DR DONNA O’SHEA, LECTURER IN COMPUTER SCIENCE, CORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Dr O’Shea graduated with a BSc in Software Development & Computer Networking (re-titled Computer Systems) (2002), a Master of Engineering by research (2004) and a Degree in Philosophy (PhD) (2007) from CIT.

Currently a lecturer in Cloud Computing, Dr O’Shea is also a group speaker of the Computer Science research group called Ríomh (Cloud and Distributed Systems Group) and is a research fellow in the SFI Connect Centre for Future Networks. Her research expertise lies in the area of network and service management with a specific focus on the design, analysis and optimisation of wired and wireless communication systems, networks and services. During her PhD studies, she made a significant contribution in the area of service, provisioning for Beyond 3rd Generation (B3G) networks.

“On completion of my PhD, I spent five years working as a software developer in IBM,” says Dr O’Shea. “The exposure to industry and participation in team-based projects provided me with invaluable experience. I collaborated with teams globally and, as part of my remit, I worked on cloud-based services. Following on from this phase of my career, I became interested in lecturing about four years ago.”

“My current remit extends far beyond just lecturing. It also entails the development of new programmes, which incorporates reviewing current computer science trends, making sure our modules are up-to-date and engaging with industry stakeholders.

“About two years ago, a group of companies in the Munster region contacted our Head of Faculty, Michael Loftus, and our Head of Department, Tim Horgan, to develop a new programme to provide career development opportunities for information developers. Information developers or technical communicators are individuals who author technical documentation with the aim of ensuring that design, projects and systems are documented and conveyed to their target audience.

“At present there’s a severe skill shortage of individuals in this profession in the Munster region and it was my responsibility to lead the programme development of this new MSc award from beginning to end. This programme is now delivered fully online and I manage it on a day-to-day basis.”

Dr O’Shea is a committee member of IEEE UK Ireland Women in Engineering. She says: “I’m very passionate about supporting women in engineering. It is a fantastic profession and I think we need more women to balance out the workforce because the reality is that it is a male-dominated environment. In this profession, I’ve never been out of a job. The opportunities are huge, not only in industry but also in academia.”