Biography
Brenda is an economic development specialist and agraduate of University College Cork. (U.C.C). She has a BA in Economics and French- a postgraduate diploma in rural development and a research based M.Sc. in Development Economics. During her post graduate years she completed funded research on economic development issues in Ireland and Poland and Zimbabwe. Following her Masters she worked for twelve years in the area Development Economics and Emergency Operations across the Developing world.
Brenda returned to Ireland in 2004 and took up her current position at SETU.
Brenda currently lectures economics modules on the following courses
- Bachelors in Business Studies - Micro and Macro Economics
- Higher Certificate in Business Studies day and part time course – Micro and Macro Economics.
- BA in Digital Marketing and BA International Business
- BA Fashion Buying .
In addition, she has supervised thesis students at Masters and Degree level and lectured modules in Operational Management and Development Economics.
Monze, Zambia-Development and Enterprise Co-ordinator. designed and developed a pilot village bank for local entrepreneurs. In addition, conducted training and development for Micro Business Enterprises.
Lusaka, Zambia- Agricultural Credit Manager. co-ordinated an agricultural revolving loan fund for Co-operative League of the USA. The loan fund provided loans for cash crop production.
Khartoum, Sudan, Consultant Evaluator. conducted an end of programme review for an GOAL.
Kabul, Afghanistan. Operations Manager. Programme Co-ordinator for GOAl Kabul. I was responsible for operational functions of procurement, logistics and donor reporting.
Banda Ache, Indonesia. Operations Coordinator. I was part of a team of secondary responders to the Asian Tsunami, where I co-ordinated operations for UN funded water and sanitation programme.
Juba, South Sudan. Operations Manager. I co-ordinated countrywide procurement, logistics, HR and security for an GOAL and Malaria Consortium
Economics is all around us and not just an abstract supply and demand model. It is an interesting time to lecture economics. As a result of the war in Ukrian and the energry crisis, exposure to economic debate in the media has introduced phrases such as ‘fiscal constraction’ and ‘cost push inflation" "tightning of monetary policy’ into every day language. Students learn best when they can see the purpose of what they are studying. I am constantly challenging students to read articles, listen to podcasts, watch youtube clips, follow economists on twitter and apply taught concepts to the real world.
I use blending learning techniques in the classroom such as appropriate online material, tech aids such as Kahoot and Padlet. In addition, I use problem-based learning tools, where students complete in class group exercises to reinforce understanding.
I keep up to date on current economic and political developments by attending local and regional seminars.