Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research Training in Digitally-Enhanced Reality (d-real)

Institutions: Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, Technological University Dublin, University College Dublin, University of Galway.

Roles: Member of Student Committee (2022 — 2023), Member of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee (2024)

Summary: The SFI Centre for Research Training in Digitally-Enhanced Reality (d-real) is an innovative PhD programme focused on advancing multimodal digital media technologies and their integration into everyday life. By combining cutting-edge research with industry partnerships, d-real equips students with expertise in digital platform technologies, content creation, and media applications. The programme drives breakthroughs in areas such as multimodal interaction, digital assistants, multilingual speech processing, real-time translation, video analytics, and personalised media experiences. d-real's student committee serves as a platform for representing the academic, social, and professional interests of PhD students, fostering communication between the student body, universities and the programme's representatives. d-real's EDI committee, on the other hand, is dedicated to promoting fairness, equity, and inclusivity within the programme. By identifying systemic barriers and addressing issues like discrimination and unequal opportunities, the committee seeks to create a supportive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their background. Through campaigns, events and educational materials, the EDI committee ensures that diversity is celebrated and inclusion is embedded in every aspect of d-real. As a member of both committees, my experience includes:

• Student Representation: Actively voicing the concerns and interests of PhD students, contributing to decisions that affect academic and social experiences.

• Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with university representatives to improve academic support structures and ensure student needs are addressed.

• Event Planning & Coordination: Organising networking sessions, social events, and academic workshops to foster a sense of community and professional growth.

• EDI Campaigns & Initiatives: Leading awareness efforts on diversity and inclusion, including the creation of educational materials and campaigns that address discrimination and promote equity.

• Data-Driven Insights: Collecting and analysing student feedback to inform committee decisions and advocate for systemic changes.

• Inclusive Practices: Working to create environments where all students feel respected, valued, and supported, regardless of background.

Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF)

Roles: Member (2024 — 2025), Local Leader of IxDF Dublin (2025)

Summary: The Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) is the world’s largest online design school, dedicated to democratising high-quality design education. By offering courses and resources created by industry-leading experts, the IxDF equips professionals with the skills necessary to thrive in user experience (UX), interaction design, and related fields. The organisation fosters a global community of design professionals through local chapters, events, and networking opportunities. Local Leaders for the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) are responsible for fostering a vibrant design community by organising events, workshops, and discussions focused on design education and professional development. The role involves curating activities that inspire knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among designers, researchers, and technologists. Through strategic programming and inclusive engagement, local leaders connect local designers with the global IxDF network, empowering them to stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in design.

• Event Curation & Facilitation: Designing and leading in-person and virtual events, including panel discussions, networking sessions, and hands-on workshops to engage the design community.

• Community Building: Creating an inclusive, vibrant space where professionals from various design disciplines can connect, collaborate, and grow.

• Design Advocacy: Promoting the value of user-centred design and innovation by fostering discussions on emerging tools, methodologies, and industry challenges.

• Strategic Partnerships: Identifying and collaborating with local design organisations, companies, and educational institutions to enrich community events.

• Knowledge Sharing: Staying up-to-date with global interaction design resources and trends, disseminating valuable insights to the local design community.

• Inclusive Programming: Ensuring accessibility and diversity in events by considering varied participant backgrounds and experiences.

• Participant Engagement & Feedback: Actively gathering and incorporating participant insights to continuously improve event experiences and outcomes.

Postgraduate Workers Organisation (PWO) Ireland

Roles: Member (2023 — present), Data & Insights Coordinator (2024 — present)

Summary: The Postgraduate Workers Organisation advocates for the rights and well-being of postgraduate researchers. Focused on fair pay, improved working conditions, and clear employment rights, the organisation serves as a collective voice for postgraduate workers. It engages in negotiations with university authorities, organises campaigns for systemic change, and builds solidarity among students to advance labour rights within academia. In my role as Data & Insights Coordinator, I contribute to evidence-based advocacy and organisational strategy by gathering and analysing critical data about the experiences of postgraduate workers. My experience includes:

• Survey Design & Distribution: Crafting and disseminating comprehensive surveys to capture key issues affecting postgraduate workers, such as employment conditions, funding challenges, and institutional support.

• Data Analysis: Conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses to uncover trends and insights that inform advocacy efforts.

• Report Creation: Developing clear, data-driven reports to communicate findings to stakeholders and strengthen organisational initiatives.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Presenting insights in accessible formats to leadership teams, members, and external partners.

• Data-Driven Advocacy: Translating insights into actionable recommendations that support improved working conditions and equitable policies for postgraduate workers.

Encode

Institutions: High schools and universities from 30 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Ireland (Technological University Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin), Myanmar, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Korea, Tanzania, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States of America (Brown University, Claremont McKenna College, Columbia University, Cornell University, George Washington University, Harvard University, New York University, Stanford University, University of California Berkeley, University of Chicago, University of Maryland College Park, University of Miami, University of Michigan, University of Texas at Austin, Yale University).

Roles: Member of Encode Ireland Chapter (2024 — present)

Summary: Encode is a youth-led movement focused on promoting ethical uses of artificial intelligence (AI) and advocating for justice in tech policy. Founded to address the biases and privacy concerns that AI can introduce, especially in areas like surveillance and criminal justice, the movement brings together young people from around the world to push for transparency and fairness in AI systems. Through grassroots organising, policy advocacy, and educational campaigns, Encode Justice empowers the next generation to understand and shape how technology affects society, aiming for a future where tech enhances, rather than undermines, social equity and human rights.