Tuesday 10 February 2026

A new scholarship supporting women in engineering and digital health has been awarded for the first time at University of Galway.

Jescintha George Poruthur, a postgraduate student on the MSc in Medical Electronics and Digital Health, is the inaugural recipient of the Maev Creaven Scholarship.

'A pioneer in her field in Ireland'

Dorothy Creaven established the scholarship in memory of her sister, Maev Creaven, a University of Galway graduate and healthcare innovator. An electronic engineering graduate, Maev Creaven was widely regarded as a pioneer in her field in Ireland, combining her scientific training with a commitment to wellbeing, education and practical innovation in healthcare. 

Dorothy Creaven said: “Maev believed in pushing the boundaries of innovation in healthcare and encouraging people to think beyond conventional paths. This scholarship was established in her memory to support women who are applying engineering and technology in ways that can genuinely improve lives. My family and I are proud to see her name associated with a programme that looks forward and supports the next generation of healthcare innovators.”

Dorothy Creaven with scholarship recipient Jescintha George Poruthur and Professor Laoise McNamara, head of the School of Engineering at University of Galway. Image: Andrew Downes, Xposure.

Professor Edward Jones, programme director of the MSc in Medical Electronics and Digital Health at University of Galway, said: “We’re very proud of Jescintha as the inaugural recipient of the Maev Creaven Scholarship.

"She is a wonderful example of the energy and commitment to innovation in medical device technology that we aim to foster in this programme, reflecting the values – innovation, compassion, and impact – that defined Maev’s work. We thank Dorothy for creating a lasting tribute to her sister’s contribution to healthcare.”

Professor Laoise McNamara, head of the School of Engineering at University of Galway, said: “We are sincerely grateful to Dorothy Creaven for establishing this scholarship for women pursuing the MSc in Medical Electronics and Digital Health.

"This scholarship was created in honour of our former student Maev Creaven and reflects her strengths, passions, and commitment to these fields. This scholarship will support talented students with the potential to thrive, creating a legacy that will inspire and empower our graduates to make a meaningful difference in engineering and digital health.”