Gabriel Cleary
"I wanted to pursue my passion and tackle real-life problems."
“I knew it would help me turn my passion for science into meaningful change,” says Gabriel Cleary of his decision to apply for DCU’s BSc in Environmental Science and Technology.
During the course, he developed key skills that helped him secure work with a major international company, and assessed strategies for the production of high quality biodegradable plastics, a project that earned him a prestigious national award.
Gabriel, from Dundalk, Co Louth, had always loved chemistry and biology in secondary school and wanted to pursue a career that put those disciplines into action.
“I wanted to make a difference, and I wanted to pursue my passion and tackle real-life problems.”
Initially, he considered nursing, but when he heard about the course in environmental science and technology, he felt it might provide broader opportunities.
“I like the idea of being able to create sustainable solutions to improve life for many people, and future generations, so that's what was really driving me,” says Gabriel.
As he researched the course, he was attracted by the blend of theory, practical skills, and hands-on learning. Another plus was DCU’s reputation for being “forward-thinking” and the strong employability of its graduates.
Getting out in the field to apply what he learned in lectures and labs was one of the highlights of the course for Gabriel. Projects and assignments included analysing water quality in the River Tolka and a field trip to the Burren, which also helped build a strong team spirit within the class.
These and other projects helped build Gabriel’s skills in terms of teamwork and problem solving. “Those are the kind of qualities that I built within the course that have helped me phenomenally in my professional career,” says Gabriel.
Gabriel says his final year project was “hands down my favourite part of the course, over the four years.”
In his research, which applied both microbial biotechnology and material science, he explored new strategies for the production of biodegradable bioplastics. The project landed him the Environmental Science Association of Ireland's Undergraduate of the Year Award.
As with most DCU courses, the internship programme (INTRA) is a core element of the curriculum.
In Gabriel’s case, his internship was at pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), where he worked at its Blanchardstown campus with the Environmental Health and Safety team. “I understood that Pharma was an area that I'd like to get interested in, because I am directly helping people, at the end of the line.”
The internship led to Gabriel successfully applying for a full-time position with BMS after completion of his course. He now works as a Safety Specialist in the Environmental Health, Safety and Sustainability Department.
Reflecting on who the BSc in Environmental Science and Technology course might appeal to, Gabriel says it is “for people who prefer a hands-on approach, people who are willing to improve their problem-solving and technical abilities.”
The focus of the course is on making a positive contribution to communities and “the planet as as a whole,” according to Gabriel, who points out that “there’s a lot of work to be done.”