Leanne O' Connor, Student Teacher from Maynooth University wins Boston Scientific and RAISE bursary

Thomas Delahunty
Last updated on Oct 3, 2022 2 min read

RAISE is proud to have worked with Boston Scientific in establishing the first national bursary for student teachers in STEM. This bursary, open to student teachers qualifying to teach STEM subjects in their penultimate year of study, was recently awarded to Leanne O’ Connor from Maynooth University based on her essay ‘My role as a STEM educator and advocate’.

Leanne with her award pictured along with RAISE Chair Dr. Tom Delahunty who attended the event in Galway
Leanne with her award pictured along with RAISE Chair Dr. Tom Delahunty who attended the event in Galway

RAISE, a research group hoping to extend access and diversity in STEM, based the idea of the bursary on international research highlighting the positive impacts of scholarships on both the societal value of the teaching profession and the improved confidence of those eligible in their choice of career. This scholarship comes at a time of significant challenges in teacher supply with notable shortages in STEM disciplines such as Mathematics and Physics. It is hoped this bursary from Boston Scientific and RAISE will help to alleviate some of the known financial challenges, faced by those wishing to earn qualifications as a teacher in Ireland, that has been pinpointed by recent national research.

RAISE and Boston Scientific look forward to working together to continue this bursary for STEM educators.

*Dr. Tom Delahunty presenting to members of the Boston Scientific community on the mission and aims of RAISE*
Dr. Tom Delahunty presenting to members of the Boston Scientific community on the mission and aims of RAISE