Dr. O’Connell is currently Head of the Department of IT at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). Janice embraces a multi-tiered role that incorporates her current role and a secondment as the Mid-West Technology Ambassador. Her previous experience includes a blend of industry and academia: employed as a Software Developer for large multinationals and SMEs, self-employed in Ireland and Australia as a Software Engineer, and employed in both the private (GCD) and public academic sectors (UL and LIT/TUS). Janice co-founded Limerick for IT, which is a volunteer network of local industry, government agencies, and academia. Limerick for IT was instrumental in shaping the future vision of the Mid-West Region, broadening the partner network, developing IT as a key sectoral growth opportunity, up-skilling IT talent management and acquisition which also future proofed graduate skills and career opportunities. Janice has a unique in-depth knowledge of the skills needs of the technology sector across the region, comprehensive experience of the education system and sector, and an extensive business network.
Janice’s creativity and innovation stems from her varied educational background, which includes: degree in Applied Mathematics, Grad Dip in Computing, MSc in Computing, and PhD in Entrepreneurship.