South East Technological University (SETU) is celebrating national recognition for two of its academics at the 2025 Business Post 'Women in STEM Awards'.
Dr Sheila Donegan, Lecturer in Chemistry and Director of Calmast STEM Engagement Centre at SETU, was named winner of the ‘Women in STEM Award for Maths’, recognising her outstanding leadership and long-standing contribution to promoting mathematics across Ireland and beyond.
Dr Amanda Barry, Lecturer in the Department of Health and Sport Science at SETU, was also honoured as a nominee in the ‘Rising Star’ category, marking her as one of the country’s most promising advocates for STEM.
As the founder of Maths Week Ireland, Dr Donegan has had a transformative impact on how mathematics is perceived and celebrated. Through her leadership, Maths Week has reached an extraordinary 4.3 million pupils to date and has expanded internationally. Her work has earned international recognition for science communication and has inspired countless girls and young women to pursue careers in mathematics and related fields.
Seeing how attitudes have changed and how many young people, especially girls, are now embracing maths with confidence is deeply rewarding."
Dr Sheila Donegan
Speaking about the award, Sheila said, "It’s a huge honour to receive this award, but it really belongs to the thousands of teachers, students and volunteers who have helped make Maths Week such a success. When we started out, our goal was simply to show that maths can be creative, fun and relevant to everyone’s lives. Seeing how attitudes have changed and how many young people, especially girls, are now embracing maths with confidence is deeply rewarding."
Sheila was also keen to acknowledge her colleagues. "I’m very thankful to the entire Calmast team — Nollaig Healy, Nora Salaberry and Elaine Liew — as well as to our partners and supporters. I want to pay particular thanks to the co-founder of Maths Week, Eoin Gill, who founded Maths Week with me 20 years ago, and together we have made Maths Week what it is today."
Maths Week is a partnership, and it is only through the strength and support of our partners across the island over the last 20 years that it has grown to include participation from every county."
Dr Sheila Donegan
She continued, "I’m proud to accept this award and acknowledge the partnerships and support that make Maths Week possible.”
Dr Helen Murphy, Head of Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning at SETU welcomed the award, by saying, “We are delighted and proud of our colleague Dr Sheila Donegan. Sheila has led the field of STEM engagement with a focus on Maths for almost 20 years achieving national and international recognition. This national award acknowledges her role as a female leader in the field. On behalf of our colleagues in the Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning, I wish her continued success in her important work. “
Making physics accessible to everyone
Reflecting on her own nomination, Dr Amanda Barry said she was “humbled, proud, and totally in awe” of the women she shared the shortlist with.
“For me, STEM is about opening doors and making physics accessible to everyone. I want to inspire people to stretch their imaginations and use what they learn to change lives for the better,” said Dr Barry. “I’m grateful to everyone who has supported and believed in me on my journey through physics.”
Earlier this year, avid surfer Amanda and fellow SETU physics lecturer Dr Gary Cahill, invited 100 students from SETU's Department of Health and Sports Science (HSS) to switch the classroom for the ocean as they engaged in an innovative outdoor learning experience of exploring physics through surfing. This transformative approach to health and sports science education was created to bridge the gap between physics theory and real-world applications in health science and sports performance and rehabilitation.
Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact at SETU, congratulated both colleagues on their success.
“These achievements highlight the exceptional calibre of women in STEM at SETU and the profound impact our staff have in education, research and engagement. Sheila’s work has transformed how maths is perceived nationally, while Amanda represents the next generation of STEM leaders who are opening doors for others. Their recognition is richly deserved and a source of pride for the entire university.” commented Professor Van Hout.
Through initiatives like Calmast and the ongoing work of its academic and outreach teams, SETU continues to champion gender equality in STEM and to inspire participation, confidence and curiosity among learners of all ages.
Find out more about the Women in STEM awards by clicking here.
