An ATU graduate from Donegal has been recognised for her outstanding achievements. Having completed the Masters in Assistive Technology and Universal Design at Dublin City University, the young woman has gone on to make remarkable contributions to the field of disability services. From developing new assistive technologies to advocating for accessibility at a national level, her dedication and expertise have earned her this prestigious honour. In this article, we’ll delve into her journey and highlight her notable accomplishments along the way.
Joseph McGrenra, a civil engineering graduate from Buncrana, Donegal, has been honoured by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) for his exceptional academic work. Alongside Michael Macken from Mayo, Joseph was recognised at the IStructE Republic of Ireland Regional Hub Annual Dinner 2023 which took place last month in the Marker Hotel in Dublin. Joseph, a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Level 7) graduate from Athlone Technological University (ATU), was awarded the IStructE Student Technician prize for his outstanding structural engineering project entitled “The Design & Analysis of Embedded Retaining Systems”, which he completed as an undergraduate in 2022.
Joseph’s recognition by the IStructE highlights his hard work and dedication to his studies, which have culminated in this prestigious award. Currently working for HML Ltd, construction and civil engineering contractors, Joseph’s exceptional talent in the field of civil engineering is expected to take him far.
The IStructE Student Awards are a fantastic opportunity for young individuals to showcase their undergraduate and postgraduate research in structural engineering. ATU’s Department of Civil Engineering & Construction is delighted that its students have been recognised for the quality of their work. Dr. Tomas O’Flaherty, Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering & Construction at ATU, highlighted the importance of the IStructE Student Awards and congratulated Joseph and Michael on their achievements.
Dr. O’Flaherty said, “The IStructE student awards are a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their undergraduate and postgraduate research in structural engineering, and we are delighted to see the hard work of Michael and Joseph recognised.”
Head of Department of Civil Engineering and Construction at ATU Donegal, Anne Boner, also congratulated Joseph and Michael. Boner said, “It is a great achievement which reflects the standard of student work and the quality of Civil Engineering education at ATU. This is a national competition that ATU undergraduates have had considerable success with in the past and happily continue to do so.”
Joseph’s award demonstrates that civil engineering is an excellent field to consider for students seeking to build a career in engineering. Civil engineering deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and buildings, meaning that civil engineers are instrumental in shaping the urban landscape. Civil engineering is an essential profession as it helps to improve the quality of life in towns and cities worldwide.
In Ireland, institutions such as the IStructE play a valuable role in recognising the hard work of engineering graduates such as Joseph and Michael, encouraging them to continue to innovate and thrive in their careers. This recognition serves as an inspiration to other students studying engineering, highlighting the immense potential the field holds.
In conclusion, Joseph McGrenra’s achievement in winning the IStructE Student Technician prize is a testament to his commitment to his studies and his exceptional talent in the field of civil engineering. Athlone Technological University can now proudly count Joseph as one of its success stories, highlighting the high standard of its civil engineering education. Joseph’s story serves as motivation for other engineering students, offering a glimpse into the potential of a career in civil engineering.
