Astronaut hopeful inspires new generation
Sligo schoolchildren met Ireland’s first ever astronaut hopeful yesterday for a special event to mark the start of Engineers Week 2018.
Leading Irish engineer Norah Patten met the children of Abbott employees at the event hosted by Abbott’s diagnostics team.
Norah, who has a PhD in Engineering and is a faculty member at the International Space University, addressed guests on the importance of engineering to everyday life and the unique career opportunities it provides. Norah also told the story of how she sent Ireland’s first student experiment to the International Space Station in 2014.
Norah Patten said engineering “can even lead to opportunities that are out of this world. Inspiring young people is a passion of mine, and by helping them explore the role engineering plays in their interests, I hope to encourage the next generation of engineers.” Abbott is one of a large number of organisations across Ireland who are delivering hands-on, engaging STEM programmes to students during Engineers Week.
Abbott’s diagnostics business Site Director Conor Murphy said: “By leveraging Abbott’s expertise and by working in partnership with our community and leaders like Norah, we believe that inspiring the young people of today can produce the scientific and engineering leaders of tomorrow.”
Engineers Week runs from 24 February to 2 March.