New Perspectives in Science Education

Mairead Holden is a Ph.D. student at the University of Lincoln. She was awarded a B.Ed with Geography and Bioscience 2008 from St. Patrick's College, Dublin City University, where she was also awarded a Masters of Education with 1st Class Honours in 2017. Her M.Ed. thesis focused on STEM and educational disadvantage. She was awarded a postgraduate certificate with distinction in 21st Century Teaching and Learning from Trinity College, Dublin in 2019. She is an experienced teacher, having taught in a variety of primary school contexts. She is currently on secondment from her school in North Dublin and works as curriculum advisor with the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST). Her work with PDST involves supporting and enabling the professional development of teachers and school leaders within their own school contexts. Her Ph.D. research focuses on teacher professional development in science, mathematics and STEM from a personal perspective. Her other research interests include primary teachers’ engagement in cross-border collaboration between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and the exploration of STEM partnerships between education and industry.