Mary Mulvihill - Science writer
Career snapshot
Mary’s first job was as a dairy cattle geneticist with the State agricultural research authority. She helped artificial insemination stations to select the best bulls by examining statistics on their mothers’ milk yield.
But she wanted to share her passion for science with the general public and left to become a science journalist. Mary edited Technology Ireland magazine for 10 years, has written for newspapers and magazines in Ireland and abroad, and has been a regular contributor to RTE radio programmes, such as the Pat Kenny Show.
Mary also works as a consultant and helps researchers to explain their work to general audiences. Her book, Ingenious Ireland, published in 2002, takes readers on a magical journey around Ireland’s scientific treasures.
What’s so brilliant about your job?
“The variety is great. I might learn to drive a DART train one day, and the next be with air traffic controllers, or hear researchers describe their latest discoveries, or interview a government minister. I love science and enjoy learning things. I’m lucky to have found a way of making a living from that.”
How do you spend a typical day?
“What’s a typical day? It all depends on what I’m doing – researching, writing, meeting people. The three years I was working on Ingenious Ireland, were mostly spent in the wonderful National Library, reading reference material for all the people and places included in the book.”
Are you a science bore?
“Science is anything but boring. It explains the world around us, shapes who we are and what we do. And even a basic knowledge of science helps you understand important issues like genetically modified foods and climate change”
Did science give you a buzz at school?
“Yes, it did. I was curious about the world. I suppose I got some of that from my Dad, who was a mechanical genius. I remember the first driving lesson he gave me was about the theory of the internal combustion engine. My aunt was another role model. She was an industrial scientist working in the State laboratory.”
What has been the high point of your career?
“The book was obviously a big project, and hopefully people will now realise Ireland has a rich scientific heritage. And I’m proud of my role in setting up WITS, the organisation for Women in Technology and Science. When I was working in agricultural science, it was male dominated. But more women are now working in science and technology and WITS has been a great support network for then, as well as campaigning on policy issues.”
Education
- Primary degree in genetics, Trinity College Dublin
- Masters degree in statistics, Trinity College Dublin
- Masters degree in journalism, Dublin City University
