Head of Engineering & Design at IT Sligo, Úna Parsons has been conferred to Fellowship of the Irish Academy of Engineering. This distinction has been bestowed on Ms Parsons by the academy in recognition of her contribution to engineering in Ireland.
The Irish Academy of Engineering is an all-island body and is made up of 146 engineers from Academia, Public Sector, Industry and engineering consultancy.
An award-winning Chartered Engineer Úna began her career in 1978 after training at what was then called Sligo Regional Technical College where she now heads the Faculty of Engineering & Design.
The Dublin native moved to Sligo 45 years ago to study the apprenticeship trade of Toolmaking and was the only woman in her class. She was awarded a scholarship by Braun AG to continue her studies in Boston where she graduated as a mechanical engineer. Since then Úna has travelled the world as an engineer working in the manufacturing industry across Europe, the USA, China and Mexico.
A highly respected engineer, Úna has worked as Industry Director for Engineers Ireland and was CEO of the Crafts Council of Ireland before taking up an academic management position in IT Sligo in 2012. Speaking after receiving her parchment, Úna Parsons said:
“I am honoured to be conferred with the title of Fellow of the Irish Academy of Engineering that provides independent advice to policymakers on matters involving engineering and technology.
I look forward to joining this group of eminent engineers and giving active input and insights to help advance the wellbeing of the country.”
Úna is deeply passionate about engineering, creativity and education and has been instrumental in the growth of the Faculty of Engineering & Design in IT Sligo over the last number of years. The faculty team of over 200 staff have developed many new innovative programmes that resulted in growth to over 4,000 students across full-time, online and apprentice streams. She is also very proud of the growth in research activity in the faculty that is key as IT Sligo transitions to become the Atlantic Technological University on April 1st.
IT Sligo is currently celebrating Engineers Week and held a very successful Engineering Fair at the weekend with over 1,000 visitors attending the event which was led out by Úna Parsons and colleagues.