GMIT student wins Intel Women in Technology scholarship

A first year GMIT Software Development student has won a coveted Intel Women in Technology Scholarship. Daire Ní Chatháin from Kilmaley, Co Clare, was one of seven recipients to be presented with the 2015 scholarships by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, at a reception in Limerick last Thursday (1 October).

The six other recipients are from University of Limerick, NUI Galway and University College Dublin, and all have just embarked on undergraduate programmes in technology-focused courses such as Electronic and Computer Engineering and Computer Science.

Daire, who is studying the Bachelor of Science in Computing in Software Development at the GMIT Galway campus, found out about the scholarship programme through her Guidance Counsellor in secondary school. “There was a three step process, firstly an essay-type form to be filled out, a telephone interview and finally a face to face interview in Intel Shannon. I have always had a keen interest in technology and spoke about this throughout the interview process. I told the selectors about projects I had completed in my free time such as building circuits, a small robot I created and coding I had done. Above all, I believe I just showed my enthusiasm to learn and develop new technology.”

“Winning this scholarship means a lot to me. The financial aspect grants me quite a lot of freedom which eases the strain of budgeting, so that I can concentrate fully on my studies. I've also been allocated a mentor who is a worker at Intel, to help me along the way. On top of all this, and the most exciting thing, is that I will receive a chance to do work placement with Intel over the next few summers, working with a team to create new and innovative technologies.”

Daire’s lecturer, Gerry Agnew, congratulates Daire on her selection as an Intel 'Women in Technology' Scholar, saying: “I am sure that this award and accolade will help further our efforts here in GMIT in promoting Computing, Software Development and STEM related disciplines as an excellent career path for women.  Career prospects in these areas continue to grow at a significant rate and will continue to do so for many years to come. “

Adding his congratulations, Sean Duignan, Head of the Dept of Mathematics & Computing, GMIT, says: “I think Daire's achievement is particularly notable and topical this year, as the Computer Science community celebrates the bi-centenary of the birth of Ada Byron (Countess of Lovelace); a pioneer of our discipline and widely regarded as the world’s first computer programmer.”
 

Speaking at the scholarship awards event, Minister Jan O’Sullivan remarked: “I am thrilled to be involved in celebrating 10 years of the Intel Women in Technology Scholarship. Encouraging more young women to have an interest in and to acquire STEM skills and move into STEM related careers will help Irish companies secure the talent they need to remain competitive on the domestic and international stage. The strongest talent pipeline for the future is one which is fully representative of both women and men as the demands oftomorrow’s economy will be complex and dynamic, requiring a diverse mix of skills and perspectives”.
 

Thursday’s ceremony in Limerick marked the 10th anniversary of the Intel Scholarship Programme. Minister O’Sullivan was joined by Sandra Rivera, Vice President of the Intel Data Center Group and General Manager of the Network Platforms Group and Intel Shannon General Manager Brian Aherne.
 

For further information about GMIT Computing programmes, please visit: http://www.gmit.ie/computing/department-mathematics-and-computing
 

About the Intel Women in Technology Scholarship Programme:
The Intel Women in Technology Scholarship programme provides a unique opportunity for Intel to encourage a new generation of high-achieving young people to take up the challenge of a career in science and technology. The programme invites applications each year from girls completing Leaving Certificate and going on to begin 3rd level degree courses in science and technology related disciplines. The scholarship involves a €3000 award for each year of the degree as well as the provision of an Intel mentor and the opportunity to complete summer internships at the Intel Shannon facility.