DCU ESTEEM Fellowship recipient, Cora Keogh (Mechatronic Engineering student), Christopher McAleer (Actuarial Maths student), Rachael Naughton (The Naughton Foundation)

DCU Students Awarded Prestigious Naughton Fellowships

22/04/2024

Two students from DCU have been awarded an esteemed Naughton Fellowship, which allows Irish students to take part in the summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programme at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana.

Students Cora Keogh, studying Mechatronic Engineering, and Christopher McAleer, studying Actuarial Maths, will be embarking on a 10-week long trip to Indiana over the summer to advance their research abilities in the STEM field.

The Naughton Fellowship, created by The Naughton Foundation, was set up in 2008 to promote the study of engineering, science and technology at third level in Ireland. The main objective of the scholarship is to reward and inspire exceptional students who would like to delve deeper into the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), whether it be in research or industry. The fellowship will cover the living and travel costs of both awardees, allowing both students to gain valuable knowledge and research skills.

Fellowship recipient Christopher McAleer said:

“I applied to the programme for two main reasons. Firstly, I wanted to research a topic that my course (actuarial and financial maths) provided the skills for but didn't explore to a significant degree. I thought that this would leave me with a more well-rounded background when I complete my degree. Due to the relevance of AI and machine learning today, the Trusted AI project attracted my attention. Secondly, I thought it would be a great personal and professional experience. I've never been to the US or outside of the country for more than a week, so I'm looking forward to new experiences. I believe the programme will also help me with further career decisions, in terms of whether research is suitable for me and if I would like to pursue a career as an actuary after college or pivot to a different field.”

Cora Keogh also spoke on her experience thus far, saying:

"I am so delighted to be going to Notre Dame this summer and to take part in such an amazing programme. My mom first came to Ireland from the US to help set up the programme that links Notre Dame and Ireland, so I feel very proud that many years later I get to take part in this programme and get the opportunity to spend time working where she went to university. This opportunity will also be very academically enriching but challenging, and will give me a great opportunity to apply what I’ve learned so far in college and to help me learn, and grow my skill set even more."