A LIMERICK native has been appointed as the head of the Department of Educational Inclusive and Special Education (EPISE) at Mary Immaculate College (MIC).
Dr Jennifer McMahon is on secondment from her role as a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Limerick’s Department of Psychology to take up the position until 2026.
The Garryowen native, who now lives in Corbally, is a MIC graduate herself, and has distinguished herself as a leader in her field throughout her career.
Dr McMahon’s main area of research is the promotion of school, child, and youth mental health and wellbeing—specifically exploring how best to promote a school environment that supports teacher and student wellbeing.
She is one of 40 scholars from across Ireland chosen for the Young Academy of Ireland at the Royal Irish Academy, which brings together talented and emerging leaders, researchers, and scholars.
During her career she has attracted over €2million in funding and has published many research articles related to her research.
Dr McMahon said she is looking forward to taking up the role in what is a “really rapidly changing educational landscape nationally and globally”.
“There is a lot of exciting work going on in EPISE and I’m really looking forward to collaborating with the departmental staff and the wider college community,” Ms McMahon said.
“As a member of Young Academy Ireland, I hope to support and encourage early career staff in a number of areas like involvement in research, attaining funding, being innovative around teaching and learning, and to contribute to large societal challenges,” she continued.
MIC Dean of Education, Professor Emer Ring, welcomed Dr McMahon, saying: “On behalf of all colleagues in the Faculty of Education, I am delighted to extend the traditional MIC ‘céad míle fáilte’ to Dr McMahon.”
“In the Faculty of Education we have a strong commitment to inclusion and special education from teaching, learning and research perspectives. We look forward to working with Dr McMahon and know that we will all greatly benefit from her experience, experience and insight as we strive to cultivate a more inclusive society for everyone,” Dr Ring said.
