EPI∙STEM PODCAST EPISODE 37

In this episode of the EPI·STEM podcast, Geraldine SimmiePhD and Michelle Starr PhD welcome Manus McDyer as their special guest. Manus McDyer is a University Teacher in technology education in the School of Education and an EPI∙STEM Affiliate with expertise in teaching student teachers’ subjects, such as, engineering, process technology, graphics and design & technology.In the EPI·STEM podcast today, Manus shares his passionfor teaching and research in technology education and explains how he was drawn to exploring the variety of attributes and expertise of designers across different livelihoods. Manus hails from Glenties in Co. Donegal, an area famous for fiddle players and a strong creative and musical tradition in traditional music and culture. Manus first began his journey into technology education when he selected engineering and graphics, in junior cycle and senior cycle in his local comprehensive school. Later, he achieved a first-class honour, grade 1, in a four-yearundergraduate Bachelor-in-Technology-Education (B Tech Ed) degree in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) in the School of Education at UL. Manua Mc Dyer works today as a University Teacher in Technology Education in the School of Education (UL) and is currently completing his PhD study in Technology Education. His PhD supervisors include Dr Jeff Buckley, Dr Ronan Dunbar, and Dr Niall Seery from the Technological University of theShannon (TUS), and Dr Niekie Blom from the School of Education in UL.Manus is deeply interested in researching the topic ofdesign and deign thinking in technology education from multiple directions. His doctoral study draws from grounded theory as the most suitable approach to mapping this complex ontological and epistemic puzzle. Manus’ study is already yielding interesting findings into how best to support learners with productive pedagogies, including how best to include the technical, creative, affective and reflective dimensions.  Manus McDyer continues to avail of new learning andnetworking opportunities, including engaging with the touchstone of research to better support his teaching of technology education and at the same time he regularly presents at national and international research conferences intechnology and STEM education, including in Ireland, UK, Canada, China and Sweden.​​​The music selection today is performed by Eoghan Collins,from Newport, Co. Tipperary, a first-year student in the BA in World Music in The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at UL. Eoghan is a singer, songwriter and guitarist. Here he performs an original composition called ‘Refugee Woman’.​