DCU Institute of Education announces seven recipients of Drumcondra 150 PhD scholarships
DCU’s Institute of Education has awarded seven PhD scholarships to mark 150 years of teacher education at St Patrick’s Campus in Drumcondra.
The St Patrick’s Campus in Drumcondra first opened its doors to student teachers in 1875. Today, the DCU Institute of Education, a dynamic education faculty of more than 4,000 undergraduate, graduate and research students, continues to support new generations of educators focused on all sectors of the education system in Ireland and beyond.
The Drumcondra 150 scholarships were awarded to seven scholars following a competitive open call for submissions. Three scholars will embark on a PhD full-time and four part-time. They are:
- Grace Fitzgerald from Wicklow will undertake research exploring teacher and student experiences of learning in the Politics and Society classroom. Grace has been a post-primary teacher since 2001 and in that time has taught CSPE, English, History and Politics and Society.
- Claire Gill from Galway will embark on a research project titled Maintaining a Momentum of Play which will investigate the use of play as a pedagogical approach to literacy in primary schools. Claire is a primary school teacher currently teaching in the west of Ireland.
- Michelle Kinsella from Westmeath will explore the evolution of attitudes to and competencies in artificial intelligence in non-technical further education and training educators. Michelle is an experienced educator, facilitator and coach working across higher, further, executive and community education sectors.
- Roe McDermott from Dublin will undertake a research project titled Curricular Silence, Difficult Knowledge, and Uncomfortable Knowledge in Irish Secondary Education: Preparing Teachers for Inclusive Practice. Roe is a writer, journalist and Fullbright scholar who has taught creative writing in secondary schools and the Irish Writers Centre.
- Lucy Nyland from Mayo will undertake a research project titled Mathematics Teachers and Curriculum Reform: Aligning Curriculum Goals, Professional Beliefs and Classroom Practices at the School Level. She is currently an assistant principal with responsibility for digital strategy at a post-primary school in Wicklow.
- Amy Ryan MacNamara from Limerick will undertake a research project titled Structural Barriers to Teacher Self-efficacy exploring the organisational factors affecting the education of students with diverse needs in Ireland. Amy has worked in a variety of education settings and has taught students ranging from four years of age to adulthood.
- Lisa Walsh from Sligo will embark on a research project entitled Bridging Theory and Practice: A Design-based Research Study To Develop Collaborative Tools for Mathematics Tasks and Questions Aligned with Universal Design for Learning Principles. Lisa has been involved in a number of Maths4All initiatives, founded and presents the What’s the Math-er podcast, and has previously worked with the NCCA and Folens.
DCU President, Professor Daire Keogh said, “Over the past 150 years, the St Patrick’s campus in Drumcondra has played a pivotal role in the development of generations of talented and dedicated teachers who helped transform the nation through education. The awarding of these PhD scholarships is a fitting way to celebrate St Patrick’s rich heritage and its pivotal role in our country’s history. Their research will inform the further progression of teacher education in Ireland, and of teaching and learning, more broadly.”
Pictured (L-R): Lucy Nyland, Roe McDermott, Lisa Walsh, Chair of IoE Postgraduate Research Dr Majella McSharry, DCU President Prof Daire Keogh, IoE Interim Executive Dean Dr Anna Logan, Michelle Kinsella, Claire Gill, Grace Fitzgerald
Welcoming the seven new PhD scholars, Interim Executive Dean of the Institute of Education Dr Anna Logan said, “This is a milestone year for the St Patrick’s Campus as we celebrate 150 years of teacher education here in Drumcondra, and it is with great pleasure I welcome our seven new PhD scholars to the Institute of Education.
“Their experience and their contribution to their respective areas of research will undoubtedly inform debate and discussion and contribute to the development of the education system in Ireland and internationally. I wish them the very best over the coming years.”
Chair of Postgraduate Studies by Research, Dr Majella McSharry said, “The Drumcondra 150 Scholarship Initiative honours our 150 year legacy in teacher education, but also represents our commitment to the future. By championing future focused educational research, this initiative will directly shape emerging policies and practices within classrooms and beyond.
She added, “the Drumcondra 150 Scholars join a vibrant doctoral community in the Institute of Education and we look forward to working with them.”
The Drumcondra 150 Scholarships reflect the Institute of Education’s commitment to DCU’s stated ambition to grow the DCU doctoral community and nurture the next generation of researchers.
Researchers will enjoy a range of supports throughout their time with DCU including graduate training with research students and staff members as well as mentorship by members of a supervisory panel to develop their capacities to contribute to teaching and research at third level, particularly in the context of education.