EIGHT Limerick students were among 82 from across seven Irish universities to be awarded scholarships as part of Johnson and Johnson’s Women in STEM2D Undergraduate Awards.
The awards, held at Limerick’s Thomond Park, saw 82 female students from across the country honoured for their outstanding work in the STEM2D fields of science, technology, engineering, maths, manufacturing, and design.
Five students from the University of Limerick were honoured during the awards, including Raheen’s Niamh Terranova (who studies applied physics), Avni Bhandari (cybersecurity and IT forensics), and Danielle Rooney (industrial biochemistry) from Patrickswell.
Computer systems student Sharon Akachi Kanu from Grove Island and industrial biochemistry student Niamh Butler from Bruff were also awarded.
Meanwhile, two Limerick students attending University College Cork were also awarded on the night – Aoife Kate Gilmartin from Crecora who is studying mathematical sciences, and Roisin Eileen Musgrave from Clarina, studying physics. Atlantic Technological University Galway student Catherine Kiely from Newton, who studies applied biology and biopharmaceutical science, was also awarded.
This is the ninth year of the annual awards programme in Ireland, which Johnson and Johnson’s says highlights its dedication to promoting female excellence in STEM.
A day-long event, aimed at fostering growth and development in STEM2D students, was hosted by the Company at Thomond Park stadium, with attendees availing of workshops and breakout sessions, gaining essential skills and knowledge to prepare them for successful careers.
Anna Rafferty, WiSTEM2D University Sponsor and Senior Director, Government Affairs Supply Chain, Technical Operation and Risk, at Johnson and Johnson said that “reflecting on the remarkable growth of the WiSTEM2D programme in Ireland is truly inspiring”.
“Since our launch in 2016, this initiative has grown to support nearly 600 students across seven universities, creating pathways for young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields.”
Jenna Bromell, WiSTEM2D University Lead for Limerick and Senior Engineer Process Excellence at Johnson and Johnson MedTech, said that “being part of the WiSTEM2D programme was a transformative experience”.
“I received the award in 2017 as an undergraduate at the University of Limerick, and it inspired me to pursue a career in engineering.”
