Academic biography

Dr. Sandra O'Neill is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education in DCU's Institute of Education.

She is DCU's principal investigator for the EU funded OUTSTEAM project which focuses on supporting playful STEM learning outdoors.  Working with partners from Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands, this three-year project will develop resources and guidelines for early childhood and primary settings.  

In 2019, Sandra founded the Early Childhood STEAM Network at DCU. The organisation aims to bring together early childhood educators interested in supporting STEAM in settings for children from birth to six years. The network provides professional development opportunities and a community of practice for educators, researchers and lecturers. 

Her research interests include STEM in early childhood education, early mathematics, post-digital play and children's participation. Her doctoral work focused on EC STEM policy, under the supervision of Dr Liz Chesworth in the University of Sheffield.