Meet the Team

Katie Boyle is a Marine Microbiologist who studied at University Galway. Katie has experience working on Oyster and Mussel farms across Ireland throughout her studies as well as experience on Irish research vessels. This experience sparked her enthusiasm for aquaculture, especially aquaculture in Ireland.

Katie has always been involved in teaching throughout her time at University Galway, mentoring students, demonstrating in labs and even teaching science experiments to primary school student’s through Cell Explorers.

Katie is keen to share her knowledge of Aquaculture in Ireland and love of the ocean through fun and exciting lessons on board the ARC.

Áine-lisa Shannon is a project facilitator for the Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC). The ARC is a portable unit that travels all around Ireland visiting 5^th & 6^th class primary school students and teaching them all about the aquaculture industry. Áine-lisa has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in marine biology with a keen interest in science communication, aquaculture, and food sustainability.

Having worked on many research vessels all around the Atlantic Ocean, Áine-lisa has lots of hands-on experience at sea. This is also not the first time Áine-lisa has worked with children as she taught many science experiments to primary schools through Steam Education Ltd.

Hugh Boyle is a Marine Biologist with a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from NUI Galway and a master’s degree in Applied Marine Conservation from Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

Hugh conducted research on blue mussel genetics in an aquaculture setting, with the assistance of Bord Iascaigh Mhara. During this research, Hugh first became interested in aquaculture in Ireland. This led to Hugh working on blue mussel projects as a research assistant with ATU after completing his master’s degree. Through his work and studies, Hugh has developed a broad knowledge of marine biology and aquaculture which he shares with students as Project Facilitator on board the ARC.

Professor O’ Mara will be guiding young learners on their virtual tour of the Irish coast to visit Salmon, Oyster and Mussel farms and he’ll deliver key facts and information about aquaculture. 

He knows his science and he’s quite the character.