A West Cork woman has become the first research postgraduate student at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) to receive prestigious Teaching Council funding.
A WEST Cork woman has become the first research postgraduate student at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) to receive prestigious Teaching Council funding.
Rosscarbery native Anne O’Mahony is currently a School of Lifelong Learning & Education Research Masters candidate for a project titled ‘An exploration of how Further Education and Training (FET) Teachers engage with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in South West Ireland.’
This prestigious award will enable Anne to work with Dr Anne Graham Cagney at WIT to further explore FET teacher engagement in professional learning and the evolving professional identity of those working in Ireland’s ‘Cinderella Sector.’
‘This award is an invaluable opportunity to further my work with colleagues within and across the sector, to be part of the PG research community at WIT and is also professional recognition of the importance of promoting research within the FET sector. It is a professional and personal honour to receive this award,’ said Anne.
Anne added that during the application process she received tireless encouragement and support from her family, her fellow FET teachers and former students during the BA.
‘I wouldn’t be able to have undertaken this journey without the support of my family and from my supervisor Dr Cagney. The support I’ve received is a testament to the commitment to continuing education and professional development of my friends, peers and colleagues as well as the lecturers and staff at the School of Lifelong Learning and Education at WIT.’
Before starting out as a researcher at WIT, Anne O’Mahony completed her BA at WIT in Adult and Further Education with a first class honours degree. This academic achievement built on her years of experience as a Cork Education Training Board (ETB) tutor.
Dr Helen Murphy, Head of School said they are particularly delighted that Anne as one of WIT’s MA research students has become the Institute’s first research postgraduate to be successful in competing for this award.
‘Anne has excelled in her studies to date and is one of the first FET teachers to receive this award. WIT would like to thank the Teaching Council for its continued support and we wish Anne well in her studies,’ said Dr Murphy.
Anne’s supervisor, Dr Anne Graham Cagney encouraged her to apply for the award.
‘I know Anne to be deeply committed to research that can inform national policy and create a better and more equitable society for the future. She represents the commitment and passion that WIT researchers bring to their work,’ said Dr Cagney.
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