Deirdre Falvey

Bio:

I currently work as a Student Financial Assistance Officer, where I lead financial support initiatives that help students from diverse backgrounds access and succeed in higher education.  My work has involved leading large cross-university projects, including the implementation of a laptop loan scheme during COVID-19 and the digital transformation of student funding systems to improve access and efficiency. My career has taken a non-linear path across the Defence Forces, non-profit organisations, the private sector and higher education, shaping my belief that leadership grows through experience, resilience, and reflection. These experiences have taught me the importance of determination, integrity, and fairness in both leadership and mentoring.

Mentoring Style:

I am passionate about supporting people to grow in confidence, capability, and leadership.  My mentoring style is grounded in listening, collaboration, and practical guidance, helping mentees navigate challenges while recognising their own strengths and potential. As a mentor, I aim to create a supportive space where people can reflect, challenge themselves, and develop the confidence to take the next step in their career or leadership journey.

Stephen Murphy

Bio:

Stephen is a lecturer in Science Education at University College Cork. He is a former teacher of Leaving Certificate Biology and Leaving Certificate Computer Science. He is the holder of an MSc in Bioinformatics and an MEd in Science Education. His research interests include the impact of Generative AI on academic integrity, curriculum and assessment reform, the role of Science, Technology and Society in science education and the teaching of the sciences through the medium of the Irish language.

Mentoring Style:

My mentoring style is supportive, approachable and collaborative. As a novice mentor, I see the potential sessions as a two-way learning experience where both of us can grow. I aim to create a welcoming and non-judgemental space where a mentee feels comfortable sharing their goals, challenges and questions. I would listen actively, ask clarifying questions and work with the mentee to explore possible strategies or solutions rather than simply giving answers. If I did not know something, I would admit this and try and find out the answer for the mentee. 

A mentee could expect me to be reliable, encouraging and respectful of their individual circumstances - being empathetic. I value open communication, celebrating progress (big or small) and helping to break down challenges into manageable steps. My approach is about empowering the mentee to develop their own confidence and skills, while knowing they have someone in their corner to offer guidance perspective, and motivation.

Areas of Expertise/Interest:

Happy to mentor through the Irish language.

Deirdre Crone

Bio:

My name is Deirdre Crone, and I am an experienced events and strategic operations professional with over 20 years of institutional expertise at University College Cork (UCC). I specialise in the management and coordination of high-level, complex events, with full responsibility for end-to-end planning, execution, and evaluation. Having worked internationally in London and San Francisco, I bring a global perspective along with a strong professional network that informs and enhances my work daily. I am passionate about supporting the development of others and would be delighted to offer guidance, mentorship, and practical insights to help mentees grow both professionally and personally. Beyond my professional work, I have a deep passion for travel, the arts, and writing. I am particularly drawn to experiences that inspire creativity and storytelling.

Mentoring Style:

My mentoring philosophy is grounded in the belief that meaningful professional growth happens through confidence-building, honest reflection, and practical support. I aim to create a space that is open, respectful, and encouraging, where individuals feel empowered to explore their strengths, navigate challenges, and define success on their own terms. I place strong value on active listening, and guiding others to recognise the expertise they already hold within themselves, while also offering constructive insight drawn from my own professional journey.

Areas of Expertise/Interest:

Strategic Planning, Logistics & Project Management, Budget Oversight, Stakeholder Liaison, Team Leadership.

Maria Keane

Bio:

Maria Keane is Apprenticeships Programme Manager at University College Cork, a role she took up in 2024, where she leads the delivery of a multi-partner, industry-led apprenticeship. Maria joined UCC in 2021, previously working in Adult Continuing Education where she managed a portfolio of postgraduate and professional programmes. Maria has extensive experience in higher education administration, programme development, and cross-institutional collaboration, both in Ireland and internationally. Before joining UCC, she worked for over a decade in international education, developing inclusive, credit-bearing programmes in partnership with universities across Ireland, the UK, and the US. She has a particular interest in widening access, supporting non-traditional learners, and creating pathways that expand opportunity.Having joined UCC mid-career, Maria understands what it is like to find your feet in a large organisation and values the role mentoring can play in helping colleagues navigate it with greater confidence and clarity,

Mentoring Approach:

Having joined UCC later in my career, I know how valuable it can be to have someone help you navigate things that aren’t always obvious. I’d like a mentee to feel that our conversations are confidential, relaxed, and genuinely supportive, with honest feedback shared in a constructive way. Sometimes a mentee may need practical guidance, and sometimes it’s simply a sounding board to help make sense of a situation or build confidence in their next steps.

Karen McCarthy

Bio:

Dr Karen McCarthy is an IP Commercialisation Case Manager in University College Cork, Ireland. She has a BSc degree in Microbiology, a PGDip in Technology Commercialisation and a PhD in Molecular Microbiology. She is a Fulbright Professional Scholar (‘24/25) and a member of the Royal Irish Academy Life& Health Sciences Committee with career experience in Tyndall National Institute, IPIC (Research Ireland Centre), UCC Food Institute and UCC Innovation in the areas of research, innovation and translation to impact.

Mentoring Style:

Someone who will listen without judgement. Guidance and advice as requested but working in a "coaching" style to encourage self actualisation rather than dependency.

Nóirín Deady

Bio:

Nóirín Deady is the First Year Experience Coordinator (FYEC) in University College Cork.  Nóirín is responsible for designing, implementing and evaluating programmes that support students' successful transition to university life.  Working collaboratively across administrative and academic units, she develops initiatives that promote student engagement, academic confidence, and a strong sense of belonging among first-year students. The role involves coordinating orientation activities, leading retention and student success projects and providing targeted support to enhance the overall first-year experience. Nóirín uses data-informed approaches to assess student needs and continuously improves services, ensuring alignment with institutional good practices in student development and leadership. Committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, Nóirín plays a key role in helping students build confidence, self-efficacy and meaningful connections to thrive throughout their academic journey. 

Mentoring Style:

My professional background is in Guidance & Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Personal and Management Coaching.   My mentoring approach is collaborative and person-centred.  I encourage thoughtful reflection, practical problem-solving and the development of self-awareness. Mentees are supported to clarify their goals, examine options, and build the skills and mindset needed to navigate complex situations at work and in their personal lives.  Sessions are respectful, confidential and tailored to the mentee's stage of development.   I will use my counselling skills to build trust and rapport. Coaching and MI background to help clarify goals and values.  CBT to explore mental roadblocks and self-limiting beliefs.  My strength would be supporting staff through career and performance - motivating - encouraging and helping colleagues to bridge wellbeing with professional development and performance.

Areas of Expertise/Interest:

I hold a Practising Certificate in Mediation with the Mediators' Institute of Ireland. I can support staff in navigating team and individual conflicts, helping to address issues early and prevent escalation through mediation techniques such as reframing and constructive dialogue.  I am also interested in mentoring and supporting staff to mobilise and influence colleagues who do not report directly to them, building trust, identifying mutual benefits, and encouraging collaborative action.  

Hardy Schwamm

Bio:

Hardy Schwamm is Head of Research Services at University College Cork Library, where he leads the team responsible for Open Access, Research Data Management and citation services. As part of the Library Leadership Team, he contributes to strategic planning, organisational development, and the advancement of open, responsible, and researcher‑centred scholarly communication practices across UCC. Before joining UCC, he spent more than a decade in roles supporting research, Open Scholarship and digital infrastructure in the University of Galway and at Lancaster University (UK), where he established new services, developed high performing teams, and led major institutional initiatives in Open Research. He was a founding member of several national and international Open Scholarship communities and represents library perspectives in a range of strategic working groups. Hardy is an experienced facilitator and coach, holding an ILM Level 5 Certificate and Diploma in Effective Coaching & Mentoring (2019) and ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management (2017), as well as having completed the Bonington Leadership Development Programme (ILM Level 7 equivalent). He is a graduate of the LIBER Emerging Leaders Programme (2023). His leadership style is collaborative, empathetic and reflective, with a strong emphasis on psychological safety, trust and learning as shared practice.

Mentoring Style:

Authentic style. As a relatively new UCC staff member I observe culture and norms of the institution. I enjoy other colleagues and peers doing well. Mentoring is also a learning experience for both mentee and mentor.

Areas of Expertise/Interests:

I have participated in Action Learning sessions.

Liz Jolly

Bio:

Liz Jolly is University Librarian and leads library teams developing and delivering support, spaces and resources to enable and enhance the university’s learning, teaching and research. Liz has had a long career in leadership in university and national libraries, most recently as Chief Librarian of the British Library from 2018 to 2025. Immediately prior to this, she served as Director of Library and Information Services and then Director of Student and Library Services at Teesside University (2008-18). She was a Governor of the University of Portsmouth from 2020-2025. Liz is a past chair and trustee of SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) and is a Fellow of CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (FCLIP). She is a current Trustee of CILIP and a visiting professor in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde. An honorary professor in Teesside University, Liz is an Advance HE Principal Fellow (PFHEA).

Mentoring Style:

I would want to agree with a mentee an approach that would work with them and to set objectives for our relationship. I would want to enable them to answer the challenges that they bring by using tools such as questioning, listening, clarifying and reframing.

Areas of Expertise/Interests:

I feel I could offer experience from a career in professional services in higher education, albeit in a different national context.

Stephen Hammel

Bio:

Dr Stephen Hammel is the Quality Enhancement Manager in the Quality Enhancement Unit (QEU) at University College Cork, where he manages the operations of the unit’s activities and project management. He enjoys supporting colleagues’ professional development and sharing insights on navigating complex organisations, building confidence and progressing in administrative and professional roles.

Mentoring Style:

My approach depends on the mentee e.g. how new they are to a role, or the specific topic they are seeking support with. I take a collaborative and goal-oriented approach to mentoring focusing on understanding what it is the mentee wants to work on. I then work with the mentee to develop clear, realistic goals offering practical steps and suggestions to help them maintain a momentum towards achieving these goals.

Areas of Expertise/Interest:

Strategic approach to change e.g. how to approach and implement changes in process, identify efficiencies and communicate enhancements to bring others along and be recognised as a leader.

Abigail Lane

Bio:

Abigail Lane is a seasoned finance professional and people‑focused leader with over 20 years’ experience working across higher education, research, and financial services. She currently works as Finance Business Manager for the College of Business and Law, where she partners closely with academic and executive leaders to support strategic decision‑making, improve financial performance, and navigate change with confidence. Abigail will be taking up a new role as UCC’s Revenue Recognition Accountant in 2026. A qualified accountant, Abigail brings a strong blend of technical expertise, commercial insight, and systems knowledge. She has led complex financial operations, supported major strategic initiatives, and helped teams and leaders make sense of financial information in a way that genuinely supports their goals. She is particularly experienced in working within large, complex organisations and understands the realities of balancing governance, stakeholder expectations, and long term strategy. Abigail is passionate about mentoring and supporting others as they grow in their careers. She enjoys helping people build confidence, develop their leadership style, and navigate career decisions. Her mentoring approach is practical, encouraging, and grounded in real experience, with a strong belief in open conversation, reflection, and continuous learning

Mentoring Style:

I will share my own experience initially to ensure the mentee will feel comfortable and safe during our sessions, I will provide assurances that our meetings will be confidential to ensure trust is established. I will then guide the mentee through their experience to date, their current role and their aspirations for the future. Based on this, I will try my best to help guide the mentee in taking small steps to help them on the way to achieve their goals.

Rachel Cotter

Bio:

Rachel Cotter has broad administrative experience across multiple units in University College Cork. She currently works as a Programme Administrator in the School of Mathematical Sciences, supporting academic programmes and enhancing the student and staff experience.Throughout her career in UCC, Rachel has gained extensive knowledge of university operations through roles in UCC Human Resources, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programme Administration for School of Law and Cork University Business School (CUBS). She has also worked with researchers as administrator in APC Microbiome Ireland, and has supported departmental operations in the Bio Transfer Unit and the Department of Food Business and Development. Rachel has completed the IMI Women in Leadership Programme and First Steps into Management, strengthening her skills in mentoring, reflective practice, and supporting others’ personal growth. Rachel has also taken part in Reverse Mentoring, where she mentored a senior staff member in UCC further developing her communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.

Mentoring Style:

Her mentoring approach is supportive, practical, and empowering. Rachel aims to create a space where mentees feel comfortable asking questions and know they are being listened to without judgment. Drawing on her own experience of navigating UCC early in her career, she is committed to making that journey clearer and more confidence-building for others. Mentees can expect a calm, approachable, and encouraging presence. Rachel values active listening and thoughtful questioning, offering guidance tailored to each person’s goals while helping them build their own confidence and decision making skills.

Clodagh McAllen

Bio:

I am a Senior Executive Assistant in the School of Mathematical Sciences, having joined the School as an Executive Assistant in 2014.I have previously worked in the Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies, the Office of the Academic Secretariat, the Finance Office, Business Information Systems and the School of Education.

Mentoring Style:

I value having that connective interaction with people. I would provide guidance but also a non-judgemental, listening ear to my mentee.

Mary Horgan

Bio:

Mentoring Style:

An important part will be for the mentee to be clear on their goals and objectives so I'd work with the mentee to ensure these are specific and relevant.  Making mentee feel they are being listened to & raising their confidence is something I would strive to achieve.

Róisín Downing

Bio:

From two decades in Higher Education, I bring specialist expertise in Postgraduate Admissions, Recruitment, Programme Management, Academic Governance and a focus on operational excellence and quality enhancement.

Mentoring Style:

Mentee-led.

Maurice Ryder

Bio:

Maurice Ryder is the Head of Web Content for the university, looking after the university's web estate. He has been working on all things web for UCC for nearly 25 years and is a member of the LGBT+ staff network and UCC Staff Tabletop Gaming club. Tá beagáinín Gaeilge aige chomh maith.

Mentoring Style:

They can expect a partner in their UCC journey. A source of support and advice. I would expect a mentee to be engaged and to drive the process with my encouragement.

Bronagh Clarke

Bio:

Experienced administrative manager with an interest in personal and professional development. 

Mentoring Style:

I like to support mentees in thinking about their personal and professional development plans and goals. Practical, solution driven, good at listening.

Area of Expertise/Interest:

Career Development and Strategy, Goal Setting, Networking, Leadership and Personal Development, Productivity, and Work-Life Balance.

Vicky Snook

Bio:

Vicky joined the Food Industry Training Unit  in July of 2020 as the Training and Learning Manager for foodline UCC. Vicky’s focus is to help create learning environments and experiences where individuals can continuously develop to be their best. With a background in Applied Psychology, Coaching Psychology, Lean Six Sigma and Teaching & Learning, Vicky worked in the private industry for 13 years prior to joining UCC. As a passionate advocate for learning and development Vicky understands the importance of creating learning environments where individuals can continuously develop to be their best. Most of all through respecting that each person is on their own unique learning journey, travelling at their own pace and in their own way we can begin to build personalised and flexible learning paths that will help us not only achieve individual and organisational goals, but exceed them.

Mentoring Style:

My approach to mentoring is an informal collaborative approach where the mentee feels they can ask any question without judgement and feel supported.

Areas of Expertise/Interest:

Professional Development, Performance Management, Motivation, Skills Development, Coaching, Team Development.

Aoife Ni Neill

Bio:

I’m currently the administrative head of the Office of Academic Affairs and Governance. I support the academic decision-making functions such as Academic Council and associated committees. I have over 25 years’ experience of working in UCC. I enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge, and as such, I’ve designed and now offer Minute-Taking workshops.

Mentoring Style:

I like to take a coaching approach, sharing my personal experiences, to build a safe, non-judgemental rapport. Encouraging self-reflection to cultivate a growth mind-set.

Leah Neville

Bio:

I have worked in UCC for nearly 15 years in a range of administrative roles and am currently the School Manager for the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience across multiple departments, beginning as an Executive Assistant in the Mature Student Office and progressing to my current leadership role. I hold a BCL, LLB, and an MSc in Project Management from UCC, as well as a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy. This combination of academic training and professional experience has shaped me into a logical, analytical, and compassionate mentor. My deep knowledge of UCC and its administrative systems enables me to provide meaningful support, guidance, and practical insight to fellow administrators as they develop their own careers.

Mentoring Style:

I would take my cues from the mentee on what they would like to discuss and how often they want to meet. I'm fairly relaxed in my approach and feel I have good insights on the University and its functions.

Martha Henchion

Bio:

I work as a senior administrator in UCC’s Admissions Office and have built up extensive experience in a busy, fast‑moving higher‑education environment. Much of my role focuses on data integrity, digital systems, strategic communication, and managing multiple IT platforms, alongside leading projects that help simplify processes and improve how we work. I’m strongly committed to UCC’s values and place a particular emphasis on accessibility, inclusivity, and equality in everything I do. I aim to ensure that systems, communications, and services are clear, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of both students and staff. Sustainability is also an important part of my approach, and I look for ways to align my work with UCC’s wider sustainability goals. I actively enjoy learning, upskilling, and being challenged, and I’m motivated by opportunities to develop new skills and adapt to change. With broad institutional knowledge and experience, I take a practical, future focused and risk aware approach to problem solving and service delivery. I enjoy supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and contributing to continuous improvement across the university and the HE sector.

Mentoring Style:

Time given to build and nurture a relationship, confidentiality, structure, honest feedback, guidance based on my own experience.

Lekha Margassery

Bio:

Dr. Lekha Menon Margassery completed her Master’s degree in Biochemistry in 2001 from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, graduating with a gold medal from her department. Following her graduation, she worked as a Guest Lecturer for a year at Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. She then joined the Jain Institute of Vocational and Advanced Studies in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, where she worked as a Faculty member in Biochemistry for two years. Dr. Margassery has been a Corkonian since 2008, when she joined the School of Microbiology at University College Cork as a doctoral student. She completed her PhD in 2013 and subsequently worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in several research areas across the School of Microbiology and the School of Biochemistry. n 2023, she was appointed as a Technical Officer in the School of Microbiology, where she is actively involved in teaching and mentoring students. Beyond her academic work, Dr. Margassery has been deeply engaged in alumni and community activities. In 2017, she founded the UCC Indian Alumni Community and currently serves as its President. She is also the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Ambassador for International Students at the School of Microbiology. Additionally, she has been part of the mentoring panel since its inception as a pilot initiative by the UCC Alumni and Development Office.

Mentoring Style:

My mentoring style is supportive, honest, and practical. I prefer to listen first and understand where the mentee is, where they would like to go, and what challenges they may be facing. From there, I will ask questions that help them reflect, see patterns, and gain clarity. I would be giving my personal life examples (if I have faced similar situations) to help them gain confidence and progress. The interactions would be a mix of guidance, real-world advice, honest feedback, and encouragement. I will challenge when needed, but always in a constructive and respectful way. I aim to create a safe and confidential space. I also believe mentoring should be action-oriented, so I will encourage setting small, meaningful goals between sessions.

Areas of Expertise/Interest:

Career Navigation and Personal Growth, Student Engagement and Academic Development, Advising Students on Career Planning and Time Management, Teamwork and Leadership Skills.

Stephanie Larkin

Bio:

Mentoring Style:

I believe trust is an important foundation for the mentor mentee relationship. As a trained career counsellor I can offer a confidential, empathetic, supportive, listening style, coupled with my broad knowledge and experience of UCC. My approach is to work with the mentee in the here and now of what is happening for them, focusing on what they might need to achieve their goals.

Sara Malik

Bio:

A current  rural GP fellow with the department of general practice, School of medicine with experience spanning 3 continents as a GP for 20 years. A member of the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), graduating from the international medical graduate rural ICGP program with an MSc in health professions medical education (RCSI) . Recent graduate of the Leadership Academy ,ICGP. My interests include rural healthcare, communication skills, and leadership development.

Mentoring Style:

In terms of mentoring style, it is mainly dictated by the mentee's perceived goals and needs underpinned with mutual respect and a passion for growth and development.

Timmy O'Connor

Bio:

Mentoring Style:

I like to think I'm a fairly good listener, and reasonably good at explaining things, at least as I understand them. A relaxed conversation, but with some structure as to what may be expected from the session, would, I imagine, be my approach.

Areas of Expertise/Interest:

As someone who came to UCC following a long career outside of the HEI sector, I feel I would assist others coming to UCC from a non-academic or HEI-context.

Jillian O'Mahony

Bio:

Jillian O’Mahony is a graduate of UCC (BSc. Earth Science) and UCD (MEngSci.) Environmental Resource Management) and has been working in Career Services in UCC since 2016. My current role is that of Work Placement Manager supporting students to secure work placement and engaging with employers to source work placement opportunities. Initially I started work as a researcher in UCC and worked as an environmental scientist in Industry and Local Authority and then had a career change to a recruiter both in Agency recruitment and industry.

Mentoring Style:

My approach as a mentor would be positive, pragmatic, and thoughtful. A mentee can expect that I will be open and honest, solution focused and enjoy looking for new and alternative ways of doing things.

Conor McCarthy

Bio:

Conor is currently Deputy Head of the UCC Internal Audit Office. Conor is an experienced assurance, finance and governance professional with extensive expertise across internal and external audit, financial reporting, tax, risk / project management, and IT. A Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland (FCA), he has built his career across both professional practice and large organisational environments.

Mentoring Style:

As a mentor, Conor is motivated by supporting others to realise their potential and navigate complex professional environments with confidence and clarity. He believes effective mentoring involves both challenge and encouragement, helping mentees develop technical competence, strategic awareness, and strong professional judgement. His approach focuses on sharing experience, providing constructive perspective on career development, and supporting individuals in building the resilience, leadership capability, and ethical grounding needed to succeed in demanding organisational roles. A coach & trusted advisor. A mentee should expect to be in charge of the process & be open and willing to engage with the many supports and advisory services of the University. They can expect a friendly colleague, with a lot of experience of interactions within the University community, who is also on a career journey and hoping to learn and grow from engagement in this process.

Areas of Expertise/Interests:

Educational pathways to support the career journey - optimising use of internal and external sources. Conor completed the 12 month IMI Network Mentor Programme Certification in 2024. Through mentoring, Conor aims to contribute to the development of capable, thoughtful professionals who can positively influence their organisations and communities.

Pamela Daly

Bio:

Pamela Daly is a Senior Executive Assistant with over 18 years’ experience working in University College Cork. She worked in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology until December 2025, before moving to Career Services, where she continues to support student-focused services in a new area. Her role has involved a broad range of administrative responsibilities, including programme support, coordination of activities and events, and day-to-day operational work within a busy academic environment. She has a practical approach to her work and is particularly interested in improving processes and keeping systems organised and efficient. Pamela has worked extensively with a number of university systems, including DMIS, SSRS-DMIS, ITS, and HRIS-CorePay, and is happy to support colleagues in using these systems and resolving common issues. She values a collaborative way of working and is keen to support colleagues by sharing knowledge and helping to build confidence in their roles.

Mentoring Style:

My mentoring style is centred on listening first to understand what the mentee hopes to gain from our time together. I then draw on my own experience and knowledge to offer guidance in the most helpful and practical way possible. For example, I can provide hands-on support with tasks such as using software systems, while also offering advice and insights from my broader professional experience. I strive to create an open and supportive environment, encouraging mentees to ask questions freely and return with new queries they may not have considered initially. The aim is to provide practical, relevant guidance while fostering confidence and encouraging ongoing learning and development.

Areas of Expertise/Interests:

I can provide mentoring on a range of professional systems and platforms, drawing on extensive hands-on experience. These include DMIS, SSRS-DMIS, ITS, and HRIS-CorePay. I can guide colleagues in using these systems effectively, troubleshoot common issues, and share practical tips to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

Shalini Ramsuroop

Bio:

Mentoring Style:

Firstly, a mentee is guided to a gain clarity on one or two specific areas blocking their progress. Secondly, the root cause of the block is identified through a series of psychology/coaching based techniques. Lastly, an action orientated solution is crafted.

Areas of Expertise/Interests:

The emotional, material, and ideological dynamics of multilingual higher-education classrooms, with a focus on agency, belonging, and emotional reflexivity.

Aileen Finn

Bio:

Mentoring Style:

I am a coach within UCC Coaching Panel. I would use similar approach with a mentee/s as with a coachee, such as Boundaries, Mentee directed approach, structured, self accountability, goals and action targeted based work etc.

Elaine Kelly

Bio:

UCC graduate who returned to UCC as an EA in 2007, having spent over a decade employed in UK higher education administration.  School Manager in BEES since 2018, leading a team of five administrators supporting a large and busy School.  Among other roles, I am a member of the BEES EDIW Committee, and an active participant in writing our next Athena SWAN award application.

Mentoring Style:

Informal approach, starting out with the mentee clarifying what they're looking for from the relationship, and thereafter shared "leadership" of discussions/engagements, so that I'm being guided by what the mentee needs but also providing direction and suggestions.

Richard Scriven

Bio:

Dr Richard Scriven is a Senior Research Officer in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation where he supports applications to EU funding. He holds a BA (Geography and History), an LLM (International Human Rights Law and Public Policy), and a PhD (Geography) from UCC. He previously was an IRC Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellow and lecturer in the University of Galway, as well as working in the Houses of the Oireachtas. In his current role, combines his research and advocacy background to enable UCC staff to pursue ambitious and impactful research. 

Mentoring Style:

I have a cooperative/developmental approach that focuses on support and working with the mentee to understand their situation, their goals and challenges, and the best structure for them to make progress. I prioritise engaging through active listening, open-ended questioning, and conversation to help the mentee set their own pace, while maintaining a focus on the overall objective. This builds up a shared understanding and a rapport to help support the mentee in a manner that can encourage, suggest, and positively challenge when necessary.

Areas of Expertise/Interests:

Transition from an academic career trajectory to a professional/admin role in UCC. I have personal experience combined with engagements with colleagues who have moved from an academic role to other functions in the university. This change can present different types of opportunities, challenges, and emotions.

Maeve Minihane

Bio:

Mentoring Style:

I feel I would bring a personal, approachable mentoring style to the programme, aiming to put my mentee at ease so they feel comfortable asking me anything—whether practical or sensitive. With 32 years’ experience in UCC, I can offer valuable insight into how the university works, sharing institutional knowledge that can help them navigate systems and opportunities effectively. I believe strongly in encouraging others and would highlight the many ways UCC has been a supportive and rewarding place to work. My approach would be grounded in openness, empathy, and a genuine interest in supporting colleagues to achieve their goals.

Kate Murphy

Bio:

Mentoring Style:

I am a good listener and have an open mind. I believe there are usually different ways to approach things and the person has to find what works best for them - I would help them to find this by offering alternative viewpoints or options they may not have considered, asking open ended questions and working on their confidence. I deal appropriately with highly confidential information every day and am trustworthy and won't divulge anything I hear or see with others.

Claire Crowley

Bio:

My name is Claire Crowley, and I work in the Enterprise Solutions team within IT Services at University College Cork, where I have worked for the past 21 years.  My role primarily involves supporting and project managing the development, upgrade, and ongoing operation of the university’s business administrative systems. I have also been UCC’s technical representative for two EU-funded initiatives. A key part of my role is ensuring systems are well positioned for the future, and I work closely with colleagues across the university’s administrative areas to ensure our systems support business operations effectively, balancing operational stability with continuous improvement. I place a strong emphasis on building good relationships with colleagues and vendors, an approach I also take to mentoring by offering practical support, helping others work confidently with different teams, and manage change in a constructive way.

Mentoring Style:

My mentoring approach is friendly and collegiate. I am open to supporting mentees in specific technical or project‑related areas, or more generally, depending on what is most helpful. I am very happy for mentees to set out what they would like to focus on and to adapt my support around their individual needs — whether that is guidance on specific areas or broader career development in higher education.

Areas of Expertise/Interest:

Managing projects of all sizes.