish at all! Finally, in November 2008 I attended my fourth (and last) ITT Dublin graduation Straight away I noticed the differences between ceremony and got to stand in front of my family and under-graduate and post-graduate life. Although friends and celebrate being awarded my Ph.D.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 57 Graduate Profiles
I think the next and most current chapter in my life has taken a few people by surprise. Shortly after graduating I accepted a post-doctoral fellowship from Professor Pam Sokol at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. The University has a great reputation and is quite advanced in specific areas of Cystic Fibrosis research, and I suppose it’s not a bad thing that the city of Calgary is at the foot of the Rocky mountain range and has some fantastic scenery. My current project has funding for two years and involves examining the quorum sensing regulation of virulence genes in Burkholderia cenocepacia. It’s a fantastic opportunity and gives me the chance to learn some valuable new techniques as well as meet lots of interesting people.
The move from my life in Tallaght to Calgary has happened so quickly and the time is flying by. Outside of work, I’m getting to enjoy a wonderful new country. I’ve travelled a bit already, but am keen to take full advantage of this beautiful part of the world by seeing as much of it as my time here will allow. So at the moment I am taking full advantage of the sunny skies and heavy snowfalls by taking up skiing and using my weekends to get to know Calgary, my new home for the next two years.
Suzanne McKeon [email protected]
Ode to Graduation - Marketing Management 2009
My favourite thing in the world to do is laugh and so it was only natural that I felt, and still do, that my calling was in the entertainment industry. And although I fear my mother will never forgive me for giving up my place at UCD, I still feel that this step was in the right direction.
“MY FAVOURITE THING IN THE WORLD TO DO IS LAUGH AND SO IT WAS ONLY NATURAL THAT I FELT, AND STILL DO, THAT MY CALLING WAS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY”
A piece of advice that is commonly given to actors is So inspired was I by this vocation that at the age of to prepare to be rejected. Speaking as someone who 19 I started my first (and I pray only) music promotions has recently had many doors shut in their face, I fear business. This endeavour was a modest success, which this advice may have become applicable to graduate opened many windows of opportunity and taught me students. many valuable lessons. Many of these lessons were in marketing, not only of a product but more importantly Looking back I see my academic career as having of a brand. Operating with absolutely no money, I found started with the leaving certificate. When that painful myself using new (free) media for both my marketing process ended I was faced with the notion that I now communications and networking. Discovering and had to go to college. My first frolic through the garden booking bands directly through Myspace, promoting of academia was a H. Dip in Media Production, which I events on forums and using social networking profiles to completed in Ballyfermot College of Further Education. research my target audience are just a few examples.
58 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Graduate Profiles
Upon completion of this diploma the business world large majority of these have not even been interested beckoned. In September of that year I started in first in interviewing me. year management at the legendary institution that is ITT Dublin. It was in my first few days here that my My most recent attempt was to apply for jobs directly. destiny was to take a different turn yet again. I made This is an arduous task but can be very exciting the acquaintance of Mr Adrian Payne who it would altogether as you browse through one dream job after turn out, knew me better than I knew myself. He another. Upon searching through positions of one pointed out to me that my talents lay in marketing and particular employer, that shall not be named, I was based on this advice I started in third year marketing met by phrases such as ‘MBAs strongly preferred’ and the next day. ‘Applicant must have degree from Top Tier University’. Paint it what ever way you want but those phrases are Well now I am on the verge of graduating and thanks to enough to strike panic in the minds of even the most my time here I feel more prepared and qualified than experienced applicants, unless of course you have an I could have ever imagined. Originally I had decided MBA from Harvard. that my next step would be a Masters, the cherry on the academic cake if you will. The degree I found most “IN THE MEANTIME I REMAIN DETERMINED TO MAKE compelling was an MBA as I felt it was highly respected IT THROUGH THIS ‘DOOR’ EVEN IF IT MEANS USING A and could be applied to any industry in the world. The SLEDGEHAMMER” problem with this of course is that in order to do one of these coveted postgraduate degrees you need the In conclusion, my confidence has been knocked following things: A) Immaculate Grades B) Immaculate about pretty badly this year and I am sure that I am patience C) At least 5 years work experience and D) not the only one. So I ask myself: if all the doors are A large sum of money. Suffice to say that this door was bolted shut should I just jump out the window? In the slammed shut, for now at least. end I suppose it is true that anything gotten easily isn’t worth having. In the meantime I remain determined “NOW I AM ON THE VERGE OF GRADUATING AND to make it through this ‘door’ even if it means using a THANKS TO MY TIME HERE I FEEL MORE PREPARED sledgehammer. AND QUALIFIED THAN I COULD HAVE EVER IMAGINED” On that note I give this advice to all those graduates who are facing the same rejection: Keep your head My next step was to apply to a wide variety of graduate up and remember business is a lot like the job market, programmes. The main motivator for this decision was it is important to be flexible, confident and most of all the wonderful presentations made by the various persistent. employers. They spoke of exciting jobs, good salaries and most of all they wanted you! Well, as we all know Samantha Murphy times have changed dramatically and at present a [email protected]
Construction IT Alliance in Partnership with the Dublin Institute of Technology Post Graduate Diploma in Construction Informatics (IT)
Applications are invited for this two year part-time course. The programme is intended to both educate students who have finished their undergraduate studies with a degree in architecture, engineering, and construction or construction practitioners/professionals who have a recognised degree qualification and or have previously being working in the construction market.
For further information please contact Dr Alan Hore on [email protected]. This course will commence in February 2010 with interviews scheduled for October / November 2009. Applications can be accessed and must be submitted online at www.cita.ie
Course website: http://cita.ie/pgd/index.asp
Course designed in association with the University of Maribor, Slovenia CITA Skillnet Initiative
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 59 Research & Innovation Research & Innovation Research and Innovation Centre of Applied Science for Health Leading Research and Development at ITT Dublin
Teaching and learning are best done in an atmosphere In 2007, a number of these IRC’s consolidated their efforts of active enquiry, knowledge creation and open under the umbrella of the Centre of Applied Science for communication. To this end, ITT Dublin has since its Health (CASH). In collaboration with the National Institute foundation supported engagement in Research, for Cellular Biotechnology (NICB) at Dublin City University, Development and Innovation activities as part of its core biology and chemistry researchers at NUI Maynooth mission. The current research and development (R&D) and researchers from the Adelaide and Meath Hospitals agenda of the Institute reflects the resident expertise incorporating the National Children’s Hospital (AMNCH or of its staff and active collaborations with other higher Tallaght Hospital), CASH led a successful application for education institutions and industry. funding under the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) Cycle 4 administered by the Higher The bio/pharma and medical devices sectors are Education Authority (HEA). The centre was awarded critically important to the economic well being of Ireland. €9.3M of exchequer funding to support a programme Government policies and the availability of a relevant of R&D across the four partner institutions and to fund a and highly educated work force have served over the years to make Ireland a leading destination for foreign “THE CENTRE WAS AWARDED €9.3M OF EXCHEQUER direct investments by the leading global companies in FUNDING TO SUPPORT A PROGRAMME OF R&D these sectors. More recently, government tax policies in ACROSS THE FOUR PARTNER INSTITUTIONS AND relation to R&D, an industry desire to more firmly embed TO FUND A DEDICATED R&D BUILDING ON THE ITT themselves in the national economy, and the strong DUBLIN CAMPUS” investments by the state in the development of research infrastructures have led to several multi-nationals setting up R&D capabilities in Ireland. Examples include Wyeth dedicated R&D building on the ITT Dublin campus (up to Biopharma at Grangecastle, the Pharmaceutical 1000 M2, due at the end of 2010). This builds upon very Development Centre at Wyeth in Newbridge and the successful previous collaborations between ITT Dublin and Oral Solid Dosage Research and Development Centre at the other partners. Helsinn-Birex in Mulhuddart. Over the period 2007-2010, the centre will provide direct “GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND THE AVAILABILITY OF funding for one PI, six postgraduate students, four research A RELEVANT AND HIGHLY EDUCATED WORK FORCE assistant/technicians and twenty postgraduate research HAVE SERVED OVER THE YEARS TO MAKE IRELAND students. The focus of the research efforts undertaken by CASH fall under three headings: A LEADING DESTINATION FOR FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS BY THE LEADING GLOBAL COMPANIES”
ITT Dublin has positioned itself, particularly in the Science A Studies on the pathogenesis of microbial diseases, and Engineering areas, to provide career focused in particular respiratory and gut infections education programmes relevant to the bio/pharma and medical devices industry. Allied to this are prioritised areas B Medical devices, sensors and biomedical of R&D. In 2005-06, the institute established seven Institute implants Research Centres (IRC’s), each founded on a sustainable programme of R&D relevant to the needs of industry, and C Translational cell biology focused on cancer supportive of the continuing development to the institutes taught programmes from Level 6 up to Level 9 MSc.
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Microbial disease research at ITT Dublin focuses on researchers in NUI Maynooth, AMNCH, RCSI, and cystic fibrosis (CF) as a model disease. Ireland has the Dublin Institute of Technology. highest incidence of CF in the world with a frequency of 1 per 1460 live births. CF patients are especially prone to In the medical devices arena, there opportunistic infection of the airways by organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia are three main focal points: complex and newly emerging pathogen, Pandoraea sp. which continuously reduce lung function in CF A Biomedical sensors for the accurate detection patients. Antibiotic resistance amongst organisms is and measurement of disease related metabolites; common and the search for alternative treatments is intense. Researchers at ITT Dublin led by Dr. Siobhán B In vivo sensors to measure and monitor McClean, Dr. Máire Callaghan and Dr. Emma Caraher physiological functions; and are studying the molecular mechanisms involved in bacterial adhesion to lung epithelial cells, penetration C Biomedical implants for the correction of through the tissues, biofilm formation and the immune orthopedic problems. reaction such infections elicit in the patients. Out of these studies, we hope to identify novel drugs e.g. glyco-conjugates to block bacterial adhesion, and Researchers led by Dr. Eithne Dempsey and Dr. Oliver candidate molecules for use as vaccines to prevent Worsfold are using their considerable expertise in the infection. design of novel nano-sensing materials for the accurate detection and quantification of target metabolites. These materials, coupled with voltammetric, “ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AMONGST ORGANISMS IS COMMON AND THE SEARCH FOR ALTERNATIVE amperometric and other detection systems are micro- TREATMENTS IS INTENSE” fabricated into clinically relevant diagnostic devices for the detection of single or multiple targets. The end Other researchers are leading the search for novel goal is a series of sensitive, non-invasive diagnostic tools antimicrobial peptides with potential as lead for use by doctors at point of care. Target metabolites compounds in the development of new antibiotic can include glucose, lactate, glutamate and other treatments including both natural peptides (led markers of liver, kidney and cardiac abnormalities. by Mr. John Behan and Dr. Mary Costello) and peptidomimetics (led by Dr. Fintan Kelleher). Metal On the engineering side, researchers led by Liam based compounds are also being studied as potential Costello are developing functional lumen imaging antimicrobial agents for incorporation into surface probes to study disease related problems in situ. These polymers such as paints or incorporation into hygienic probes are inserted into body cavities e.g. the gut, surface wipes and hand washes (Dr. Maureen Walsh, and provide real time information on the functioning Dr. Denise Egan, and Dr. Bernie Creaven). These of e.g. sphincters and their malfunction in gastric reflux various studies are supported by collaborations with conditions.
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On the engineering side, researchers planning of corrective procedures, led by Liam Costello are developing design of biomechanical implants and functional lumen imaging probes to determination of the most effective study disease related problems in situ. points for their attachment before ever These probes are inserted into body operating on a patient. This can cavities e.g. the gut, and provide real greatly reduce the duration and degree time information on the functioning of of trauma the patient experiences. e.g. sphincters and their malfunction in gastric reflux conditions. The third main area of research for the CASH centre is translational cell biology. The Bioengineering Technology Centre, Dr. Denise Egan is leading studies into the led by Dr. Fiona McEvoy and Stephen molecular mechanisms of cancer, the Fig 1. Fig 2. Tiernan has introduced state of the art effect of key mediators of cell biology e.g. equipment for the design and testing HGF and studies on the development of Figure 1: of orthopedic implants e.g. knee, novel therapeutic agents for the possible Pre-op image ankle and hip replacements. They can treatment of cancers. This complements Figure 2: also create 3D-models of diseased or a very significant programme of cell Post-op image malformed bone structures e.g. scoliosis biology research at the NICB in DCU led to assist orthopedic surgeons in the by Professor Martin Clynes.
In 2008-09, ITT Dublin has benefited from awards made C) Bioengineering Technology platform under the ‘Research Facilities Enhancement Scheme’ for the design and testing of biomedical orthopedic operated by the HEA and the ‘Research Equipment implants - included is a state of the art Tension Torsion Grant’ scheme 2007-2008 operated by Enterprise Machine, Hip Simulator, Spine Kinematics Subsystem, Ireland. Arising from these awards, a number of new Video Extensometer, Selective Laser Sintering and a technology platforms are/have now been made High Speed Camera. This platform will support the available to researchers at ITT Dublin. These include: design and testing of orthopedic implants (hip and ankle), spinal models for the analysis of scoliosis and A) A Process Analytical Technology(PAT) the development of incorporated sensors to provide Platform focused on pharmaceutical process real time data for the duration of the patient’s life (Dr. monitoring. This includes MATRIX FT-NIR, NIR Multi-process Fiona McEvoy). Analyzer, Dispersive Raman Microscopic Spectrometer, an Acoustic Emission Sensor for monitoring drying and granulation processes, Freeman and Gemini Rheometers for powders and creams, Differential Scanning Calorimeter, 4MP Homogeniser with Mi- Molto mixing kettles, and a Dissolution Bath linked to a HPLC/PDA system. This technology platform, allied to the existing Pharmaceutical Technology Centre positions ITT Dublin very strongly to engage in process formulation R&D with and for industry (Dr. Ed Carey and Dr. Maureen Walsh).
B) Bioprocessing suite This includes a multistage fermenter with probes, fermentation monitoring system and animal cell fermenter. These laboratory scale systems will support • Modified Gold Nanoparticles. process development studies related to scale up • Unmodified Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (30 000X) antimicrobial peptide production (Mr. John Behan). • Conventional imaging, Mr Mc Elwain pre-operative use of bio-prototype
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e) NMR ITT Dublin took delivery of a 300 MHz and a 500 MHz NMR system in May 2009. The systems will be fully automated and will include a solid state probe. The NMRics Centre at ITT Dublin already provides an important service to research and industry and these investments will significantly enhance the range and detail of analysis available (Dr. Brian Murray).
f) Confocal Microscope to support studies on cell biology and microbial- host interactions (Dr. Siobhán McClean, Dr. Lorraine Coleman.
Acknowledgements
The Research Equipment Grant Scheme is operated by Enterprise Ireland
The Research Facilities Enhancement Scheme 2008 is operated by the Higher Education Authority
The Centre of Applied Science for Health is funded under the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions Cycle 4
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IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 63 Research & Innovation Research & Innovation
Minister Michael Martin Officially Opens Synergy Centre at ITT Dublin
He also announced details of Enterprise Ireland’s €50 million boost to the development of enterprise in the regions through the Institutes of Technology. The €50 million will support enterprise-focused activity in three ways;
• Funding the purchase of industry-relevant research
equipment On Thursday, 28th February 2008, the then Minister for Enterprise, Trade & • Providing more incubation space for start-up Employment. Micheál Martin TD officially opened Synergy Centre, a campus incubator that provides office space and business support to start up businesses companies which was funded by Enterprise Ireland. • Establishing market-focused research groups in the Institutes of Ireland’s Institutes of Technology as outlined in the Government’s Strategy for Science, Technology and Included in the €50 million funding package is the Innovation 2007 – 2013. €10million Research Equipment Grant, the €20 million expansion of the existing Campus Incubation This programme provides an opportunity for the Programme and the €20million Applied Research Institutes to develop research capability in areas of Enhancement Centre Programme. strategic importance to the individual colleges and of relevance to industry both regionally and nationally. Enterprise Ireland is committed to ensuring that the Institutes of Technology have the resources to engage Since 2004, 12 Applied Research Centres have with industry to perform relevant research and received funding of approximately €1.25million each. development. The Research Equipment grant has a This funding, which is used to support initiatives for cumulative value of €10 million and in 2008, successful up to 5 years, helps cover research personnel costs applicant Institutes received between €50,000 and and is used to provide the equipment and materials €250,000 to fund research equipment. necessary to conduct research. The Applied Research Centres provide a centre of excellence that has the During the last ten years, over €35m has been invested resources and capability required to turn research in by Enterprise Ireland in the construction of business the science, engineering and technology arena into incubation centres at the ITs across Ireland under the commercial benefits for the Regional economy in Regional Innovation Strategies Measure with support particular, and as a consequence, Ireland’s national from the European Regional Development Fund. This economy will also benefit. complements approximately €12m invested in (business and bio) incubation space in the universities.
Centres are now operational in almost all of the fourteen ITs as well as the National College of Ireland and are providing critical space and support for high- potential start-up companies across the country. There are 172 companies occupying incubation units in these centres with a total of 584 people currently employed.
The Applied Research Enhancement programme was created to enhance the applied research capabilities
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Mechanical Engineering Research at ITT Dublin
In this section we give you a snapshot of some of the many and varied areas of research happening within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. You’ll hear from our students and staff members about their research areas and get an insight into how Mechanical Engineering is influencing many research fields today particularly medical ones.
Applying Haptic Technology to the rehabilitation of Achilles tendon injuries
The Achilles tendon is one of the largest tendons in the or other sporting activities. body and is prone to rupture during periods of increased The purpose of this research is to develop a mechanical stress. There are two main sub-groups of patients with a device to aid in the rehabilitation of Achilles tendon ruptured tendon, young to middle aged athletes or older injuries. This device will be used as aid in determining non-athletes. At present there is no extensively proven when a person can return to there pre-rupture activities. clinical method of measuring if a patient’s Achilles tendon has recovered to the extent that they are able to Project supervisors: Dr. Fiona McEvoy resume their pre-rupture activities; e.g. walking, running Postgraduate student: Aidan O’Reilly
Design and Evaluation of Ankle is subjected to massive forces, five times the person’s Replacements bodyweight. The majority of ankle replacements have three main Christopher Thian and Stephen Tiernan. components, the talar and tibial components made from a specialised alloy, and the mobile bearing made from Ankle replacements are still relatively new and have ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). only been carried out since 1970. The results with ankle The replacement is fixed in place using a bone ingrowth replacements do not yield the same type of results as material i.e. seen with knee and hip replacements. For example, hydroxyapetite or hip replacements can last in patients for up to twenty porous titanium. years or even longer without a problem whereas ankle replacements currently last for roughly ten years in the patient.
This is due to the complex nature of the ankle joint. Firstly the ankle joint is not just a simple hinge joint but a multi-axial joint, and secondly during walking the joint
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For this project the main point of interest is the the Institute. polyethylene mobile bearing. In a lot of the replacement failures the mobile bearing is the problem, whether it be From this testing the polyethylene bearing will be wear, stress cracks, complete failure of the part or finally examined for wear, cracks and other problems. A if the bearing dislocates from the rest of the prosthesis. computer package (ANSYS) will also be used to identify During this Masters three different ankle replacements on the replacements the peak stresses on the bearing which are widely used, will be tested on an ankle and these results will be used in conjunction with the simulator, which will be designed and constructed in simulator results to draw conclusions from.
CFD Modeling and experimental to be carried out at various locations and distances analysis of Corona ion Transport away from HV power lines. The modelling of the particles will be carried out Researcher: Cian Bregazzi-Nevin using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program Supervisor: Dr. Ken Moloney known as FLUENT. The simulation of very fine nano-sized particles shall be carried out with assistance from the The research is focussed on the occurrence of corona University of Nottingham through Dr David Hargreaves. around high voltage power lines. Corona in essence is The simulations will concentrate firstly on 2D flows over when ions are shed from high voltage power lines into simple structures such as houses and then move toward the surrounding air. These ions are either positively or 3D models if possible. The velocity plot show below is negatively charged and move through the air freely. one of an initial flow study involving a house and a user The research aims to examine the paths of travel and defined wind profile. Particles will be released upwind of interaction of these ions after they have been shed. a house or similar structure and their path and deposition monitored and recorded. Previous research has suggested that these ions attach themselves to pollutants which are also in the air. These The third section of research is to involve modelling the pollutants can then become charged either positively field and computer scenarios in a lab environment. This or negatively. These charged pollutants can then have is to be completed using specialist particle tracking a higher incidence of deposition when they come in equipment known as Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV). contact with surfaces. This theory however requires The PIV equipment will be used to track aerosol particles further research and exploration. Shown below is a as they pass through a wind tunnel containing scale pictorial representation of the process of ion shedding models of the desired scenarios. and theory behind pollutant charging and deposition.
The image next page displays the general setup for a PIV system. The aerosol particles are illuminated by the laser light which then allows the specialist high speed camera to view them and record their path and from this, determine their velocity.
The overall aim of the research is to examine the path of travel and deposition of Corona Ions and pollutants as they move through the air. This computer modelling of particle tracking will also be coupled with an aspect of field measurement that will be completed in conjunction with the University of Bristol through Prof. Denis Henshaw. These field measurements will quantify the level of ion concentration with respect to distance from high voltage (HV) power lines. Several studies are expected
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methods; Field studies, CFD Analysis and PIV Modelling it is hoped that an in-depth view into the behaviour of the Corona Ions can be established. Interactions with pollutants and subsequent deposition rates, and levels, on buildings plant life and individuals is also hoped to be collected from the results generated form these studies. Overall this research hopes to thoroughly examine the life of corona ions from the point of release to their point of neutralisation or interaction with suspended atmospheric aerosols.
Analysis of Aseptic Loosening of the Acetabular Cup in Cemented Total Hip Replacements.
Description loosening, e.g. fracture, wear, fatigue In this project, the acetabulum – cement – acetabular cement failure, etc. cup interface will be examined; - in which zone or area of the acetabulum failure occurs • under normal gait cyclic loading • using different cementing techniques • Investigate: • and varying the cement mantle thickness - the effects of interface strength, porosity, and cement mantle thickness A hip simulator rig will be designed and built, to - the migration of the cemented cup over its examine the acetabulum – cement – acetabular cup life span interface under the above conditions. • Identify the optimum design criteria for the Objectives acetabular cup. • Design and build a hip simulator rig. • Determine: Name: Tadhg Adderley, BEng (Hons), MIEI - the initiating factors that cause aseptic Supervisors: Dr. Fiona McEvoy, Dr. Yanyi Blake & Mr. Rob Flavin
x-ray of cemented total hip replacement Schematic of total hip replacement
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Inkjet Printed Biosensors
David McDonnell, Gerard Ryder, Liam Costelloe There is a huge requirement for an approach to link Research has shown that the inkjet printing of conductive conductive polymers with inkjet printing techniques polymer ink is capable of producing accurate, cheap to produce functional, inexpensive and accurate and disposable biomedical sensors. Inkjet printing biosensors. This project investigates the effect of holds many advantages over alternative methods due fundamental inkjet printing parameters such as to its low cost, low waste methods with potential high luminosity (gray scale), viscosity, and the impact of customised production volumes. multiple layers on the quality of printed films based upon geometry and conductive properties. The result of Unlike alternative methods such as screen printing doping the inks to control the conductive properties is inkjet printing does not require expensive masks or UV also investigated. treatments. Inkjet printing has the potential to have a higher precision and reproducibility than screen printing. An optimum setting for the ink jetted conductive films is This is due to the viscosity of the inks formulated for inkjet to be established through testing and evaluation, and a printers, up to 1200 dpi can be achieved with nozzle biomedical sensor is then to be manufactured focusing diameters of 15-40µm, compared to 300dpi with screen upon reliability and customisation. printing.
Rapid Design and Manufacture of FLIP (RDM FLIP) by Aaron May
The Functioning Lumen Imaging Probe (FLIP) is a Currently manufacturing is done by hand and involves medical device, which is used to actively measure a considerable amount of time. The aim of this project a series of cross sectional areas, within the lower is to reliably manufacture the device using existing oesophageal sphincter (LOS) of the human body. This manufacturing techniques, in order to dramatically device is used to diagnose a condition known a Gastro reduce the manufacturing time and increase the oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), this is when reliability of the actual device. Secondly we also a patient suffers with heartburn or acid indigestion want to determine what additional functionality can caused by acid and other harmful stomach contents be added to the device in order to improve it as a returning up into the oesophagus. This condition can diagnoses tool. affect the oesophageal wall causing a pre cancerous condition known as Barrett’s oesophagus, which can For more information go online to www.ittdublin.ie/ worsen to become full blown carcinoma. ResearchInnovation/ResearchAreas/ and select Mechanical Engineering.
New Sports Pitch Completed On Campus
ITT Dublin now has a brand new pitch on campus beside Belgard Road. Construction began in 2007 and having ironed out some drainage issues it should be ready for use in September 2009, a great new addition to our campus sporting facilities.
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The Synergy Centre launches ‘The Juice’ breakfast briefings
The Juice - a monthly series of thought-sparking finalist shed some light on the most effective ways to breakfast briefings in the Synergy Centre at ITT Dublin outsource marketing as a small business. was launched by Synergy Centre in January 2009. The breakfasts are designed to be brief, buzzy and In April, Brian Hurley, Director of Outsourcing Services offer a chance to network within the entrepreneurial at Hewlett Packard, spoke about how to persuade community. They are free to attend with coffee and a potential customer to outsource elements of their croissants served to keep the minds buzzing. business to you, including the kind of criteria customers have in this regard, pricing policies to look at, service The first in ‘The Juice’ series took place on Tuesday levels to be delivered, common pitfalls, winning pitches morning, 20th January at 8.30am entitled ‘Building among many other aspects. and Managing an Intellectual Property Portfolio’ and centred on intellectual property and how small business May’s session saw Colm Saunders, Finance Director, should manage an intellectual property portfolio to zamano and Drew O’Sulilvan, Investment Manager, facilitate growth. Speakers included Emmet O’Grady 4th Level Ventures speaking about Raising Finance and Shirley Black from Arthur Cox Solicitors. respectively from the Investee and Investor perspectives. Tues 10th February, brought the second in the series. This was entitled Managing Innovation and featured The sessions have been lively and well attended so speaker Keith Finglas of Innovation Delivery (www. far and very popular with students, graduates and innovationdelivery.com). On the Tuesday, 10th of academics alike. For more information on The Juice, March, Aldagh McDonagh of Alternatives Marketing contact Onray Brainard at Synergy by emailing onray. and a former Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year [email protected] or calling 01-4042083.
THE SYNERGY Business Idea Viable Concept Trading Business Enterprise Launch M50 Enterprise Platform Synergy Business SYSTEM Programme Programme Incubation
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 69 Research & Innovation Research & Innovation
Delegated Authority extended to include Level 9 and Level 10 Research Degree Awards
On Tuesday the 12th of May, ITT Dublin President, Dr. Tim degree awards, at Levels to 9 and 10 of the National Creedon announced that the National Qualifications Framework of Qualifications with immediate effect. Authority of Ireland and the HETAC Council had announced their decision to extend our delegated Dr. Creedon commented: “The decision to extend our authority to include research degree awards at Level 9 delegated authority in the specified research degrees of the National Framework of Qualifications in the fields is most welcome and marks a significant landmark in of Engineering and Science (including Computing) the Institute’s development” and he thanked those and Level 10 in the fields of Biology and Chemistry. involved in seeing the project through to success, particularly Registrar John Vickery and Dr. Mary Deasy. With delegation of authority, the Institute will be able to He added: “There is no doubt that successes such as approve its own research degree programmes in the this can only be achieved through team effort and above areas from admission to examination; confer through excellence across the board in what we do.” awards and issue parchments for those research Congratulations to all involved.
ITT Dublin approved as an accredited body under Council Directive 2005/71/EC
On the 5th of November 2008, ITT Dublin announced also enable their spouse and children to accompany it had been approved as an accredited body under them to Ireland with no waiting period. Council Directive 2005/71/EC. Having this accreditation will enable us to host third-country researchers under For more information on the scheme you can visit the the ‘hosting agreement’ scheme and we anticipate Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment’s that it will greatly facilitate the smooth processing of website at www.entemp.ie/science/technology/ their admission into Ireland. Of particular benefit to accreditation.htm. incoming researchers is that where applicable, it will
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70 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 70 Research & Innovation
Innovative Motoring Website ‘Carzii.ie’ Scoops Top Cash Prize at Inaugural Student Synergy Awards 08
seek and acquire financial support and professional expertise to implement their business ideas.
Students at ITT Dublin were invited to submit an initial form with a brief description of their proposed entrepreneurial project by the end of October 2008. Feedback was given on proposals and students were assisted in forming teams.
Students submitted their entries in February 2009 and from 1st Place winners Carzii -Tim Creedon, Simon Berry Byrne, Paul Connolly, Loman O’Byrne there, entries were short listed who competed in a public A new competition seeking final on display in the main foyer at ITT Dublin on 7th of to foster entrepreneurship in April. From these, three winning entries were announced students was launched by who will now progress to the Enterprise Ireland’s National The Institute and the South Student Enterprise Awards to compete for the chance Dublin County Enterprise to win further cash prizes for their innovative business Board in October 2008 at the plans. Synergy Centre. This invited students from ITT Dublin to come up with inventive The ITT Dublin winners who shared in prize money of business ideas and to devise a business plan outlining €3,000 were Carzii.ie (Simon Berry Byrne & Paul Connolly). the development process for their proposed product Carzii.ie is an intermediary service-based website that or service. In all €6,000 in cash prizes is was offer for the acts as a broker between various car dealerships or winning entry and runners-up. garages and the general public. The site offers motorists who require repairs or assistance with their vehicles The competition was devised in a bid to foster creativity the opportunity to compare the service offered by the and innovation in budding entrepreneurs among the registered establishments based on price and quality. entire student body at the Institute. An expert panel, made up of representatives from ITT Dublin, The South Dublin County Enterprise Board, Cruickshank Intellectual Property Attorneys and external industry experts, provided feedback and support to students throughout the competition process.
John Vickery, Registrar of ITT Dublin, commented: “ITT Dublin is proud to launch the inaugural Student Synergy Awards. The aim of this initiative is to encourage students from the Schools of Business & Humanities, Science & Computing and Engineering to work together to develop their ideas for original products and services. With great cash prizes on offer, we’re urging all students at ITT Dublin Runners up in the competition included ‘All Mountain Bike to get thinking about products and services they see a Experience’ - business plans for a mountain bike tourism gap for in the market and we anticipate the competition company, ‘Quicknets’ - a portable device which makes will be a huge success.” the assembly of nets onto goalposts more efficient and a special award for ‘Liquistal’ - an eye care product. Also speaking at the launch, ITT Dublin graduate and Managing Director of amweb, Cormac Smyth, urged For further information on the Student Synergy Awards 08, students to seize what was a fantastic opportunity to please visit www.synergycentre.ie/awards
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 71 Clubs & Societies Clubs and Societies
Clubs & Societies News represented at BICS. New Societies such as Animation, Gaming, Enterprise, Hip Hop and Photography are Clubs and Societies continue to thrive at the Institute developing very well with interesting societies also in with new clubs and societies cropping up every year the pipeline such as Stand Up Comedy and Robot to add to the already impressive array of pursuits Wars! provided for here. There are now over 40 clubs and societies catering for an ever more diverse range of Detailed below are some of the many recent student interests. achievements of our Clubs and Societies.
Our Scholarship programme continues to progress Student Represents Ireland at World with 38 awards made last year and our Annual Clubs University Games and Societies Awards attracted 250 invited guests to the Maldron Hotel where a great night was had by all to recognise and honour achievements over the last year. Special Guest Speakers were John Delaney (FAI CEO) and Billy Walsh (Olympic Boxing Team Manager). With the advent of new courses starting in September 2009 such as Health and Sports Science and Social Care Practice, we hope to attract and gain even more students to add to the level of success enjoyed to date.
Where societies are concerned, we’ve never had it so good. Over the last 2 years we have won 5 national titles at the BICS Awards. Radio have won Best Event and Best Civic Contribution, NetSoc won Best Website and Most Improved Society while the International ITT Dublin student Niamh Buffini was selected for the Cultural Society won Best New Society. Radio week World University Games which were held in Belgrade is now over 2 weeks in Freshers Week and Rag Week. in July 2009. Niamh competed in Taekwondo Do Drama continues to lead in putting together numerous Poomsae at the event and narrowly missed out on a student-written, acted and directed plays in the Civic spot in the final, a brilliant performance. Theatre every year and have also been very well
72 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Clubs & Societies
Rugby Team Just Misses Out on Student wins All Ireland College Puc League Title Fada competition On Wednesday the 22nd of April 2009 the ITT Dublin Mikey Ryan, a 4th Year Business Management student, Rugby Team came runners up in the Division 2 League, won the All Ireland Colleges Puc Fada competition edged out 13-0 by a strong Carlow IT team in the final in which was held live on TG4 at half time in the final of the Carlow. Fitzgibbon Cup at Parnell Park on Saturday 7th of March 2009. Mens Basketball Team Scoop
Colleges and Universities League Having qualified for the final winning the heats in Trinity Title College, Mikey, son of the late M.J. Ryan, beat the other On the 20th of April 2009 the ITT Dublin Mens Basketball finalists from Trinity College and UCC emphatically by team won the Division 2 Colleges and Universities about 5 metres. Mikey is the current chairman of ITT Title beating GMIT in 53-46 in the final at the National Dublin GAA club and has put in four great years with Basketball Arena. They also won the Freshers Plate final the club. earlier in the year.
Ladies Football Team Achieve ITT FM – on the waves for 4 years Historic All-Ireland Victory For the past four years ITT Dublin Radio Society has run a weeklong radio station, ITT FM. It is organised and run On Saturday the 28th of March 2009, the ladies GAA team had a tremendous win in the Donahey cup final by students from 1st to 4th Year to help gain experience in Belfast beating UCD. This is the first all Ireland Ladies in broadcasting as well as entertaining the students and GAA trophy that the college has won. Congratulations staff of the college and the wider local community. to everyone involved.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 73 Clubs & Societies
In 2008/2009 it ran from the 22nd to the 26th of current affairs. September in 2008 and also the 9th to the 13th of The Radio Society has been one of the most consistently February 2009 during Rag Week with live programming successful societies at the Institute and indeed the envy each day from noon until 9pm and automated of many Institutes, scooping awards regularly at the programming overnight on FM 99.5 in the South Dublin Institute Society Awards and nationally for best event area. It is also streamed live over the internet. (for ITT FM) at the Board of Colleges Societies (BICS) Awards for two years running. This year they scooped We had many treats this year notably the OB - Best Civic Contribution at the 2009 Awards and were broadcasting live from the Canteen along with also runner up in Best Event and Best Poster. interviews and music, requests, competitions, news bulletins, live DJs and more. There were also specialist ITT FM has undoubtedly become a huge highlight shows all the way up until nine o’clock including the in the clubs and societies calendar. Well done to all award winning Afternoon Vibes and Drivetime for all involved and may it long continue.
Soccer Successes Drama Society going strong Well done to Alan Mulcahy (Manager) and his newly ITT Dublin Drama Society has been operating for almost promoted Soccer Team who won the Colleges & twelve years, growing ever stronger in members, Universities Division 1 League Final on the 6th of February productions and general confidence. The society 2008 2-1 against a much fancied GMIT. This followed on unites students and graduates of the college with from their success in 2007 in winning the Division 2 title. interests in all aspects of dramatic arts, be it acting, directing, stage management or writing. In 2008 the Soccer Club senior team reached their 2nd Cup Final while the Freshers won Division 1. The Intermediates reached the Division 2 semi final and John McGuinness was net minder for the Irish Colleges once again. Futsal has also taken off in the college with us winning the Leinster title in our first year.
5 ITT Dublin students selected on Irish Colleges Rugby Team for 4 Nations In 2009 the Rugby Club reached the Division 2 Final and had 5 players represent the Institute on the Irish Colleges Team for the 4 Nations Tournament. This followed 2008 when 4 students were selected on the Irish Colleges Rugby Team for the 4 Nations Tournament.
74 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Clubs & Societies
2009 was no different with the staging of a production The plays were specially selected to provide a varied entitled “A Night in the Loose End”. Held in the Loose and entertaining night - two of them in fact, were End section of the Civic Theatre in Tallaght, with whom written by students of the college. The show ran on the the society have worked on many successful occasions, 24th, 25th, 27th and 28th of February. This year they the night consisted of three short plays. Each of the represented the Institute at the 2009 BICS Awards in plays were directed and acted by current members of Best Society and Best Individual (Runner Up). the Society including graduates and current students.
Ladies Basketball Team Win Carlow once more and had 5 representatives on the Irish Colleges’ Team trip to Prague. League Our Ladies Basketball Team won the League in spirited The Mixed Hockey Club retained their Colleges Indoor fashion on the 19th of February 2008 by nine points Title on the 3rd of April 2008 in Carlow beating IT Tralee on a score line of 45-36 and in doing that secured 3-1 in the Final. Other teams in their group included promotion to Division 2. The closest they had come in hosts IT Carlow, Dundalk IT and Tipperary Institute. the last decade was defeated finalists three years ago -v- Griffith College who they beat in this competition’s semi final. Golf Club Drive On In 2009 the Golf Club finished 3rd in the new Intervarsity Their opponents in the final were a mature and physical Development League which continued the steady Marino Institute of Education team who were up fifteen progress of this recently established society. points going into the 3rd quarter but due to the resolve and determination of the Tallaght girls they emerged They had a 4th place in April 2008 at the Colleges victorious. The team was coached by Sarah Reed. Tournament in Carlow. Harry Cahill (Beach Park) won best Nett while Paul Gibbons (South County) won 2nd Hockey Club Gross. Stuart O’ Kennedy (St. Helens Bay, Wexford) and In 2009 hockey was as strong as ever, winning the John O’Neill (Stackstown) completed the team. ITT League for the first time and again reaching the Dublin also took part in their first Intervarsity Tournament Cup Final v DIT. They also picked up the indoor title in in the same month at Portumna Golf Club.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 75 Clubs & Societies
Student Represents Team Ireland the previous month and then the Varsity heats as hot in World Student Orienteering favourite having finished 2nd in last years event as a Fresher. Championships 3rd year Mechanical Engineering Student Gerard Rob won some M Audio DJ equipment and played Butler was selected to represent Team Ireland in the Planet Love in Fairyhouse in June as part of his prize. World Student Orienteering Championships which took He also competed in the Corona Movida World place in Tartu, Estonia from Tue July 29th to Sat August 2nd. We’re not sure how he got there but we’ve no Championship in Rome in December and finished 3rd doubt he had no trouble finding his way home… having won the Irish heats.
ITT Dublin Student Spinning to DJ Snooker Team Right On Cue Success Well done to the Institute Snooker Team of Barry Daly, Robert Cullinan, a 1st Year Business student won the Daniel O’Connor, Chris Hayden, Michael Delgarno and Intervarsity DJ “Spin Off 08” title hosted by DIT at Steven Byrne who claimed the Snooker Intervarsity Plate Tripod in April 2008. Better known as Rob C he came Trophy from Queens University Belfast in December through the ITT Dublin DJ Society try outs in the Metro 2007 at the Spawell Leisure Complex, Templeogue.
A round up of other clubs and society achievements
• The Badminton team won the Varsity Plate again and • The Ultimate Frisbee Club won the Intervarsity had 2 teams in the League Finals. Development Championships. Jason Evans (1st Year) is on trial for Ireland to play in the upcoming European • The Camogie Team reached the Purcell Cup final. Championships. We also hosted the Beginners Intervarsity competition in December. • The Mountain bike club led by internationals Niall Davis and Richard Felle hosted and won the Varsity in • NetSoc won Most Improved Society at the 2009 BICS Roundwood, Co. Wicklow. Awards
• The Mixed Martial Arts Club won a Gold, Silver and • A new club to the college, the Equestrian Club fielded Bronze at the Intervarsity Jujitsu Championships. teams at the Varsity Championships with Agatha Bartoszuk achieving 2nd place.
76 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 Feature The Quinn Collection
900 Books Donated to the Institute
A generous donation of some 900 books was made to the National Centre for Franco-Irish Studies (NCFIS) by Dr. Tom Quinn, an international expert on the work of the French writer Louis-Ferdinand Céline. The books, which are currently being catalogued in the Institute library by Niamh Walker-Headon, deal in the main with French literature, philosophy and culture.
Dr. Eamon Maher, Director of the NCFIS commented “They are a wonderful asset and are currently located in the special collections section of the library.” In the coming year, a PhD student is going to be recruited from the Université de Rennes to conduct research related to the collection.
Accountancy Student on top of the world
On Wednesday the 17th of December 2008, the Department of Accountancy at ITT Dublin had the pleasure of announcing that one of their students had achieved first in the world in his recent professional exams.
Andrew Doyle, a Bord Gais Eireann employee, achieved 1st in the World in the sitting of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Diploma in Financial Management (Dip.FM).
The Diploma in Financial Management is a postgraduate course specifically geared towards non-accountants who find that their roles and career development could be improved by attaining sound financial knowledge. The course modules include Interpretation of Financial Statements, Performance Management, Financial Strategy and Financial Risk Management. Students are typically from backgrounds such as Engineering, Science, HR and IT among others.
IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009 77 Feature
Learning Opportunities Website Launched
in new technologies. Courses are being converted to flexible learning formats and 350 modules and courses are already available in engineering, science, business, marketing, technology, management and education.
The Institutes aim to provide access for up to 19,000 part time students through the BlueBrick portal - an increase of almost 50% on the 13,000 students currently studying part- time within the institutes.
This increase in part time student numbers will contribute significantly to meeting the targets recently set by the HEA to increase the flexible/part-time provision to 17 per cent by 2013 (7 per cent in 2006). Institutes of Technology launch major BlueBrick and the programmes it offers access to are new flexible learning initiative to aimed at people irrespective of their employment address urgent labour market needs status. The portal will be heavily promoted through FAS, Department of Social and Family Affairs offices and other On Wednesday 16th September, Ireland’s 14 Institutes of relevant agencies. There is no charge or application fee Technology launched BlueBrick.ie, an information and for using BlueBrick. access search portal which will let anyone look for part- time and flexible learning opportunities in Institutes all The portal was launched by the Minister for Education and across the country. BlueBrick.ie is designed to help learners Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD who commended the Institutes find, compare and apply for career-focused programmes of Technology saying: “BlueBrick.ie is as important to part- to meet their individual needs. time learners as the CAO is to direct entrants and school leavers. BlueBrick.ie is supported by the Higher Education Authority and its launch has been brought forward by 12 months The last twelve months have seen unprecedented to address the pressing needs of the labour market and challenges to the labour market that require major to ensure the maximum use of resources for education responses from all the organisations and agencies and training in the higher education sector. Each Institute delivering education, training and social and employment has increased the number of flexible learning courses it support. Higher education institutions must show increased offers through the use of virtual learning and training staff flexibility to ensure that they stay relevant and focused on the needs of the learner.”
Dr Richard Thorn, Director of Flexible Learning and Research at Institutes of Technology Ireland said: “BlueBrick. ie is designed to recognise that learners make their educational journeys at different speeds and in different ways. Our qualifications framework recognises this. Now we are increasing the capacity of the Institutes to provide more flexible learning and distance learning opportunities and offer greater recognition of, and engagement with, work-based learning.”
78 IT Tallaght Graduates 2008/2009