Midlands Science is managed by a voluntary board of directors who have a wide range of experience in industry, education and development.
Dr. Craig Slattery, Chairperson
Craig is a biomedical scientist, a lecturer and a science communicator who is committed to making science accessible and engaging for the general public. Craig’s own research includes toxicology and safety testing for new medicines, the health complications of diabetes and investigating cancer biology. He believes that communicating science and research, in an exciting and engaging way, is the best approach to encourage younger generations to consider a career in science. Craig is currently Assistant Professor of Toxicology and Regulatory Affairs at University College Dublin.
Anne Scally
Anne is a highly experienced Principal Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the human resources industry. Skilled in Talent Management, Outplacement, Career Development, HR Consulting, and Coaching, she established Pro-Activ HR in 2005. Anne has worked at senior management level as a Human Resources Manager/Director with a number of leading multinationals over several years. She has considerable experience in the areas of employee relations, employment law, organizational development, people management and people development.
Gerry Buckley
Gerry is the founder and CEO of NIS, a leading IT services company based in the Midlands. He previously worked for SSI and Compaq Professional Services and has international experience having worked in the IT industry in the USA for a number of years. He is active in a number of voluntary activities in the region and has given considerable time and his expertise to a range of projects focussed on developing IT and STEM skills in the region.
Caroline Brazil
Caroline is a graduate of Waterford IT where she studied Languages & Marketing and is Global Business Owner for Time and Expenses in Accenture. Caroline is the current Chairperson of the Global Business Services Network of Ireland, a knowledge sharing forum of over 100 multi- national, indigenous & public sector companies. She is very passionate about Inclusion and Diversity in all forms.
Dr. Aisling Twohill
Aisling is a lecturer in Mathematics Education, in the School of STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies at DCU. Her research interests encompass the complexities for teachers in facilitating meaningful mathematical thinking for all children, and also the perspective on mathematics held by teachers, children and others. Aisling encourages people to see both how enjoyable solving challenging problems can be, and how purposeful maths is in many areas of life.
Dr. Helena Bonner
Helena works in the department of Physiology and Medical Physics and in the Centre for Systems Medicine in RCSI and is involved in various STEM projects, including ‘Mini Science’. She hosts various seminars and laboratory tours in RCSI to TY and 5th year students. She also visits various secondary schools throughout the school term to talk about the different careers available to STEM graduates, and the ample opportunities that are available in the different STEM sectors.
Anne Naughton
Anne is a Business and management professional, certified in Project Management with 10 years’ experience in business development, project planning, implementation and execution within the Third Level Education Sector. Anne is currently working as a Project Officer for Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands Midwest, which will aid in building a more complete picture of regional and national skills needs and contributing towards a more robust national response in future.
Our Expert Advisory Panel:
Ma. Isabel Meza Silva
Isabel is an engineering graduate with strong knowledge of data analysis gained through previous work experiences. Her interest and passion for education started through volunteering work during her childhood. Isabel is currently the Outreach and Education Programme Lead at Irish Manufacturing Research where she develops immersive learning experiences to expose children to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), and Manufacturing. Her work aims to empower children through education and highlight the value of Manufacturing in our society.
Laura Tobin
Laura is a researcher and a science communicator with a background in physics and optical engineering. Laura has worked on projects from biomimetic solar cells to biotherapy light masks, and is currently working as a science consultant on the Irish Science Language STEM glossary in DCU. Laura is a co-founder and co-organiser of Dublin Maker, Ireland’s longest running maker festival.
Dr. Claire Murray
Dr Claire Murray is a chemist and citizen science researcher from Dublin and now based in Berlin in Germany. She is interested in creating more positive informal science conversations and in creating a more inclusive science community. Her work has included science communication formats such as citizen science, comedy, board games, escape rooms, photography exhibitions, science busking, and theatre shows. Throughout these different formats, she has worked to make science more accessible to everyone and to actively platform underrepresented voices.