Mayo student awarded prestigious engineering prize for STEM education prototype
Atlantic Technological University Galway graduate and Castlebar native Roy Sheridan has been awarded the Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award by Engineers Ireland.
The Mechanical Engineering graduate was presented with the award having designed and manufactured a 3-Axis Desktop CNC Milling Machine. Using a variety of engineering principles, Roy created a working prototype of the machine which has the potential to be used by educators and students for training and teaching science, technology and engineering (STEM) subjects.
Describing his project, Roy Sheridan said, “3D printing has revolutionised the way students are taught engineering, however one process that is continually overlooked due to the expense involved is CNC machining.
CNC milling machines provide students with a practical, hands-on experience in engineering and manufacturing.
“Incorporating CNC milling machines into STEM education programs can help students develop a wide range of skills and knowledge that are relevant to today's technology-driven world. It provides a bridge between theoretical STEM concepts and their practical applications, preparing students for a variety of STEM-related careers. By creating this 3-Axis Desktop CNC milling machine, I hope it will support educators to foster creativity and innovation in the classroom and help students better understand the principles of mathematics, physics, and engineering.”
The Castlebar native’s innovative prototype was one of five projects shortlisted for the 2023 Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award.
Commenting on the students’ ability to develop innovative solutions to challenges faced by industry and people in everyday society, Dr Edmond Harty, President of Engineers Ireland, said, “The students shortlisted for the Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award are a testament to the talent and creativity that exists in our third-level education institutions. It was absolutely fantastic to see the range and diversity of projects demonstrating the innovative and methodical approaches taken to practical everyday problems.”
Dr Harty added: “Congratulations to Roy and each finalist shortlisted for this year’s competition. I look forward to witnessing each finalists’ career growth and supporting these innovative projects which have the potential to push boundaries and create a positive impact globally. I would also like to thank Siemens for their ongoing support for this award.”