Awards about more than academic achievement
“Winning this award is an incredible honour that means so much to me. It represents recognition of my hard work, passion, and commitment to pursuing a future in science and technology.”
Those were the words of Aoibhe Sparrow, a prize winner from Mount Mercy College, who was one of three of Cork’s highest-achieving female STEM students who were recognised by Stryker, a global leader in medical technologies, at the WISE UP Technological Awards to celebrate outstanding academic achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Founded by Stryker’s WISE (Women in Stryker’s Engineering) team in Anngrove, the annual award recognises outstanding students from Cork’s all-girls secondary schools who have achieved exceptional results in their Leaving Certificate – earning at least three H1 grades in STEM subjects – and who have chosen to pursue STEM degrees at Irish universities. This year’s winners include Gemma Collins from St Aloysius Secondary School, who received first prize; Abi O’Connor, also from St Aloysius, and Aoibhe Sparrow from Mount Mercy College, who both received second prize.
Aoibhe Sparrow added: “This opportunity not only supports my education but also motivates me to keep learning, innovating, and using my education to create positive change in the world. I am especially excited to continue my journey in pharmacy, where I hope to gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.”
through the development, preparation, and dispensing of medications. I am so deeply grateful for this opportunity and for everyone who believes in my potential.”
Mag O’Keeffe, Vice President of Advanced Operations and Global Additive Technologies, Stryker, said: “These awards are about more than academic achievement – they’re about recognising potential, encouraging ambition, and showing young women that there is a place for them at the forefront of innovation. We’re proud to support the next generation of innovators and play our part in fostering future talent.”