What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far?
Maths was by far my favourite subject in primary school and once I discovered physics in secondary school it seemed like the perfect combination. During transition year and again in fifth year I competed in the Young Scientist Exhibition.
The first year my group was highly commended and won the National Heritage Council Award, while the following year we received second prize in the Senior Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics section. My involvement in the competition greatly encouraged me to pursue science at third level.
I chose the BSc in Applied Physics at the University of Limerick for two reasons. Firstly, it allowed me to develop both my mathematical and scientific skills.
Secondly, it involved a nine-month work placement which gave me a valuable insight into the application of science in industry. My work placement was at Intel in Leixlip, Co Kildare, where I worked as a Sort E-test Engineer.
This involved both electrical and functionality testing of semiconductor wafers. This experience influenced my final-year choices at university.
Undertaking a PhD seemed the natural thing to do when I had completed my final year. At the time I couldn’t decide on a career path in industry so I felt that spending some more time in university and further developing my research skills was the best option.
During the final stages of my PhD I felt strongly about moving into industry to broaden my experience. The area of technology transfer always excited me and I was delighted to begin working at Technology From Ideas.
Who most influenced your career direction?
Photo of Mairead BreathnachMy parents have always been extremely supportive and encouraging when it came to career choices and decisions.
My maths/physics teacher at school was a major inspiration and was always available for advice, particularly during my final years at university.
My PhD supervisor was also a great inspiration. He was the main driving force behind my decision to do a PhD.
He encouraged me to apply for scholarships, in particular the IRCSET scholarship, without which I probably would not have been financially able to stay in college.
Describe a typical day in your job
It can vary depending on the projects I’m working on. At any one time I am usually involved in the analysis stage of about four ideas, the development stage of two or three projects and the sales of three or four technologies.
What are your main tasks and responsibilities?
Technology From Ideas is an early stage technology development company that specialises in developing and proving early stage technologies for specific market applications.
My role is as a technology development scientist working on each stage of the development of cutting-edge technologies.
What are the main challenges?
At the moment the biggest challenge is understanding patent laws and license agreements, as this aspect of the job is completely new to me. The technologies we work come from all fields of science.
Sometimes, understanding the technical detail of a technology which is not related to anything I’ve previously worked on can be very challenging.
But this is also the most rewarding aspect of my job, as I am constantly learning about and gaining experience in new areas and applications of science and technology.
What’s cool about your job?
Working at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. I get to learn of technologies before they become public and it always amazes me how inventive some scientists can be.
What’s not so cool?
When you analyzse a particularly interesting technology only to find that it must be rejected for some reason or another.
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
I have a very analytical and logical mind. This is an excellent skill to have in any job but particularly in this job as I am constantly analysing technologies.
I have strong scientific skills and hands-on experience spanning several scientific fields including physics, maths, materials science, electrochemistry and microscopy.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I chose physics, chemistry, geography and French. Physics was an easy choice as I loved maths. I knew I wanted a career in sience so I decided to take a second science subject. Chemistry appealed more than biology, perhaps because I’m quite squeamish!
What is your dream job?
Puppy/dog walking for people who don’t have the time to exercise man’s most loyal friend!
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
If you love science or engineering and would like to be the link that brings vital research from the lab to the marketplace, then this is the job for you. You need to be interested in the transfer of knowledge and technology and have a good scientific or engineering education.
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
Good communication skills are vital as you need to be able to communicate with people from all aspects of business, such as researchers, inventors, patent attorneys, lawyers, manufacturers and customers.
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
Experience in technology transfer or technology development.
