KBS Future Thinking

In this episode, Finbarr and Erin are thrilled to have Dr. Angela Farrell, a luminary in the field of linguistics and education, at the University of Limerick. Dr. Farrell, the Assistant Dean International of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into language teaching, reflective practice, and the multilingual experiences of migrant children in schools. She's at the forefront of shaping how we approach language education in a rapidly changing world. In this episode, we will explore Dr. Farrell's groundbreaking work in applied corpus linguistics, her innovative approach to teacher education, and her involvement in international educational collaborations. Join us as we dive into a conversation that promises to enlighten and inspire, offering a glimpse into the future of language education and its impact on global learning communities. Angela shares insights into her scholarly path and the array of remarkable projects and initiatives she is engaged in at the University of Limerick. Some of her initiatives encompass facilitating the arrival of over 140 PhD students from Algeria, providing English language education to displaced individuals, and offering training to colleagues in Universal Design for Learning and inclusive teaching methods. Dr. Angela Farrell is also the Course Director for both the International Structured PhD in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the UL Summer Institute Programme, in addition to directing the UL International PhD Bridging Programme. As a lecturer within the TESOL/Linguistics Section, Dr. Farrell coordinates the Erasmus program for TESOL/Linguistics and serves as an External Examiner at the University of Ulster. Hopefully, this conversation with Dr. Angela Farrell has sparked new ideas and inspired you in your journey. Remember, the future of education and language is an ever-evolving landscape, and together, we can shape it for the better. Stay curious, and stay inspired. This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, hosts Finbarr and Erin engage in a captivating conversation with Andrea La Touche, the Student Community Engagement Liaison Officer at the University of Limerick. Andrea shares her inspiring journey of returning to education, highlighting her experience as a student at the University of Limerick, where she also served as the President of the Postgraduate Student Union. Hailing from Limerick, Andrea's illustrious career spans over two decades in Ireland's social care sector, encompassing roles in both public and tertiary education settings. Her expertise is deeply rooted in children's welfare and homelessness services, notably managing emergency accommodations for homeless families in Galway. A champion of rights-based advocacy, Andrea possesses extensive knowledge about organisational challenges that impede the realisation of individual rights. Andrea's commitment to social causes extends to her profound interest in the welfare of asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland's direct provision system. Her educational journey as a mature student is equally impressive, holding a first-class BA (Honors) in Applied Social Care and an MS in Voluntary and Community Sector Management from the Limerick Institute of Technology and University College Cork, respectively. In 2019, she completed her MA in TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) from the University of Limerick. Her interaction with international students at UL profoundly influenced her involvement in the Postgraduate Student Union, fostering a vision for enhanced inclusivity within the UL community. Andrea's strategy aims to deepen connections among national and international students, thereby strengthening their ties to Limerick City and each other. This episode not only highlights Andrea's remarkable journey and passion for her work but also delves into the topic of lifelong learning, showcasing her as a prime example and advocate. Additionally, the conversation takes a lighter turn with a discussion on one of Limerick's favorite sports - hurling. Join us for this episode to discover the dynamic and impactful life of Andrea La Touche, a true testament to the power of lifelong learning and community engagement. https://limerick2030.ie/ This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

Welcome to Season 2 of KBS Future Thinking Podcast! Launching our 2024 Limerick-based podcast series, we couldn't think of a more fitting start than having Finbarr and Erin engage in a captivating conversation with Karen Brosnahan. Karen, renowned as the Business Manager for the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau and serving as the President of Network Ireland Limerick, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion, setting the perfect tone for an exciting year of podcasts. The episode begins with Brosnahan discussing her early career, highlighting how her passion for the tourism sector evolved. She emphasizes the unique aspects of Limerick and the Shannon region, pointing out their rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality that Ireland is famous for. Brosnahan notes that these elements make the region an attractive location for international events and tourists. Significantly, the conversation shifts to the challenges faced by the tourism and events industry, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brosnahan explains how her team adapted to these challenges, focusing on digital marketing and virtual event planning to keep the region in the spotlight. She also speaks about the importance of sustainability in tourism, a principle that guides their approach to hosting events. In a particularly engaging segment, Brosnahan shares success stories of major events hosted in the region, including notable conferences and sports tournaments. These events, she explains, have not only boosted the local economy but also helped in showcasing the region's capability to host events of international standard. The podcast concludes with Brosnahan offering advice to young professionals aspiring to enter the tourism and event management industry. She stresses the importance of networking, continuous learning, and being adaptable to change. https://www.conferenceandsportsbureau.com/ https://networkireland.ie/page/Limerick This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

This is the final episode for 2023! The podcast will return on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024. In this final episode for 2023, Finbarr and Erin have a great chat with Professor Lisa O'Malley, a Professor in the Kemmy Business School. Lisa brings great insights into the challenges that marketing professionals face with digitalization and social media. They also discuss her eclectic range of research which includes Road Bowling (contexts of contexts) and stag parties. Professor O'Malley is an innovative and engaged scholar who teaches Relationship Marketing on the Executive MBA and Marketing Leadership on the MSc in Marketing, Consumption & Society at the University of Limerick. She also delivers modules on Marketing, Customer Engagement and Consumer Insight at Warwick Business School and Loughborough University Business School. She encourages critical, creative and reflective engagement with her material and has won several awards for Teaching Excellence. She has also published widely including in the European Journal of Marketing, Consumption, Markets & Culture, Marketing Theory, Industrial Marketing Management, Journal of Marketing Management, Journal of Business Ethics and the Journal of Business Research. She is a member of the Academy of Marketing Executive Committee, the foremost professional body for marketing academics in the UK and she Chairs its Research Subcommittee. Lisa's research interests include: Relationship Marketing, Marketing Leadership, Critical Marketing, Interpretive Consumer Research. https://www.ul.ie/research/prof-lisa-omalley https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lisa-Omalley This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode, Finbarr and Erin chat with Prof Norelee Kennedy, Vice President for Research at the University of Limerick. Professor Norelee Kennedy was appointed Vice President for Research at the University of Limerick in July 2019 and took up the post in January 2020. Some of Norelee's responsibilities in her role as Vice President for Research at the University of Limerick include: Research affairs of the University, including research support services, related enterprise and commercialisation of UL’s research. Leadership in the formulation, development and delivery of the University’s research policy, strategy and support services. Key role in the overall leadership and strategic management of the University. Work with the research community in UL, nationally and internationally, to grow research capacity, quality, output and revenue. Promote and encourage excellence in the research environment and ensure the provision of effective, responsive structures, services and information systems to support the research function. Provide policy advice, relevant reports and evaluations of research capacity, quality and output through the research office. Research governance, conduct, integrity and ethics. Ensure excellent management of research contracts, finances and research expenditure including research overheads. Norelee Kennedy is an Associate Professor of Physiotherapy at the School of Allied Health and is an active member of the Health Research Institute and its Health Implementation Science and Technology cluster. She graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a BSc in Physiotherapy (1999) and a PhD (2004) in the field of physiotherapy, health economics and rheumatology. She also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics (TCD 2000) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (NUI Galway 2004). Norelee was appointed Lecturer in Physiotherapy at UL in 2004, promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2015 and Associate Professor in 2018. She was the Head of School of Allied Health, UL from 2014-2019. During that time, she oversaw the first external quality review of the school, six regulatory body programme approvals and monitoring of professional programmes as well as the establishment of two new professional graduate entry Masters programmes in Physiotherapy and Human Nutrition & Dietetics. She managed over 50 staff in the school, delivering programmes to c400 students across the four disciplines of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy and Dietetics. She also co-led the successful first School of Allied Health Athena SWAN application for a Bronze award in 2018. https://www.ul.ie/presidents-office/professor-norelee-kennedy This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode, Finbarr and Erin had the privilege to speak with Michael Fleming, President and Founding Executive Director of the David Bohnett Foundation. Michael took time out of his busy schedule to dial in from sunny California, USA. Michael has been appointed to boards and commissions at every level of government. In 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom named him as one of his two appointees to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission, a Joint Powers Authority between the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, and the State of California. From 2018 to 2022, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Getty House Foundation, dedicated to civic education, community engagement, and the preservation of Getty House, the official residence of the Mayor of Los Angeles. From 2013 to 2017, Michael served on the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners – the five-member panel that oversees the nation’s largest public utility. He previously served as the President of the East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission and as a Commissioner on the Board of the Los Angeles Convention Center. In 2010, President Barack Obama named Fleming to the White House Council for Community Solutions. Michael sits on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations including The Carr Center at Harvard Kennedy School, The University of Limerick’s Kemmy Business School, and public radio powerhouse KCRW, where he served as Chairman of the Board and Co-Chair of their capital campaign. Since 2003, he’s been an adjunct professor of organizational development and public policy at UCLA, a member of the LGBTQ Studies Faculty Advisory Committee, and, in 2023 was awarded the Student’s Choice Outstanding Faculty Award at UCLA’s 25th annual Lavender Graduation. From 2013 to 2016 Michael was also an adjunct professor of public policy at NYU. https://www.bohnettfoundation.org/ This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode, Finbarr and Erin chat with Roger Dsilva, President of the University of Limerick's Postgraduate Students' Union. Roger is an alumnus of the University of Limerick with an MSc in Information Technology Project Management. Roger tells us about his life and history in India and how he ended up coming to Limerick as a student for his postgraduate studies. He has experience in industry as a technical writer which he found extremely beneficial in his postgraduate programme. Roger also discusses how he became President of the Postgraduate Students' Union here at the University of Limerick and all of the great work he is doing here. It helped to open our eyes to some of the struggles of postgraduate students and the several supports that are available to them. Roger also talks about all of the incredible events that are planned throughout the campus which promote inclusion and create diversity within our community. Well done Roger! https://www.ul.ie/global/incoming-students/need-know-information/orientation/student-services/support-services This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode, Finbarr and Erin chat with Ronan Keane, Student Engagement and Support Officer (SESO) at the University of Limerick. Ronan is an alumnus of the University of Limerick, holding a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise and an MSc in Work and Organisational Behaviour. He is passionate about his work and has hit the ground running. So what is a Student Support Officer? The Student Support Officers assist full-time undergraduate students in their faculty struggling with anything that has to do with their academics, personal/health issues, financial concerns, course uncertainty, exit forms, internal transfers, family issues/homesickness, or bereavement. This list is not exhaustive, and students should still contact an SSO even if their issue is not mentioned here. There is never an issue too big or too small!   All interactions with students are held in confidence. The Student Support Officers will refer and liaise with other academic staff and support services only upon request of the student.  Ronan holds drop-in sessions every Tuesday from 10 am -12 pm each semester. https://www.ul.ie/student-affairs/seso/student-engagement-success-officers https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronan-keane-905140192/ This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode, Finbarr and Erin chat with their colleague from the Department of Economics, Prof Darragh Flannery about his research projects and the real impact on community and healthcare in Ireland. Prof Flannery discusses one of his impactful projects, partnering with Debra (https://www.debra.ie/what-is-eb/), an advocacy group for people with EB, presented to the government, on Epidermolysis Bullosa a rare and debilitating disease that impacts approximately 300 people in Ireland. Prof Flannery's research illustrates the relatively small investment it would take by the government to change people's lives. "Imagine if your skin was as fragile as a butterfly wing. If it broke, teared, and blistered at the slightest touch. If you had skin that took four hours every day to bandage to keep you alive. Or skin that would not allow you to walk without your feet splitting and burning." They also discuss his research on single-sex secondary schools from a performance perspective. Listeners will be surprised at the results! https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2023/02/22/single-sex-schools-provide-no-academic-advantage-study/ Dr. Darragh Flannery is an Associate Professor in economics at the University of Limerick. He completed his doctoral studies at the National University of Ireland, Galway on the Economics of Higher Education. Darragh's research focuses on using applied micro-econometric methods to examine policy issues in education, and more recently in health economics.More specifically, he has conducted research in areas such as student loans, geographical and socioeconomic influences in higher education participation, student mental health services, and the returns to education. He has published his work on these issues in journals such as Economics of Education Review, International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, Studies in Higher Education, Oxford Economic Papers, Empirical Economics, Manchester School, and Applied Health Economics and Health Policy. He is currently working on a number of different research projects in the education and health space including an examination of single-sex schooling and academic performance, the economic costs of the rare skin disease Epidermolysis Bullosa, and the impacts of international student mobility on labor market outcomes. The latter project forms part of EU COST Action CA20115; European Network on International Student Mobility. Debra is dedicated to transforming the lives of people living with EB, caring for someone with EB, or bereaved by EB, through care, research, and advocacy. https://www.debra.ie/what-is-eb/ https://www.ul.ie/research/dr-darragh-flannery This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode, Finbarr chats with Michael Diviney, Executive Head of Thought Leadership, Chartered Accountants Ireland. Michael is responsible for developing the vision for the future thinking of Chartered Accountants Ireland, with a focus on collaboration with industry experts, academics, members of the profession, and other professional bodies to develop and deliver bespoke thought-leadership content with which to broaden the Institute's advocacy and voice agenda. Michael was previously Director of Publishing in Chartered Accountants Ireland. As Director of Publishing, he devised and led the publishing strategy for the Institute, developing titles that inform, educate, and add value for Chartered Accountants Ireland members and students, as well as the wider business community, while generating revenue from commercial activities (book sales, subscriptions, and advertising) and building the reputation of Chartered Accountants as expert advisors and business leaders. Michael also has experience as a Publisher, Commercial Manager, and Business Development in Reed Business Information, Púca, RTÉ, and Thomson Reuters. Mr Diviney has an impressive academic record and is an example of lifelong learning: Professional Diploma in Corporate Governance, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Certified Diploma, Project Management, Institute of Project Management Diploma, Intellectual Property Rights & Technology Law, Law Society of Ireland BSc Management and Law, Technological University Dublin MA Modern English and American Literature, UCD BA (Hons) English and Philosophy, UCD https://www.charteredaccountants.ie/ This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala