TUS Celebrates 62% Increase in PhD and Masters by Research Graduates

Pictured at the recent TUS Graduations (L-R) June O’Byrne Prior; Dr. Catriona Murphy; Professor Vincent Cunnane; PhD awardee, Dr. Emma Carroll; Master of Business by Research awardee, Ciara Coughlan; Josephine Feehily; and Dr. Liam Brown.

For a third consecutive year, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has celebrated the conferral of its largest-ever cohort of PhD and Masters by Research students across its Midlands and Midwest campuses.

2024 witnessed a remarkable 62% increase in the number of PhD graduates compared to 2023, with a total of 42 PhD and 15 Masters by Research conferrings.

Notably in the Midlands, the first award of a fully remote PhD to Dr Terra Kremer, Director of Microbiology Quality at Johnson & Johnson, USA. Dr Kremer developed a novel cleaning technique for reusable medical devices under the supervision of Prof Neil Rowan, Faculty of Science and Health. Additionally, TUS also bestowed its first PhD awards from the Faculty of Business and Hospitality to Dr Luisa Golz and Dr Patryk Makowski on the Athlone Campus.

Dr Terra Kremer, recipient of TUS’s first fully remote PhD, is pictured with supervisor Prof Neil Rowan, TUS President Prof. Vincent Cunnane and TUS Governing Body Chair, Josephine Feehily. Photo credit: Jeff Harvey.

Across our Moylish campus, six of 15 Masters by Research conferrals were graduates of the Digitalisation of Manufacturing programme. Supported by IBEC Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA) and led by Dr John Cosgrove, Director of the IDEAM Research Institute, students specialise in industry-focused immersed digitalisation projects. Further reinforcing TUS’s continuing commitment to deliver enterprise ready graduates.

Congratulating this year’s cohort, Dr Liam Brown, VP for Research Development & Innovation at TUS, said: “Our strong connections with leading industries and the local community enhance the employability of our graduates across Ireland. This high demand for our students is reflected in the diverse nature of our applied collaborations, which cultivate award-winning researchers who excel in their fields.”

Highlighting TUS’ support for lifelong learning and career progression, 12 of this year’s graduates were staff members. Among them, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology graduate Dr Sarah O’Toole whose research focused on enhancing student engagement in blended and online learning environments.

Recently graduated TUS Faculty of Business and Hospitality PhD candidates Dr Luisa Golz and Dr Patryk Makowski are pictured with their supervisors, TUS President Prof. Vincent Cunnane, TUS Governing Body Chair, Josephine Feehily and TUS staff. Photo credit: Jeff Harvey.

Dr Lisa Moran, Dean of Graduate Studies and Head of the Graduate School, said: “This is another strong performance from TUS in relation to the quality of research produced by our students and the increasing numbers of graduates with Masters by Research and PhD degrees in 2024. The opportunities for powerful societal impact from this research are immense. This is a further testament to the calibre of teaching, learning and research supervision at TUS.”

Graduates were mentored by leading supervisors in the areas of Advanced Manufacturing, BioPharma, Food, ICT, Hospitality, Tourism, Creative Industries and Sustainable Development, all of which serve to enhance industry, policy and society.

As celebrations continue, this month TUS welcomes 34 new PhD and Masters by Research students supported under the TUS RISE programme, who will collaborate with enterprise to develop innovative, high-value research initiatives aligned with regional specialisms, strengths and expertise.