On November 16th Intel Shannon celebrated its annual Scholarship awards event. This year a total of 24 scholarships were awarded, including 9 new scholarships, to first year students beginning third level studies. The awards celebration provided a fantastic opportunity to recognise the recipients of both the Women in Technology scholarships and the Paul Whelan memorial scholarships.
The Women in Technology scholarship program aims to encourage a new generation of high-achieving women to take up the challenge of a career in science and technology. The program forms part of a wider focus by Intel on empowering girls and women by fostering educational opportunities and encouraging women to participate, prosper, and lead in the global economy.
The Paul Whelan memorial scholarships are provided to a number of students starting technology and engineering courses in the University of Limerick.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dana Madigan, Shannon Women in Technology Coordinator, remarked on the high standard of the applicants this year and encouraged the “students and innovators of tomorrow to keep exploring; keep asking questions and keep pushing boundaries”. Dana also credited the role of schools and parents in fostering inquisitiveness and curiosity, important attributes for any career in STEM.”
Also speaking at the event was Intel Shannon General Manager Brian Aherne who added “Intel’s success in Ireland has been built on the quality of highly skilled and educated people available in the country. We pioneered the Intel Women in Technology Scholarships here in Shannon as far back as 2006, we wanted to raise awareness of the benefits of a career in engineering. With talent being such a core ingredient to our success it is clear to see why we are passionate about encouraging and inspiring the next generation of tech innovators.”
Among the attendees of the awards evening were representatives from the universities who are engaged in the scholarship program including Dr. John Nelson and Martin Hayes from University of Limerick and Roisin Quinn from LIT. Local schools were represented by Morgan Heaphy from St Patricks Comprehensive and Claire Knight and Alan Cunningham from St Caimins School in Shannon.
The Women in Technology Scholarships and Paul Whelan memorial scholarship continue to be very important programs to Intel in Shannon. Since first being offered in 2006 over €1 million of funding has been invested in the program. The scholarship program offers a monetary grant valued at €3,000 per annum as well as opportunities for work placements at Intel Shannon. Each scholar is also assigned a mentor who is an Intel employee to assist and provide advice on managing their academic career. The program is open to school leavers entering undergraduate degrees in relevant courses.
The newly selected 2017 Intel Women in Technology scholars are:
| Valerie Brosnan | Trinity College Dublin | Co. Galway |
| Esha Hourihane Clancy | University College Cork | Co. Tipperary |
| Luz Victoria Contreras | Limerick IT | Co. Limerick |
| Aideen Mc Loughlin | NUI Galway | Co. Limerick |
| Louise Kilheeney | NUI Galway | Co. Galway |
| Niamh Hennigan | NUI Galway | Co. Clare |
| Jessica Dino | University of Limerick | Co. Tipperary |
| Veronika Karpenko | Waterford IT | Co. Waterford |
The newly selected 2017 Paul Whelan scholars are:
| Peter Roe | University of Limerick | Co. Laois |
| Brian Dooley | University of Limerick | Co. Clare |
| Gabriel Denys | University of Limerick | Co. Clare |
| Dominik Przychodni | University of Limerick | Co. Clare |
Look out for further details on www.intel.ie/womenintechnology of Women in Technology Scholarships and Awards in the New Year.
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Media contact: Sarah Sexton | sarah.sexton@intel.com | + 353 1 606 8537