Mary Nolan

Mary Nolan is a researcher and lecturer at Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, with over two decades of experience spanning academia and industry. Mary’s primary degree is in Industrial Engineering and Information Systems, and she holds a Master's in Engineering Design and is currently pursuing a part-time PhD at University College Dublin's Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC).
Mary's passion lies at the intersection of engineering education, sustainability, and ethical innovation, where she endeavours to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Through fostering collaborative relationships, she strives to ensure that academic programmes not only align with industry needs and trends but also embed sustainable and ethical innovation at their core.
In her academic pursuits, Mary's research focus centres on problem framing, examining how engineering students approach challenges from a holistic perspective. Her aim is to cultivate a more sustainable approach to engineering education and practice, with a particular emphasis on adult learners. Mary tailors educational strategies to meet their needs while promoting sustainability within the engineering field, driven by her dedication to aligning education with the evolving demands of the industry.
Drawing from her industry background, acquired during her tenure at Abbott Ireland, Mary brings unique insights to her academic role. She has played a pivotal role in developing engineering programmes and fostering collaborations between academia and industry. As an active member of the Engineers Ireland Academic Society, Mary organises events to facilitate knowledge exchange and contribute to the academic engineering community.
Mary's commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice is evident in her role as the work placement coordinator, where she enhances academic learning with industry experience. Her leadership in organising events like the Engineering & Technology Expo at ATU Sligo underscores her dedication to strengthening ties between education and industry, benefiting students, industry partners, and the wider community.
Her involvement in initiatives such as VEX Robotics, i-Days, and the Engineers Ireland STEPS programme showcases her commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and fostering professional growth. Through her multifaceted contributions, Mary Nolan continues to make significant strides in advancing engineering education and practice, all while championing sustainability and ethical innovation for a brighter future.