Prestigious Post-Doctoral Fellowship Awarded to Dr. Niamh O’Mahoney

10 Jan 2023

Dr. Niamh O’Mahoney, a BSc. Chemistry with Forensics (2018) and PhD (2022) Chemistry graduate from the School of Chemistry at UCC has been awarded the National University of Ireland Dr Garret Fitzgerald Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Higher Education Studies.

Niamh’s project entitled ‘One Size Does Not Fit All’ will look at enhancing the learning experience of neurodiverse students in tertiary STEM education. She will carry out the research under the mentorship of Dr. Eric Moore.

The project will focus on creating a more inclusive and accessible educational infrastructure to suit the neurodiverse mine. This specific one-year study’s scope is developing teaching and learning techniques for dyslexic students, equipping them with tools and skills to facilitate their learning and tackling the working world post-education. Dyslexia has been selected as the first neurodiverse condition to shape educational structures, as dyslexia is the leading form of neurodiversity. Dyslexia influences at least 1 in 10 people and is a genetic difference in an individual's ability to learn and process information. With only 20% of the estimated dyslexic population diagnosed with the condition, 80% of dyslexics are navigating the academic system, unable to understand why they aren't excelling regardless of the time and energy invested. This project poses the opportunity to 'offer a hand' to struggling students. In the 21st century, there is no room for debilitating any student simply due to archaic educational structures. One size does not fit all. This project will level the playing field of STEM education for neurodiverse students, harnessing the untapped potential all these students have to offer.

This interdisciplinary project will be based in the School of Chemistry at University College Cork. Dr Eric Moore is currently developing a state-of-the-art Science Studio facility, which will be the base for this project’s implementation. The Science Studio will be housed in the Kane Building. This facility will be the first of its kind in the country and is a pioneer in the technology and teaching formats available via the studio. The centre will facilitate all work packages for this project, yielding the opportunity to revolutionise how neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals are taught STEM subjects.

Dr. Niamh O’Mahoney, Fellowship Awardee, said "While I am a chemist by trade, education is in my blood. My parents are secondary school teachers, my father taught me chemistry for my leaving certificate, and my grandmother was my primary school principal. As a neurodiverse person who navigated the university landscape as an undergraduate and postgraduate student, I know first-hand where practices can adapt and develop for the better, enabling all students to fulfil their potential. Simple changes to current teaching practices will enhance personal learning, positively impacting typical and atypical learners alike. This project has been a passion of mine for several years, and I am excited to pursue such an important topic. I look forward to developing skills and techniques to support neurodiverse students in tertiary education, in turn forming a neurodiverse-friendly campus at UCC with the hope of rolling out these practices further afield."

Dr. Patrick O'Leary, Registrar National University of Ireland, said "I think that cutting edge research on how complex subjects are taught in the most effective way to neurodiverse students is challenging and exciting. One of NUI’s strategic priorities is to support students and particularly students who may not have been best served by Higher education or society to date. Work like this will advance the inclusion agenda in our universities and will benefit everyone. It also gives Niamh the time and resources to develop her research and career to become an academic leader of the future. We look forward to seeing the research outcomes and impact of this award and to tracking Niamh’s onward career."

Dr. Eric Moore, Fellowship Mentor, said "I am delighted for Niamh, she has worked extremely hard to raise awareness and promote a more inclusive and accessible education environment for students with dyslexia. She is passionate about enhancing the student experience for those that have learning difficulties and the Post-Doctorate Fellowship in Higher Education Studies will provide her with an opportunity to challenge current teaching and learning practices. Niamh is an exceptional researcher, and I am looking forward to working with and supporting her on this prestigious NUI award."

Prof. Anita Maguire, Head of School of Chemistry at UCC said "Niamh has made a tremendous contribution to the School through her research and, in addition, her creative approach to enhancing diversity and inclusion in everything we do. I am delighted to see her excellence and commitment recognised by this prestigious award from the NUI, which will ensure the School continues its journey in supporting all students."

Dr. Florence McCarthy, Chair of EDI Committee at the School of Chemistry in UCC said "This is a fabulous achievement for Niamh and reflects the initiative and drive within the School towards building a more inclusive academic and structural environment. Niamh is an inclusivity champion and the award builds on her very successful Periodic Table of People podcast. We wish her every success and look forward to implementing the findings of her research."

The Dr Garret Fitzgerald Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Higher Education Studies was established to honour the memory of the late Chancellor of the National University of Ireland. It is valued at approx. €40,000 plus Research Support Funding totalling €2,500. The objective of the Fellowship is, based on original and independent research, to expand knowledge in the field of Higher Education Studies and provide constructive and meaningful contributions to issues of contemporary societal significance. The published research is expected to initiate and/or contribute to regional or national debate.

Dr. Niamh O'Mahoney was funded by the NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship and the Denis Phelan Scholarship for her PhD studies under the supervision of Dr Dara Fitzpatrick in Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy (BARDS). Niamh has been an active member in the School of Chemistry throughout her PhD experience participating in teaching opportunities, outreach activities and acting as the postgraduate representative for a 3-year term. Niamh was chairperson of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science Postgraduate committee and co-founded the UCC PG Council. In 2021, Niamh successfully secured Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach Funding for the project, the Periodic Table of People podcast. The main aim of studying chemistry is to understand chemistry itself. However, all too often, outside of the science and next steps are left out. This podcast's central aim is to fill this gap and illustrate the available career and study options. The podcast demonstrates career opportunities to students and proves that anything is possible with drive, determination, and resilience. Having graduated from her PhD Niamh is now undertaking a postdoctoral position in education. She is currently working on the Micro Creds project here in UCC under the mentorship of Prof Stephen Byrne, Deputy President and Registrar. Niamh is honing her skills in education and looks forward to commencing her NUI Award fellowship in September 2023.