Dr Cornelia Connolly is a Computer Engineer in the School of Education at NUI Galway, where her research interweaves education, technology, and computing. Cornelia completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Computer Engineering and Master of Engineering (Hons) through Research at the University of Limerick. After her master’s study, she worked with Accenture in management and IT consulting for several years and then returned to academia to complete a PhD in pedagogical innovation. Cornelia completed her PhD part-time while lecturing full-time in Computer Science and Mathematics. 

Cornelia was awarded a 2021 Lero Director’s Prize for Diversity and Inclusion and a 2020 NUI Galway Dean’s Award in recognition of her leadership at international, national, and university levels in Computer Science Education and in 2018 was elected Fellow of the International Society for Design and Development in Education (ISDDE).

“We have to think critically, act ethically, problem pose as well as problem solve – actively designing education and technologies facilitating a more equitable future for all.

“My male and female mentors and role models have helped me to get where I am today – and my wonderful friends, researchers, and academics whom I interact with daily inspire me. Whether it is a laugh and a chat over coffee, going for a cycle or swim, sharing research ideas – these are the heroes in STEM, championing Irish research, and who are leading the way.”

Cornelia currently leads several projects interweaving computer science, technology and education funded by H2020, Rethink Ireland, Google Education and Science Foundation Ireland with her post-doctoral researcher team, Dr Sally McHugh and Dr Colette Kirwan. Some of these projects include:

Supported by Google Ireland, a project to evaluate current Computer Science learning opportunities in Irish primary and post-primary curriculum, through the lens of diversity and inclusion, teacher education and professional development and The SFI CodePlus project (with Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and NUI Galway) addressing the gender imbalance in the computer science field by engaging students in activities to help them make more informed choices about studying computer science courses and pursuing careers in the area.

You can read more about Cornelia’s work in Silicon Republic: The importance of STEM education goes beyond building a workforce.