Johnson & Johnson announced its Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate Award recipients from Munster Technological University. The award recognises outstanding female students in STEM2D disciplines: science, technology, engineering, maths, manufacturing and design.
Each recipient will receive a student award, industry mentoring and leadership training, along with the opportunity to attend careers workshops, visit Johnson & Johnson sites and participate in WiSTEM2D events designed to support them with pursuing future STEM careers.
The undergraduate programme was first introduced at University of Limerick in 2016. Since then, it has expanded to include University College Cork in 2018, and University of Galway in 2021, and Munster Technological University in 2022, supporting more than 400 female students over the past six years.
The 10 students selected were:
- Caoimhe Ní Fhlaitheartaigh; Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Bandon, Co Cork
- Jane Cowhey; Biomedical Engineering; Cork city
- Iffah Shah; Biomedical Engineering; Bishopstown, Co Cork
- Caoimhe Sexton; Biomedical Engineering; Shankiel, Co Cork
- Abbey Cummins; Instrument Engineering; Rochestown, Co Cork
- Lauryn Murray; Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Glanmire, Co Cork
- Laura Condon; Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Watergrasshill, Co Cork
- Mary O’Riordan; Biomedical Engineering; Aherla, Co Cork
- Kate Brady; Structural Engineering; Macroom, Co Cork
- Aideen Buckley; Structural Engineering; Farran, Co Cork
Colm Hynes, site lead at DePuy Synthes Ireland said: “As part of our effort to ignite the power of women, create healthier societies and improve human health, Johnson & Johnson is committed to building a diverse WiSTEM2D community.
"We are delighted to welcome Munster Technological University into the programme this year, and further reinforce our commitment to developing a pipeline of diverse STEM leaders for the future.
"As leaders in the STEM industry, we recognise the important role we have to play in helping to bridge the gap which still exists in terms of gender equality in leadership positions. Programmes like WiSTEM2D help allow us to partner with academic institutions to develop high-impact strategies which can inspire and support the STEM workforce of the future.”
Munster Technological University President, Professor Maggie Cusack, said: “My warmest 2D Awards programme, both our organisations have a long history of encouraging women into STEM.
"At MTU we are proud to have a strong pipeline of female STEM graduates who have gone on to lead rewarding careers, many in senior management roles. This new collaboration with Johnson & Johnson will see us strengthen our commitment to helping women reach their full potential across the sector.”
The awards ceremony was held in DePuy Ireland, Ringaskiddy, and was also attended by Mairead O’Meara, Director of Operations, DePuy Synthes; Maria Dalton, Director of Engineering, Sciences and Technology, DePuy Synthes; Michael Loftus, VP for External Affairs, Munster Technological University; and Eveleen Clancy, Senior Process Engineer, DePuy Synthes. Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award scholarship were also presented with bespoke framed glass artwork created by Fermoy-based artist, Suzanne O’Sullivan.