Home » Staff Profiles » Gavin, Mel

MR Mel Gavin

Researcher

Contact Details

R&D Coordinator
Research
G0030
Innovation Centre
Institute of Technology, Sligo
Ash Lane
Sligo

T: 00353 71 9305825
F: 863099184
M: 00353 86 3099184
E: gavin.mel@itsligo.ie
 
researcher

Biography

Civil, Structural & Energy Engineer with over 12 years experience in design and project management on a wide range of private and public projects including the following:
Buildings
Energy Efficiency
Renewable Energy
Product and Process design
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants

Mel is the Coordinator of the IT Sligo Contract Research Unit (CRU) providing a dedicated outreach Research & Innovation support to regional enterprises, communities and individuals.  The CRU offers:
  • Advice on funding initiatives available
  • Assistance with funding applications
  • Providing or sourcing the technical skills to develop your project

Key focus areas:
  • Design assistance for new or improved products or processes
  • Analysis and optimisation of resource, energy & waste streams
  • Renewable energy and sustainable  technologies
  • CAD design and 3D prototyping



Research Interests

Because of my professional background my core areas are focused on, but not limited to, engineering and science.  I am interested in all fields of research which can provide added value to our society and to the North West region in particular, including:
  • Regional and community sustainability
  • Energy and resource efficiency
  • Sustainable energy (use and generation)
  • Eco-tourism
  • Community collaboration

Conference Publications

  Year Publication
(2015) 2015 University Industry Interaction Conference
John Bartlett, Mel Gavin, Leo Murray, David Tormey, Steve Tonry (2015) Fostering an Innovation Culture in SMEs in a Peripheral Region 2015 University Industry Interaction Conference [Details]

Honours and Awards

  Year Title Awarding Body
2010 Chartered Engineer of the Year Finalist Engineers Ireland
2004 1st runner up - Structural Engineers Student Prize for Final Year Projects Institute of Structural Engineers
2004 White Young Green Carew Prize White Young Green

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Institute of Structural Engineers MIStructE /
Engineers Ireland CEng MIEI /

Employment

  Employer Position From / To
Institute of Technology, Sligo R&D Coordinator 01-MAR-15 / 30-NOV-16
Institute of Technology, Sligo R&D Coordinator 02-SEP-13 / 28-FEB-15
Jennings O'Donovan & Partners Limited Chartered Engineer 03-JAN-10 / 29-AUG-13
Jennings O'Donovan & Partners Limited Engineer 02-JAN-07 / 31-DEC-10
Jennings O'Donovan & Partners Limited Graduate Engineer 03-JAN-05 / 31-DEC-06
Self Employed Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Mechanical & Structural, Aircraft Planner 01-SEP-96 / 31-DEC-04
Britannia Airways Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Mechanical & Structural 02-SEP-91 / 30-AUG-96

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
Research & Innovation Committee (IT Sligo) Contributing to and developing engagement with research activities across the Institute /

Education

  Year Institution Qualification Subject
2011 Loughborough University MSc (With Distinction) Renewable Energy Systems Technology
2004 Dublin Institute of Technology BEng Engineering (Structural)

Outreach Activities

  Description

The IT Sligo Contract Research Unit (CRU) provides a dedicated outreach Research & Innovation support to regional enterprises, communities and individuals.We offer:
  • Advice on funding initiatives available
  • Assistance with funding applications
  • Providing or sourcing the technical skills to develop your project

Key focus areas:
  • Design assistance for new or improved products or processes
  • Analysis and optimisation of resource, energy & waste streams
  • Innovative Waste reduction/recycling systems
  • Renewable energy and sustainable  technologies
  • CAD design and 3D prototyping

Mentor and Technical Adviser to the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities Programme.
http://www.seai.ie/sec/