Latest news with #DkIT
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Five siblings from Slovakia share their memories of studying at Dundalk Institute of Technology
All five enrolled at Dundalk Institute of Technology, where they gained professional qualifications and skills and made lifelong friends, with one sibling meeting their future partner at the Dublin Road campus. Each sibling forged their own path, but they all share fond memories of DkIT's welcoming community, vibrant student life, and dedicated lecturers. From volleyball clubs to book groups, from IT skills to lifelong friendships, the Ponik family credits DkIT for shaping both their personal and professional lives. 'If you study something you're passionate about, then you'll enjoy your time at DkIT', Lukas Ponik (37), said. The eldest of siblings, he enrolled in 2012 as a mature student. Initially studying software engineering, he later switched to games development and now works as principal developer at GBETechnologies. 'The lecturers were understanding and supportive. I'll always be grateful for the years I spent there,' Lukas said. He didn't just get a degree at DkIT, he met his wife, Huey Wong, through the volleyball club. Originally from Malaysia, Huey pursued a BA (Hons) in early childhood studies and later completed a Master's in early intervention at Trinity College Dublin. She is now a full-time mum to the couple's three kids Lilly, Simeon and Jasmine. She too has many good memories from her time at DkIT. "I loved the international events, going to watch volleyball matches with different colleges, having placement in different crèches each year, sport and societies award night, and much more! "I also met my husband, Lukas in the volleyball society. Neither of us were the best volleyball players, but we had a great time!' Initially having a fear that she would struggle with her studies, as English was not her first language, Huey soon discovered that lecturers and staff were very approachable and helped her find placements, which she described as 'very rewarding experiences' where she made connections with real people instead of focusing only on theory. Lukas's decision to attend DkIT had been influenced by his younger siblings' positive experiences. His younger brother Stefan (35), the second eldest of the Ponik family, pursued a in networking and support in 2010 and later completed a (Hons) in computing in IT management in 2012. Now a cloud engineer manager at Wesco, Stefan attributes his success to the foundation built at DkIT. 'Getting a first-class honours degree after a few years of hard work, that feeling of pride and achievement and of course the celebrations afterwards made it all worth it,' he recalled. Stefan also engaged in extracurricular activities like breakdancing and volleyball, and he emphasises the importance of balancing work and social life during college. Next in the family is 34-year-old Anna Ponikova, who like Stefan, began her studies at DkIT in 2010 and followed a similar academic path. She enjoyed her time in the volleyball team and later worked as an IT compliance analyst for a global financial services company before becoming a full-time mother. She credits DkIT for giving her the confidence to succeed in the tech industry. 'DkIT opened doors. It gave me real-world experience and belief in my own abilities.' Although Anna's younger sister Marcela (29) didn't share the same enthusiasm for IT as her siblings, she pursued a networking course at DkIT in 2014. Today, she works as a project manager at proprietary trading firm Susquehanna, having started her career there as an Infrastructure Engineer. Marcela treasures her DkIT experience, especially graduating with the highest GPA in her class, earning the President's Prize. Samuel, the youngest of the Ponik siblings, started a Level 7 software engineering course at DkIT in 2018. He currently works full-time in Dublin as a backend software engineer, but is considering returning for a part-time Master's degree. 'Join the clubs and societies,' he advises. 'You'll build friendships that last a lifetime and meet people outside your course. DkIT gave me memories and connections I still value today.' The family's educational journey was championed by their parents, Stefan and Anna who expressed sincere gratitude for the number of opportunities available to their children as students in Ireland, which they themselves did not have in Slovakia. 'A few years have passed since our five children finished university and it's an indescribable feeling to see each of them doing well, happy, working, and using the knowledge they gained at DKIT,' Stefan Senior said. 'We are really proud of what each of them has achieved and it feels very special to have five siblings all graduate from the same university. We are thankful for the education system in Ireland that enables people of any age to study and the programmes that help make it accessible and affordable for all.'
Irish Independent
11-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Dundalk Institute of Technology signs memorandum of agreement with Japanese university
The agreement with Nagoya City University Graduate Medical School was spearheaded by Dr. Bernard T. Drumm from the Smooth Muscle Research Centre at DkIT and Professor Hikaru Hashitani. Both their departments studiescells and tissues of smooth muscle organs in the urogenital tract (bladder, urethra, reproductive tracts) and gastrointestinal system, with a view to understanding the physiology of how these organs work and how diseases such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and motility disorders can be treated. The MOA was signed in Nagoya City University in March and was followed by an invited seminar from Dr. Drumm to the Japanese research team on ongoing research underway at the DkIT. This was followed by a symposium organised by Professor Hashitani the following week in Makuhari, Japan, during which Dr. Drumm and Professor Hashitani presented recent findings from their research groups along with colleagues from Oxford University, UK and University of Fukui, Japan. 'This significant MOA represents a link between two of the most active smooth muscle physiology research groups in Europe and Asia,' Dr Drumm said. ' Our shared research interests make this a natural evolution of our collaborative efforts, and we seek to expand our activities further in the future. Together, DkIT and NCU seek to extend each institutes international reach, providing research opportunities and knowledge exchange of mutual benefit to DkIT and Nagoya City University.' Professor Hikaru Hashitani of Nagoya City University said he was was delighted to welcome Dr Bernard Drumm to Nagoya City University Medical School. Following the establishment of a MOA between DKIT and our medical school during Dr Drumm's visit, I am sincerely looking forward to extending academic exchange between the two institutes.'
Agriland
06-06-2025
- General
- Agriland
LAWPRO highlights nature-based solutions to protect water quality
The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) recently held a two-day national conference on nature-based solutions at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). Over 175 delegates attended the conference titled: Nature-based Solutions Conference- To Protect and Restore Urban, Rural, Coastal, and Riverine Environments. Delegates were welcomed by DKIT president, Dr. Diarmuid O'Callaghan, before the conference was formally opened by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan. The event was of particular interest to those wanting to understand and incorporate nature-based solutions into urban, rural, and coastal environments. Nature-based solutions use natural systems such as soil, plants and landscape features to manage climate risks and environmental challenges. According to DkIT, these methods reduce flooding and drought impacts, improve water quality and support biodiversity. Minister of State O'Sullivan said: 'Nature-based solutions have a large role to play in protecting water quality by helping to create climate resilience and improving biodiversity. We need more solutions to environmental issues that work with nature rather than trying to control it. 'The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimate that one third of climate mitigation needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, can be provided by nature-based solutions.' 'This conference will bring together experts who can share their experience and ideas for how to integrate and mainstream nature-based solutions into water management practice,' the minister added. LAWPRO The LAWPRO event was the second national nature-based solutions conference, and focused on technologies and strategies suitable to use in Ireland. Day one featured a number of expert presentations and panels, focused on the use and impact of nature-based solutions in a variety of settings including urban, rural, riverine, coastal and the private sector. The second day focused on nature-based solutions in action and offered a series of practical masterclass workshops to attendees covering urban solutions, river restoration and coastal restoration. The regional coordinator with LAWPRO, Dr. Fran Igoe said: 'Although the application of nature-based solutions is something new to many people in Ireland, our ancestors have been using these techniques for centuries. 'This conference allowed participants to explore how we can expand and mainstream such approaches to meet today's environmental challenges,' Igoe added.
Irish Independent
31-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Louth father of three outlines how life has changed for the better after return to education thanks to Headstart course
After battling personal challenges, Dean Bradley enrolled in Headstart in 2020, which was delivered entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The support and encouragement he received enabled him to pursue further education: 'The Headstart Programme gave me direction. The team taught me how to go with it, how to stay with it, and really just about resilience.' Dean's perseverance led him to complete multiple Level 5 and Level 6 courses, culminating in his current pursuit of a degree in Social Care at DkIT. He advises others considering the programme to 'Take it day by day and week by week. Don't look at the years. For me, life has really changed for the better.' He is one of a number former participants of the Pathways and Headstar community education programmes, delivered by Dundalk Institute of Technology in partnership with Louth Local Development's SICAP Social Inclusion Programme, who have been sharing their experiences of the courses. Likewise Elizabeth Awosanya, a mother of three, embarked on her educational journey through the Pathways programme before transitioning into Headstart. Now nearing the completion of her degree in Social Care, Elizabeth reflects on her experience, saying 'Pathways helped me build confidence, engage with learning at my own pace, and get a real feel for what higher education might be like in a non-intimidating way. Transitioning into Headstart deepened my readiness for third-level education and mentally and practically prepared me for the challenges of college life.' Elizabeth's journey illustrates the programmes' ability to provide a solid foundation for those returning to education, fostering both academic readiness and personal growth. Their views are shared by Laure Nzia Djakou, who has just completed her second year studying International Tourism and Management at DkIT. Having previously struggled to balance third-level education with other life commitments, the mother of three found renewed motivation and support through these programmes: 'The programmes were designed for people like me—mature students who needed a bit of encouragement and guidance. The supportive environment and the opportunity to build my confidence were exactly what I needed.' Laure now envisions a future where she can pursue a Masters degree or contribute to the tourism industry, all while managing her family commitments. The success of the Pathways and Headstart programmes was recognised recently DkIT was awarded €1 million in performance funding. The programmes were launched by DkIT in partnership with Louth Local Development n 2017 and 2018 with the aim of improving access to higher education for underrepresented groups in County Louth, including low-income households, ethnic minorities, refugees, asylum seekers, the long-term unemployed, lone parents, and individuals with disabilities or mental health issues. Pathways offered a 14-week introductory course in local community centres, providing a supportive environment for adults to experience higher education without the pressure of assignments. Headstart, a 10-week follow-up programme delivered on the DkIT campus, focused on building participants' self-confidence and academic skills, such as study techniques, time management, and career guidance. Graduates from these programmes have gone on to pursue degrees in various fields, including Social Care, Nursing, and Creative Media, and many have secured employment opportunities. Since 2017, a total of 325 students have graduated from the programmes. For the individuals taking part, both Pathways and Headstart have literally been life changing. The beneficiaries of the initiative have included people with disabilities, long term unemployed, migrants, one parent and low-income families, people with addiction issues, teenage parents, refugees, Irish Travellers, young people in the care of the State, youth attending Youthreach or similar programmes, student carers, 'second chance' mature learners, those in the criminal justice system, and people who are homeless. The next Headstart course starts on Wednesday September 3, 2025 and runs every Wednesday for ten weeks. Anyone interested in registering should email or call 0877462507.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Irish Independent
DkIT goes purple to raise awareness of Domestic Violence
The event was hosted by the RiVeR Project in DkIT in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, Dundalk and DkIT's Students Union. It was fantastic to have representatives from the Dundalk Gardaí on campus to highlight the importance of raising awareness around this issue. DkIT has a strong reputation in supporting awareness around Domestic Abuse. The DkIT RiVeR Project is responding to the impacts of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence through research, education and training. The RiVeR Project Lead Dr. Kathleen Nallen said 'The RiVeR Project is delighted to partner with RESPECT #DkIT, students union DkIT and An Garda Síochána for the annual 'Go Purple Day' to create awareness of Domestic Abuse. It is wonderful to have such support from staff and students across the campus for this really important initiative. In promoting the agenda of zero tolerance of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the RiVeR Project recently launched its 'Insights into Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence' Podcast series. It features conversations with experts, advocates and victim/survivors of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and is available on the RiVeR Project website and LinkedIn page, DkIT YouTube channel and Spotify'. DkIT is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone in their educational community, they endeavour to do this through ongoing training and support around Gender Based Violence that empowers all their students and staff. In November, DkIT was one of the 16 Higher Education Institutes involved in an annual national campaign for the international UN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. During last year's 16 Days of activity, DkIT was also pleased to publish their Domestic Violence leave Policy for all employees.
