Significant academic success for Longford student Laura
University of Galway engineering student Laura Callaghan has recently had her significant academic success with University of Galway recognised by Fort Wayne Metals Ireland.
“I received a scholarship and internship with the Mayo based company as part of my university placement,” Laura told the Leader.
Last week University of Galway announced a new partnership with Fort Wayne Metals Ireland, a world leading manufacturer of medical grade wire and components, to provide scholarships and bursaries to engineering students.
The inaugural recipient of this successful accolade is the North Longford university student who now partakes in a nine month internship on Fort Wayne Ireland’s campus.
“They service clients like Abbott in Longford or Boston Scientific in Galway,” Laura says of the company she will work with until September, “They supply the wire that's used for guide wires, which can be used to install stents. They also supply the wires that make stents. It's for very exact, high end specifications.”
The Fort Wayne Metals Scholarshipl facilitates travel for two outstanding students in Mechanical Engineering to study at Purdue University (August to May each year), and intern with Fort Wayne Metals Ireland (May to September each year).
Laura spoke of the award she has received: “I am a fourth year integrated masters Mechanical Engineering student. I have a five year programme in University of Galway.
“I applied for the position and the scholarship and I was successful. I started the nine month placement in January. I will return to Galway for my fifth year, with a scholarship toward my masters.”
It's not easy to draw out Laura on what sets her apart as the recipient of the Fort Wayne Metals scholarship. A little coaxing is necessary before she says: “I have gotten a 1.1 every year since first year. I am very studious, but I am a mature student. I have been trying to do as well as I can since I joined the five year programme. So I suppose it is a two factor answer; I'm motivated and a high achiever. ”
After finishing secondary school Laura took a break from education: “I got the Mechanical Engineering course in Galway from my CAO application, but I travelled as a musician for almost seven years.
“I go by the name Laura Jo Music, I have done Irish dancing shows and played with bands in the States and went on cruise ships as a professional full time musician.”
Laura says the leap from music to engineering is not as unusual as it may seem: “Music is quite mathematically based. If you take apart sheet music you can see it has a mathematical base.”
The Bursary recognises and rewards the potential of exceptional female students with an annual award to one student who is selected to complete their internship at Fort Wayne Metals Ireland.
Speaking on the award President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “Working closely with our industry partners, we are confident of our capacity to inspire.”
The next Fort Wayne Metals Bursary is open to all third year female Mechanical Engineering students for the academic year 2022/23.