Chemical engineering education celebrated
MTU’s 40 years of teaching chemical engineering was hailed as an extraordinary story of success and one which has been integral to the economic transformation of Ireland over the past number of decades.
That was the sentiment of Cork TD and Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, at the recent special anniversary event to celebrate 40 years of chemical engineering education in MTU.
The Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering programme resides in the Process, Energy and Transport Engineering Department at MTU’s Cork Campus.
There have been 900 graduates since 1983 who work nationally and internationally in sectors like energy, water, food and nutrition and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Graduates joined together on Friday 8 March with a host of industry representatives to enjoy a dinner, network and relive memories with former classmates. More than 250 were present at the gala dinner including many employed in indigenous and multinational companies.
Dr Michael J O’Mahony, Head of Department of Process, Energy and Transport Engineering, said: “MTU Chemical Engineering graduates have been a necessary catalyst for this tremendous wealth creation and improvement to the standard of living for all the people of Ireland.”
MTU President, Prof. Maggie Cusack, said: “For 40 years, MTU and its previous incarnations have been educating our chemical engineering graduates to embody versatility, flexibility, and excellence. Our comprehensive curriculum which includes industry input and experience helps instil adaptability, problem-solving abilities and a robust foundation in chemical engineering principles. This has equipped decades of our graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the dynamic landscape of the engineering industry and excel in a multitude of roles making a hugely significant contribution to the sector locally and nationally.”
The event took place on International Women’s Day with a gathering of 70 female alumni, representing 30% of the alumni attending on the night. Also, in this year’s intake of students, female students outnumber male students for the first time. A presentation was made on the night to the guest of honour, the first female graduate, Bridget Sparrow (neé O’Sullivan) from the class of 1984.
She said: “I graduated in 1984 and following a year working at what was then, Penn Chemicals in Ringaskiddy, I moved to the Cardiff, Wales and joined Dow Corning, an American multinational that had been founded to explore the possibilities of silicon. I travelled the world with the company, to the US and China, Germany and the Netherlands. I worked in many functions; Research and Development, project engineering, manufacturing, Human Resources and even ended up being the Chief communications officer for the company. When I left Dow, I moved to the nuclear sector. I’m currently the Chief Operating Officer for Urenco.”