What's it like to work in . . . Calmast, Waterford IoT?

Dr Sheila Donegan, Manager of Calmast, Waterford Institute of Technology.Manager

What's it like to work in Calmast?

The aim of Calmast - the Centre for the Advancement of Learning of Maths, Science and Technology - is to show that science is for everyone and to reposition science in Irish culture. I work mainly with primary and secondary students. Working in Calmast is exciting and challenging. At times it can be really hectic and pressured, such as when we have 10,000 people coming in for 50 sessions during science week. But when you see the excitement, particularly with younger kids, it keeps the drive alive. As well as managing Calmast, I lecture in physical chemistry and supervise a chemistry research group in Waterford IT.

How does this job compare to your last job?

Before the establishment of Calmast, I was lecturing and researching full time, so I was dealing with third-level students, post-graduates and industry.

Calmast now lets me work across the whole breadth of the education sector from primary through secondary and onto third level. We've even worked with creches.

As I am still lecturing and an active researcher, I have the best of both worlds - working with scientists of today, but helping to make the scientists and engineers of the future.

What's the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is seeing the reaction and excitement of young kids when they work out a problem or carry out an experiment for themselves - when they see themselves as scientists. I love working in Calmast, it's like having your hobby as a job.

Where's the best place in Waterford IoT to retreat to when you need a break?

At those times, its great to go back into a science lab, and get your hands dirty working on developing new materials and projects for kids.

Who's your education idol?

Sir Harry Kroto, Nobel Prize winner in chemistry in 1996. While being a world-renowned scientist, he still sees the importance of working with children and showing how important science is for the future of mankind and the planet.

He kindly came to Waterford and worked with 200 disadvantaged primary school children.

If you could change one thing about the centre, what would it be?

It would have been founded 10 years ago, rather than two years ago.

What's unique about Calmast?

It is the first centre of its kind in Ireland to promote, support and research the learning of maths, science and technology. Our aim is to promote scientific literacy for all and to reposition science in Irish culture.

We work with all levels, from pre-primary through primary and secondary and the general public. Not only are we helping the engineers and scientists that will drive the knowledge society, but scientific literacy will empower everyone to be full citizens in the knowledge society.