Dr. Cullen, Dr. Bradley, and Crinela Dragan Present Research

WeSTEMEU project group was presented past October 23th with insightful case studies from Dr. Gary Cullen, Dr. Laura Bradley, and Crinela Dragan, each sharing their pioneering work in STEM education, entrepreneurship, and gender equality.

Dr. Cullen highlighted the success of the ATU STEM Outreach Project, which has been instrumental in advancing computer science education in Donegal. Since the introduction of Computer Science in the Leaving Certificate (LCCS) in 2018, ATU has trained specialized teachers and developed a university degree specifically for LCCS students. This initiative has contributed to Donegal’s emergence as a key region for Ireland's digital economy, offering local graduates promising tech career opportunities without the need to relocate. Once an underdeveloped area, Donegal is now a vital center for tech education and employment.

Dr. Laura Bradley, an expert in marketing, focused on the Atlantic Futures project, a cross-border research initiative funded by the North-South Research Programme and part of the Shared Island Fund. Dr. Bradley’s research, which includes inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation in global digital financial services, plays a crucial role in supporting small businesses. She collaborates with Enterprise Ireland and InvestNI, helping to drive growth and innovation for small enterprises across the region.

Lastly, Crinela Dragan, a PhD candidate at the University of Bucharest, shared her ongoing research on gender equality in the labor market. Dragan presented her study, “Women in STEM Worldwide: A Descriptive Approach on Women’s Representation in STEM Industries,” where she explored the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, the challenges they face, and the importance of fostering greater female participation in these sectors. Her work highlighted the social and professional benefits of empowering women in STEM roles.