2014 Eva Marie Acton

2014 BSc Education Science Teacher, Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar

2020 got off to a great start for Eva Marie Acton. Awarded the Analog Devices Educator of Excellence Award for Technology 2020 at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition earlier this year, Eva Marie received one of the four teacher awards which were given out nationally for educators of excellence in technology. Her students, who had six projects in the competition, won a Met Éireann special award and had three projects highly commended.

Eva Marie has entered 20 projects in BTYS since graduating from Maynooth University. Eva Marie graduated with her BSc Science Education in 2014 after joining the course as a mature student. She subsequently established Coláiste Coding, a lunch time coding club in her school Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar. The Mullingar school went on to be selected as one of the first 40 schools to implement Leaving Certificate Computer Science, which will be examined for the first time in 2020. As she told The Bridge, “When I look back on my time in Maynooth University, I find myself wishing I could go back and do it all over again! “I was supported on my learning journey every step of the way by the fantastic staff at MU. The lecturers knew us by name and were always available to help. We all felt part of the same team.

What is particularly special about Maynooth is that even after I graduated, I was still supported. When I sought advice about setting up a coding club, and establishing computer science in my school, the lecturers were still very interested and willing to assist me. “A highlight of my time in MU was the opportunity to be part of the exchange with St. Mary’s College in Indiana. This research experience shaped me both as a teacher and a collaborator. The biggest thing I have taken away from my time in MU is the friendships I have built. These lifelong friendships are priceless and are cherished now more than ever.”