I currently work in the Alumni & Development office in University College Cork (UCC). Previously I was in the Student Health Centre, UCC. My first proper job after I left secondary school and after my training was as a Montessori Teacher. But, I had many jobs in between. I have live in London, Brussels, New Jersey, USA and now back in Cork. I have two adult children and a dog who thinks he is the boss of the house!
30yrs in the construction industry as a QS. enjoy the outdoor life regards sports (rugby / GAA), sea (fishing / sailing) and cross country hiking.
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Aileen Creavin
MSD
Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals
Aileen Creavin
Senior Scientist
I'm a scientist working in a lab in a biopharma company. I've always liked a puzzle and hands on learning and that's what drew me to the field of science and working in a lab.
Aileen is an accredited Executive Coach on UCC’s Internal Coaching Panel with extensive experience coaching both academic and professional services staff and is also a work placement manager. Aileen really enjoys working with students at all levels to facilitate learning particularly around work place skills.
I am director of EMEA Marketing in Autodesk Construction and Autodesk Ireland site lead, based in the EMEA headquarters in Dublin. I have worked in marketing for food, consulting and IT, living in Ireland, France, Germany and the UK. I enjoy running, hiking, travel and cooking.
My name is Aoife. I am from Wexford in the sunny south east of Ireland!
I studied Commerce in UCD after secondary school. After college I completed a graduate programme in the tax team of a global accounting firm, specialising in employment tax and taxes for people moving between different countries.
Now I work for Autodesk, a make and think design software company, in our tax team. Our company creates software used across many industries including architecture & engineering, product design & manufacturing, and media & entertainment.
Hello! My name is Ben, and I'm delighted to be a mentor for "THE B!G iDEA"!
I love to see creativity in all shapes and forms because you'll only know if something works if you try it out!
I didn't really have a plan. I just knew what I liked to do.
And through following my passions travel, technology and learning I have followed a varied and interesting career, helping people and organisations achieve their goals.
I am originally from Italy, but moved to Dublin in 1999 after completing my MEng and working for a period for the university of Bologna.
I have worked in IT for 25 years.
Product owner with Fineos with previous experience in project management and training mainly in financial services and the insurance sector. Outside of work I have an interest in cyberpsychology and digital literacy
I'm a Product leader. I have lead teams at Meta, SurveyMonkey, Build.ai and now Autodesk. I built the first ecommerce capabilities for facebook, restrated self-serve growth at SurveyMonkey and built AI powered online stores at Builder.ai
I love playing board games. These are excellent for developing problem-solving skills while also providing a fun, social experience. In my free time, I enjoy taking my dog to the beach and playing ultimate frisbee, both of which keep me active and connected with nature.
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Christopher Byrne
Unum
technology
Christopher Byrne
Software Engineer
Associate Software Engineer in the Insurance Industry, currently working on some really exciting projects with AI. Looking forward to exploring some great ideas, that will change the world one step at a time.
I live in CO with my son, twin daughters, husband and our cat. I have been in the disability and absence management industry for over 20 years. I enjoy traveling, hiking, and paddleboarding.
I have a Master's in Psychology and was a Social Care Worker for 22 years. I returned to education and have been a Software Engineer for 2 years. I have a great love of animals and chocolate :-)
Senior Advancement Officer, Prospect Research and Due Diligence
Hi everyone! I support University advancement (philanthropic fundraising) by researching prospective and current donors. I also do due diligence (a background check) on prospective donors. I am also a Trustee and Director of a Charity which supports people living in Direct Provision in Cork City. My background is in student experience and recruitment, research and sales. I'm super excited to see your projects!
Irish Life Health
Financial Services/Professional Services/Consulting
Cormac Donnelly
Head of Sales
My career has enabled me to work in many areas, from technical, strategic and client management roles, to now leading a department responsible for commercial activity in Irish Life. I have experience in product creation and design thinking which I hope will help you!
Worked in Finance for 20+ year, from age 18. Worked my way through different departments & levels of management at Citi Bank and Bank of New York.
My passion is people management, mentoring, building teams and helping people navigate through their careers.
3 years ago I moved into IT and love it !
Hello,
I am happy to join the team working with young people to improve their skills. I am sure that sharing experience of regular work is the key to open new perspectives for them.
Thank you
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Dan Little
Dolmen
Design/Creative
Dan Little
Product Designer
Hello, I'm Dan from Donegal. I work in a design consultancy called Dolmen. I work as a design engineer mainly with drinks companies helping them make products to dispense their beverages. I have a huge passion for outdoor sports such as sailing, surfing and triathlon.
A systems thinker keen to contribute to the circular economy–I earned a PhD in Environmental Microbiology. I'm passionate about catalyzing innovation to build sustainable businesses.
My name is Dan, I'm a graduate of Psychology & Computing at UCC, and I'm now studying Design Thinking. I work with student recruitment at UCC, and I'm interested in inclusive and accessible design.
I am currently managing the Project Management Office in Nostra - we are a large Irish Managed Services Company (IT). My team deliver IT related projects to organisations across Ireland and Europe. The technology we deliver allows businesses to focus on their core business while providing leading edge technology to work smarter. I have over 20 years experience in this industry, including sales, logistics, procurement and now Project Management. In my personal life I love Soccer and still play for my local team as a goalkeeper, I coach junior sides and love how participation in sports at an early age can give a platform for young children to learn team work, commitment and responsibility to others while being active.
I work in a finance team for a very cool, forward thinking company called Autodesk. I work with really smart & innovative people where B!G Ideas are paramount!
I'm looking forward to working with some of the brightest minds and lean on my experience to help develop some great B!G Ideas!
Without sounding too cheesy, Richard Branson (very cool guy) once said, "If you have a good idea, sometimes the best thing to do is just share it".
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Dayna O'Reilly
Unum
technology
Dayna O'Reilly
Data Integration Manager
Hi, I'm Dayna, and I've been fortunate to have a diverse career path, from Operations and Supply Chain to my current role as a Data Integration Manager at Unum.
I have worked as a designer for over 25 years in Johnston Shopfitters on various retail & commercial projects & enjoy the variety of work that I get to do, seeing a concept become a reality. This is my first year to mentor and I am looking forward to seeing the creative ideas.
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Dhhruv Sachdeva
University College Cork
Financial Services/Professional Services/Consulting
Dhhruv Sachdeva
Student
Currently enrolled Master's student at University College Cork, pursuing Human Resource Management.
Design Capability Lead for Irl / UK in PA Consulting, an international company with 3000+ consultants. Industrial Designer by training with 40yrs experience in Design Consultancy. Partner for 20+ yrs in Design Partners before it was acquired by PA in 2022. Worked with Multinationals and Start ups on range of projects including Logitech, Dell, ADT, Nokia etc. Have won multiple IDI / IF / Red Dot / Good design awards for products ranging from Security systems, Audio speakers, Healthcare products etc.
I'm a product designer & have been working for Dolmen, a product design consultancy for year and half! working on both consumer goods and medical devices where creativity and problem-solving blend in a fast-paced environment.
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Eoghan Tangney
Linesight
construction
Eoghan Tangney
Quantity Surveying
I am QS with 20+ years experience working with Linesight. I am originally from Kenmare Co. Kerry, but live in Dublin, with my wife and son.
Hi! I’m Eoghan, a product designer from Dolmen Design & Innovation. I currently work on a lot of physical products, but I have a strong base in design research & ideation methods too!
Experienced Business Analyst with expertise in SaaS, Agile, and process optimization. Passionate mentor dedicated to guiding professionals in achieving success through strategic insights.
With a global background in fashion, skincare, gardening, and pet industries, I'm passionate about creative, impactful ideas that engage and empower communities.
After studying a master's degree in Chemical Engineering at Queen' University Belfast, I joined MSD and currently work as a Project Manager. My passions include renewable energies and equality.
Hey! I'm Grace and I work as a UX/UI designer with Dublin based design consultancy Each&Other. I have been working in this role for a year and a half and have a background in product design and entrepreneurship. Can\\\'t wait to meet you all
Helena is an accredited + experienced Mindfulness Coach + Mental Health First Aid Trainer. She has been self employed since 2008; initially as Founder of a Pottery Painting Studio-Giddy Studios.
Hi, James Bilson, I work for UCC in Cork as part of the Access UCC Team, supporting students from underrepresented groups before, during and after their time in UCC. This includes links to schools and the community. I've worked in education for over 20 years, teaching and coordinating programmes.
I have 20 years of experience in Industry. I qualified as a electrician and went to college by night to get an energy management degrees. My passion is protecting our precious planet.
Highly experienced, flexible and innovative engineer in manufacturing sector (semiconductors, pharma), specialising in process and equipment. Energetic, practical, eco-responsible and empathic.
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James Moran
Dolmen
design/creative
James Moran
I am professional product designer and a huge watersports enthusiast. I love surfing, sailing, kitesurfing, diving, kayaking etc....I do also enjoy building as many of my ideas as possible outside of work. Some of my favorite things to make are speakers as there are very little constraints and you are left with a beautiful and functional piece to listen to some music (which I also love). I also enjoy designing things that can directly help to improve peoples lives and I feel this kind of work is best done as a team with multiple insights. I look forward to seeing the Big Idea's this year!
Sociologist and Alternative Education Teacher at Cork Life Centre. Currently undertaking PhD research in Alternative Education
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Jason Wyse
Unum
technology
Jason Wyse
Software Engineer
I am a Software Engineer at Unum, specialising in Front-end Web Development.
I have past experience as a lab demonstrator, and computer science tutor in Maynooth University.
I have 20+ years of experience helping to build out technology solutions focused on absence, accommodations and disability software that supports clients in helping to create a positive employee experience when they need to miss work to care for themselves or loved ones.
Graduate of NCAD in Design & Visual Communication. Have worked as a designer & creative director in the US & Europe and am currently the Creative & Digital Services Lead at MSD, a global biopharma co.
Hello!
I'm a UX designer at Unum. I've worked in other design disciplines before landing in UX.
This is my second year taking part as a Big Idea Mentor. I really enjoyed it last year, seeing all the projects and ideas from the students.
I look foward to connecting with you all.
Jon
Hi! I'm Kacper. I studied electronic engineering in Maynooth University and am now a software engineer in Unum.
I am part of a team that maintains and develops a web application, which is just one piece of a massive ecosystem. Teamwork is everything!
I am a values-driven innovation leader, committed to driving positive change and co-creating transformative solutions. In my work we use a Human Centred Design approach to solve billion dollar challenges with some of the biggest companies in the world.
Born/raised in India and now lived in America for 35 years. Been in IT space for 30+ years now. Happily married for 27 years with 2 fine men. Serving as Adult leader in Scouting for 15+ years.
I am a HR Analyst with 3.5 years of experience in HR. I work at FINEOS, a global software company based in Dublin. Looking forward to reading all the amazing B!G Idea entries!
I have worked in IT for 30+ years, starting as a developer, and now managing teams for the last 15 or so. I love seeing my teams grow and develop and learning from them every day. In my spare time you'll find me walking, reading, baking or sitting at my sewing machine making quilts.
I'm a System Architect with over 20 years of experience working in the software industry. I'm also a Mam of 2. In my free time I garden, do a bit of sewing, read, listen to music and swim.
Gardening! I Design gardens for people's homes and for community spaces mainly in Dublin. Plus I teach Horticulture to TY students.
I aim to help people fall back in love with Nature. Simple As.
Hi! My name is MaryClare and I am a small business owner and a PhD researcher at University College Cork in the School of Applied Psychology.
I recently moved to Cork (from Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA) with my partner, 13 year old child, and 3 year old Boston Terrier. I moved here to start my PhD and I am in love with this country and I never want to leave!
In my career, I have worked in community organizations that work to improve mental health and quality of life for people from all walks of life. Some of the different programs I have led include: developing housing opportunities for youth exiting (aging-out) of foster care; mental health and other services for LGBTQIA+ youth; parenting support programming for parents who are struggling in various ways; prevention programming for youth at high risk for drug use, poor mental health, or suicide/self-harm; and treatment for people who are struggling with drug use. The small business I'm running now helps organizations (like all of those I've worked in before) with strategic planning, leadership development, and to gain government or grant funding.
I'm a curious and innovative thinker who loves exploring new ideas across different platforms. I thrive in team settings, both agile and otherwise, and I'm known for my self-motivation and creativity. I hold a First Class Honours degree in Product Design Innovation and have a strong passion for design thinking and consumer-focused problem solving.
INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork
Marketing
Michelle Dorgan
Communications and Public Engagement Manager
I work as the Communications and Public Engagement Manager, at the INFANT Research Centre, UCC. INFANT specialises in maternal and child health research and I work with lots of researchers, scientists, clinicians, academics, post graduate students, engineers and others. In my role, I look after all the communications, marketing and outreach activities for INFANT.
Hi there! My name is Neasa Egan and I currently working as Wearables Designer in PA Dublin. My role bridges both fashion and product design, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to share some of my industry based insights with new and up and coming creatives. Reach out for a chat!
IADT Dun Laoghaire / RTE TV / Freelance
Scenographer & Academia
Patrick Molloy
Head of Department Film & Media IADT DL (Retired) / Sn Production Designer RTE Des Dept. (Retired)
Patrick has experience in Industrial Design for TV, exhibitions, film and events; Former: Sn. Designer RTE, Head of Dept. Film & Media IADT. Dun Laoghaire, Mentor ‘Creative Process’ at Uversity. Member IDI https://www.idi-design.ie/ Member of (ISPD) ) https://isssd.ie/
Originally from Limerick, Studied Product Design & Tech in the University of Limerick and now working for Dolmen Design & Innovation in Dublin.
I have been in the industrial design industry for just under two years now and am looking forward to sharing my knowledge of identifying issues to solve with the design process.
I'm an all-rounder in industrial design with experience in electronics, 3D modelling, user interface design, and fluid dynamics. I'm also very quick to get along with people and love to work alongside people to achieve their goals.
I'm really looking forward to meeting the students and helping them to visualize and execute on their Big Idea!
Hi. I am an accountant who has been working for Autodesk for 5.5 years. I live in Dublin with my Brazilian wife. I like watching and paying football (soccer). Also like travelling, movies and reading
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Paul McGrath
Unum
technology
Paul McGrath
Principal IT Service Manager
I'm Paul, been working with Unum for 7 years. I live in Tipperary with my wife and 3 children. I'm a problem solver, help teams fix things and look to come up process improvements.
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Peter Haraszti
Amdocs
Technology
Peter Haraszti
Director
I am a mobile telecommunication software engineer specialised in 4G/5G policy and charging control. I did mentoring last year and am doing the same this year, too. I love to see the creative thinking coming from the student teams and give them feedback and encouragement.
Principal Designer in Healthcare with PA consulting Ireland. I work across three areas including Industrial design, Medical packaging design and H.F.E, Human Factors Engineering.
I loved languages at school and completed a degree in French and Irish after my Leaving Cert.
I was lucky enough to study abroad in Bordeaux, France for the third year of my degree.
My first apartment was just like the one in Ratatouille!
After college, I thought I wanted to be a secondary school teacher but it wasn't for me.
I moved to London 'for a year' to study French translation and it was 8 years later before I moved home to Cork.
During my first job in London, I worked in account management at a translation agency and got to use my language skills with clients in France and Belgium.
I then started working in the international education sector.
That role allowed me to see a lot of the world and I visited Egypt, Oman, the UAE, Kuwait, India and the USA.
I really enjoyed working with colleagues, students and education agents from all over the world.
In my current role at UCC, I support students from Ireland, the UK and Europe to find a postgraduate programme that will support their future goals.
I can't wait to learn more about this year's Big Idea projects in the weeks ahead.
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Pruthviraj Bhamare
Nostra
technology
Pruthviraj Bhamare
IT Support Analyst
I am Pruthviraj Bhamare, IT Support Analyst at Nostra, Valeo in Tuam. With a Master's in Cloud Computing and 4+ years in IT, I aim to mentor students, sharing experience and industry growth strategies
Rachael, a University of Colorado alumna, has spent 10+ years in the US absence management industry and is passionate about crafting innovative, sustainable solutions.
In my work, I enjoy understanding businesses and helping our customers solve technology problems.
Outside work, I have a wife and daughter, two dogs, and anywhere from 6-12 horses that keep me busy!
From crafting visuals in Detroit to a more immersive role helping shape UX in Dublin, meet the designer who\'s passionate about community-building and exploration 👋🏽 Sami is currently a UX Designer with Each&Other. She has a mix of prior experience in marketing, film, and graphic design.
I am a tutor in DCU for a module, Uaneen Award, that develops students' critical thinking skills and identifys transferable leadership competencies gained through extracurricular involvement. I also design interactive learning materials. I have an elderly cat that likes to rob food.
I’m a designer who loves digging deep into research and turning big ideas into real solutions. I’ve tackled all kinds of projects across industries, blending human insight with technical know-how to create tools and apps that work seamlessly. I get most excited about projects that create lasting impact actually make the world a better place.
I am currently working as a UX/UI Designer at UNUM Ireland. I've a Master of Arts degree in Design Research and a Product Design Innovation graduate degree from the Institute of Technology Carlow. I have honed my skills in design research, problem-solving, user research, and product development.
I am a 26 year old industrial designer working for Dolmen. I adore working creatively on a variety of problems and applying critical thought to solve these problems
Hi, I'm Sinéad. I'm a Chartered Accountant and Internal Auditor. I'm originally from Co. Clare and now live in Dublin. I'm also Mum to a teenager. I'm super interested in the SGD's and have been involved in schools debating adjudication in the past. Looking forward to being a B!G Idea mentor!
University College Cork/Saol Research Consultancy
Academia
Siobhan O Neill
Research Support Officer/Research Consultant
Siobhán has a background in applied psychology and currently works as a Research Support Officer on European funded Artificial Intelligence projects. Siobhán also owns a research consultancy business, providing research services to charities, not-for-profits, and organisations.
Stefanie is a seasoned Project Manager and business leader with over 20 years of experience in various industries. She is passionate about mentoring and coaching others. Originally from Germany, she has lived in the USA for over 25 years (New York City and Colorado). In her free time, Stefanie enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and 2 dogs. She can often be found hiking, doing yoga, cooking, or reading.
I started my working life as an electrical design draughtsman in the Signalling department in CIE 45 years ago, moved into building services when I emigrated to Australia, I discovered a passion for technology when I first started to use CADD, started working in IT when Compaq opened their call centre in Dublin in 1997. I stayed with Compaq/HP for 21 years, having a number of roles there. L1 technician (UK&I), L2 engineer (EMEA), L2 manager(EMEA) , Project manager for global support organisation and finally a global product support trainer. I left HP in early 2018, I worked for a few months teaching IT to Youth Reach students in Leixlip. I joined Enclave (a small MSP) in June of 2018, as a technical coordinator, I became a service manager in 2020, shortly before Enclave was acquired by Nostra.
I am software test engineer who has keen interest in learning new technologies and tools. Other activities that I have taken up recently or as part of my hobby are archer, Acrylic landscape painting and books.
I am a Chartered Quantity Surveyor working in Dublin, within the Life Sciences sector, for a pharmaceutical client. I have over 24 years experience in the construction industry, over 11 years as a QS.