Tell It Straight 2025, Final Competition
The Graduate Studies Office is delighted to announce the winners and runners-up of the 'Tell It Straight' competition 2025! Marking its twelfth year, this annual event has become an important date in the DCU Research Student calendar. It serves as a platform for our talented research student community to showcase their innovative research and its potential impact to a broader audience, without the use of jargon.
From a large pool of initial entrants, 15 outstanding students made it to the final round held on 5 March 2025. In today's globally competitive job market, communication skills are more crucial than ever, making this event a vital opportunity for our research students.
Professor Sharon O’Brien, Dean of Graduate Studies, emphasised the significance of 'Tell It Straight 2025' and extended congratulations to all finalists, remarking:
"This competition celebrates the diverse range of research topics explored by our students at DCU. It's a chance for them to refine their ideas, articulate their discoveries, and engage with a wider audience, all while fostering fresh perspectives."
Special appreciation is owed to our esteemed external judging panel members, comprising of Anthony McCauley, Programme Advisor to the Skillnet Ireland Small Business Incentive Scheme; Dr Claire O’Connell, freelance journalist at the Silicon Republic and the Irish Times; and Dr Lisa Keating, Director of Research & Innovation at the Irish Universities’ Association.
Congratulations to this year’s winners and runners-up across the three categories, and heartfelt thank you is also extended to every finalist who contributed to the event's vibrant diversity.
Winner from Category 1: Jake Tiernan - School of Psychology, ‘The Game Within: Exploring the Brain Processes behind Split-Second Decisions in Elite Footballers’
Runner-Up from Category 1: Deirbhle Nic An Aoire - School of Psychology, ‘Understanding and responding to intimate partner violence in the LGBTQIA+ community’
Winner from Category 2: Megan Griffiths - School of Policy & Practice, ‘Best Practices in Science Education for Gifted Students: Developing Resources, Worked Examples and Guidelines for Teachers’
Runner-Up from Category 2: Hugh Mohan - School of Chemical Sciences, ‘Improving Cancer Treatments with Carbon Nano-Onions'
Winner from Category 3: Méabh Ní Shluáin - Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge, ‘What's the Scéal? First-Hand Tales from University Learners of the Irish Language’
Runner-Up from Category 3: Sukanya Shukla - School of Theology, Philosophy & Music, ‘The Ethics of Green Nudging’
The other participants in Tell It Straight were: Kate Murphy, Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge; Teresa Clifford, Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge; Therese Lundin, School of Applied Language & Intercultural Studies; Jane Gaffey, School of Psychology; Michela Lorandi, School of Computing; Michele Pringle, School of Policy & Practice; Avril Deegan, School of Psychology; Larissa Bless, School of Biotechnology; Lorna Doherty, School of Health & Human Performance.
For more details, please visit dcu.ie/tellitstraight
The final was held on 5 March 2025
