The Team
Rachel Farrell
UCD School of Education
Centre Director with overall responsibility for co-ordinating the activities of the centre in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team as outlined below.
Karen Maye
UCD School of Education
Cyberwise project manager and PhD candidate in school-university partnerships.
Marelle Rice
UCD School of Education
Cyberwise project manager and PhD candidate in the area of Global Citizenship Education in Initial Teacher Education – leveraging the intersection between SDGs and technology.
Dr Olga Ioannidou
UCD School of Education
Dr Olga Ioannidou has extensive expertise in education and research impact to address and dismantle gender biases in educational settings. Drawing on her experience with international projects like FEDORA and SciKids, Olga brings a nuanced understanding of how gender biases can manifest in early education and beyond. Her work in the project focuses on developing strategies to integrate gender-sensitive approaches into teacher education and curriculum design, ensuring that educators are equipped to foster more inclusive and equitable learning environments.
Dr Rob Brennan
Computer Science & ADAPT Centre
Member of Advisory Board with responsibility for AI and cyber related crisis management.
Dr Eugenio Lilli
The Clinton institute for American Studies
Centre Deputy Director with responsibility for the intersection of cyber technologies and global affairs.
The project plans to bridge the gender gap in computer science and cybersecurity through various strategies:
Providing hands-on experiences, role models, and mentorship to encourage girls’ interest and participation in these fields.
Establishing inclusive learning environments that eliminate gender biases and promote diversity.
Highlighting and amplifying the achievements of women in computer science and cybersecurity to inspire the next generation of female professionals.
Collaborating with industry partners to implement strategies addressing gender bias within organisations.
Challenging stereotypes and promoting gender equality through educational activities and engaging discussions.
Developing critical thinking and inquiry-based learning skills among students to equip them for challenges in the digital world.
Creating mentoring schemes with local experts to provide visible role models and facilitate interactions between students and professionals.
Fostering an online community of practice for teachers to collaborate, share resources, and exchange best practices in computer science and cybersecurity education.
Providing accessible digital resources and engaging with relevant communities to promote the importance of computer science and cybersecurity education.
The expected outcomes of the project include:
- Increased positive attitudes towards computer science and cybersecurity among girls in target schools.
- Fostering engagement with STEM subjects and sparking a passion that motivates girls to pursue further studies and careers in computer science and cybersecurity.
- Empowering students to become future leaders in computer science and cybersecurity by boosting their aspiration, motivation, and confidence.
- Reduction of unconscious gender bias through increased awareness and appreciation of women’s achievements in these fields.
- Development of critical thinking and inquiry-based learning skills among participating students – supports GCE.
- Establishment of strong connections between schools and the industry through mentoring schemes with local experts.
- Creation of a supportive network for ongoing engagement and knowledge-sharing in computer science and cybersecurity education.
- Long-term impact on girls’ attitudes towards STEM subjects and careers.
