Profile
Trish O'Connell
My CV
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Education:
Holy Faith Convent Dublin
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Qualifications:
BSc, B.Eng, mSc, PhD
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Work History:
Engineer, Engineering manager, Engineering Consultant, Lecturer
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Current Job:
Lecturer in ATU
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About Me
Hello! I'm Trish & I am a mathematics & statistics lecturer. I live in Galway with a Tibetan spaniel (Jazz), two cats (Puzzle & Mizu), Fluffy the snake and Dave my long suffering husband!!!
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I think I could best describe as an accidental mathematician!!!
I did a degree in Mathematics & Experimental Physics years ago & I’ll admit I only did it because my big brother said I was too stupid to do it….
After my degree I worked as an engineer and absolutely loved it. No day was ever the same – different issues needed to be solved
Roll on to now & I find myself teach Mathematics & Statistics in the Atlantic Technological University and I can honestly say I have found my passion!
I teach to all levels (Years 1 to 4) of the BSc(Hons) in Biopharmaceutical Science and also the BSc. (Hons) in Medical science.
Recently I used my Statistics to gain global accreditation as a Six Sigma Black Belt. Six Sigma is a quality improvement methodology that is used in manufacturing companies. It uses quite a bit of Statistics and I was fortunate to have used many of the tools & techniques when I was an engineer.
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My pronouns are
She/her
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How I Use Maths In My Job:
I teach students the Maths & Stats that they need to be successful in their choice of study.
In first year this means a good grounding in Algebra, Calculus & Statistics
Depending on the course in Years 2 to 4 I tend to customise the maths to the students course.
For example in my medical Science Statistics classes I use medical data and terminology to make what they are learning authentic to the profession in which they will eventually work
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My Work
I teach Maths & Stats (theory & using computers)to students in ATU who need these as part of their professional qualifications (Medical Scientists, Biopharmaceutical Scientists etc.)
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Classes start at 9am for me on most weekdays. I teach across six programmes ( courses):
BSc in Applied Biology & Biopharmaceutical Science (Hons) Year 2
BSc in Applied Biology & Biopharmaceutical Science (Hons) Year 4
BSc in Medical Science (Hons) Year 1
BSc in Medical Science (Hons) Year 2
BSc in Medical Science (Hons) Year 3
MSc in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
I teach both theory and use computers to show students how to perform statistical calculations easily with the aid of technology
A typical day for me involves teaching either theory or using statistical software on a mix of the programs above….
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What I'd do with the prize money
Use it as prize money for best Maths/Stats student project
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Enthusiastic empathetic teacher
What or who inspired you to follow your career?
My big brother
What's your favourite use for maths in everyday life?
showing students why its useful
What did you think about Maths when you were in school?
Wasn't a fan!
What did you want to be after you left school?
Doctor
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Rarely but yes!!
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Therapist
Who is your favourite singer or band?
BTS
What's your favourite food?
anything Thai
What is the most fun thing you've done?
Cage diving in South Africa
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Be healthy, wealthy & smarter....
Tell us a joke.
Three out of two people struggle with fractions!
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