UCC Strengthens Industry Links with Qualcomm Adjunct Faculty Appointments

26 Jun 2026

University College Cork’s (UCC) School of Engineering and Architecture recently welcomed four senior experts from QT Technologies Ireland Limited (Qualcomm Ireland) as adjunct faculty, further strengthening industry collaboration with the university. 

These appointments follow outstanding collaboration in teaching in postgraduate and undergraduate programmes  (data converters, digital IC design and machine learning and AI modules) as well as award-winning research UCC’s Embedded Systems Group and APC Microbiome Ireland.   

This collaboration positions UCC as a leading centre for education and research in digital electronics and embedded systems in Ireland, key areas identified in Ireland’s national semiconductor strategy. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a global leader in innovation, plays a central role in driving digital transformation worldwide.  

The appointees are:  Paul Kelleher (Vice President of Engineering, Qualcomm Ireland);  Dr Keith O’Donoghue  (Senior Director of Engineering, Qualcomm Ireland);  Aaron Hogan  (Senior Director of Engineering, Qualcomm Ireland);  and Dr. Andriy Temko  (Director of Engineering, Qualcomm Ireland).  

Appointments are awarded to individuals who make a significant and ongoing contribution to the University. The process is rigorous, recognising recipients’ exceptional professional achievements and expertise.  

The School of Engineering and Architecture at UCC  values its strong links with industry. Integrating adjunct faculty into the curriculum and research brings real-world experience into the classroom, helping to bridge the gap between theory and best practice.  

These appointments highlight UCC’s commitment to collaboration with global industry leaders, enriching student learning, and enhancing research impact. By bringing cutting-edge expertise into the university, adjunct faculty play a key role in preparing graduates for careers at the forefront of technology and innovation.    

About the appointees:  

Paul Kelleher:  Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm Ireland

Paul Kelleher has over 30 years’ experience in the electronics industry and played a central role in establishing and scaling Qualcomm Ireland operations. He was appointed Adjunct Professor at UCC in 2024 and brings deep expertise in system design, leadership, and industry collaboration, alongside active involvement in national and regional initiatives. 

In 2025, Paul was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering for his tremendous contributions to UCC and the community at large.  Paul has also taught as an invited speaker in Digital IC Design courses and is a key supporter of outreach activities including the First Lego League.  

Dr. Keith O’Donoghue:  Senior Director of Engineering at Qualcomm Ireland

Dr. O’Donoghue leads global design teams working on advanced circuit architecture for Snapdragon® technologies. An Adjunct Professor at UCC since 2016, he teaches postgraduate modules and actively supports university engagement and STEM outreach. He holds multiple patents and has extensive experience in innovation and research leadership.  Keith has taught Data Converter Techniques at UCC for more than 10 years.  He also supports the award-winning Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering module through invited lectures and joint Qualcomm Ireland-UCC outreach activities.  

Aaron Hogan:  Senior Director of Engineering at Qualcomm Ireland

Aaron Hogan leads teams in hardware security, system architecture, and automotive technologies.  He is a UCC graduate, and regularly contributes to teaching and student engagement, delivering guest lectures on digital design, system-on-chip development, and emerging technologies including AI.  Aaron participated as an invited speaker in digital IC and digital IC design modules and is currently reshaping the curriculum in digital IC design at UCC.  

Dr. Andriy Temko:  Director of Engineering and Machine Learning Lead at Qualcomm Ireland

He is also an  Adjunct Professor in Machine Learning at UCC.  Dr. Temko is one of the key players in machine learning in Ireland, being one of the very few Kaggle Masters in the country.  His collaboration with UCC spans more than 20 years, resulting in more than a dozen PhDs, and the co-supervision of  many research masters. 

Andriy also co-authored outstanding research papers with colleagues in APC Microbiome Ireland where he co-supervises research students.  Led by Andriy, a new machine learning for engineers module has been introduced at UCC, which will deploy the latest hands-on, project-based learning methodologies.  Andriy is currently associated with the award-winning Embedded Systems Group at UCC.  

Dr. Alan Morrison, Head of UCC’s School of Engineering and  Architecture  commented: 

"The School of Engineering and Architecture welcomes the cutting-edge expertise our adjunct faculty from Qualcomm Ireland add to our Electrical & Electronic Engineering programmes and the long-term relationship between the School and Qualcomm Ireland in growing our expertise in microelectronic circuit design and machine learning. Practitioner expertise is essential to staying current with the latest technology developments and to support the student learning experience through agile learning environments”. 

Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.