Donegal students were highly commended for the hard work they put into their entries into the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin this weekend.
The national competition encourages students to pursue their interests in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and awards are given out for the most innovative ideas.
Pictured is President Michael D Higgins with students Emma Nic Aoidh and Aoife Ni Dhochartaigh from Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal during the President’s visit where he offically opened the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2017.
Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography 2017
Andrea McGlynn, Katie Slevin, and Ana Keon from Choláiste Cholmcille were highly commended for their project within the Biological and Ecological category which explored if mirror therapy can improve basketball skills.
Magh Ene College students Tara Dolan and Chloe Kilkenny were also highly commended for their research into parental attitudes in the North-West towards the HPV vaccine in the Social and Behavioural Sciences category.
Teacher Siobhan Uí Shearcaigh from Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair was one of four teachers in Ireland to receive the Intel Educator of Excellence award.
Martina Nolan, Product Development Engineer at Intel Ireland presents the The Intel Educator of Excellence Award to: Siobhan Ui Shearcaigh, Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair Donegal
Photo Fennell Photography
Speaking to Donegal Woman from the event, Magh Ene Science teacher Ms Yvonne Higgins said; “It’s a great achievement for the students to get to this stage of the competition. Less than a quarter of people who enter get here. From more than 2,000 entries only 550 projects are accepted.”
Yvonne Higgins and TY students from Magh Éne College, Bundoran
“We’ve been entering the BT Young Scientist competition for the last 10 years, with 48 projects and 100 students representing the school in that time. This year we have seven girls and two boys and it’s great to see how many girls are showing an interest in science.”
Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Joe McHugh TD was honoured to award the Irish Aid-sponsored ‘Science for Development’ prize to pupils from Limerick.
Minister McHugh said; “I was really inspired meeting students on my visit around the exhibition today. It is wonderful to see young people using their time and scientific expertise to question, explore and examine how to improve the lives of the most vulnerable.”
“I am delighted to support an award which encourages teachers and students to develop ideas to reduce poverty and promote social justice in the Global South.”
