Niamh Mimnagh
To fund my PhD, I was awarded both the John Hume Women in STEM award and funding from Science Foundation Ireland's Centre for Research Training in Data Science.
Studying at Maynooth is unique because of its vibrant academic community combined with a strong sense of inclusivity and collaboration. The campus fosters innovation and interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to explore beyond their fields.
At Maynooth, I developed critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills that have profoundly shaped my career. The emphasis on independent learning and collaboration prepared me to approach challenges with confidence and creativity, not only in my professional endeavors but in life overall.
If you're considering pursuing a degree in maths or statistics at Maynooth University, my advice would be to embrace the diverse opportunities the university offers. Be proactive in seeking out research opportunities, and make the most of the university's supportive learning environment to develop both your academic skills and personal growth.
Details of your career path to date
My experience during my BSc in applied maths fostered in me a love for maths and statistics that has gone on to shape every aspect of my subsequent career. Once I finished my bachelor's degree, I jumped straight into an MSc in data science and analytics, which gave me my first experience of academic writing and research, and led to my pursuing my PhD in statistics. Upon completing my PhD, I began in my current role as a postdoctoral researcher here in Maynooth.
Can you tell us of any career highlight to date?
The moment when I completed my viva voce examination that marked the successful completion of my PhD, and my examiner said "Congratulations Dr. Mimnagh" is a career highlight that I will never forget.
What does your current role involve?
My current role involves research into machine learning methods, and how they can be used to predict the emergence of disease in Irish cattle herds. My day-to-day work involves researching methodologies, implementing them and interpreting results. I also have the opportunity to communicate my work regularly with an audience of comprised of people with- and without statistical backgrounds, which provides constant opportunity to improve my skills when it comes to statistical communication.
What advice would you give to Maynooth University students entering the job market, either generally speaking or in regard to your specific career sector?
My advice to Maynooth University students entering the job market as statisticians or data scientists is to keep working on up-skilling. There are always new methodologies, new programming languages or new softwares you can learn to make yourself as attractive a candidate as possible in the current job market.