St Mary’s Secondary School in Mallow, Cork, has achieved an extraordinary feat at the 2025 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Every single one of their five student submissions earned recognition, showcasing the school’s commitment to innovation and excellence in science and technology.
The students’ projects spanned a wide range of disciplines,from environmental science to health and technology,reflecting the diverse talents within the school. Among the standout achievements was the Teagasc Award, won by Alvy Fitzgerald, Anna Duggan, and Leah O’sullivan. Their project, titled ‘An Investigation into using Total Leaf-Area as a predictive tool for determining below-ground biomass at all stages in the growth of selected Root-Crop Plants,’ also secured them the Junior Group award in the Biological and Ecological category.
In the Chemical, Physical, and Mathematical sciences category, Sarah Stewart and Grace Goulding took home the Senior Group prize. Their work, ‘Analysing Temporal Variations in Quasar flux: A Python-based approach to satellite and observatory images,’ demonstrated their advanced technical skills and innovative thinking.
The Technology category saw another victory for St mary’s, with Delilah Afriyie, layla O’Connor, and Doireann Dempsey winning the junior Group award. Their project, ‘Growth and evaluation of a wearable distress detection and response system for open water swimmers,’ highlighted their ability to address real-world challenges with practical solutions.
Amy O’Mahony and Berenice Cronin earned second place in the Health and Well-Being category with their project, ‘Boosting Brainpower: An investigation into the effect of ‘movement breaks’ on student cognition, wellbeing, and academic performance.’ Their research underscored the importance of physical activity in enhancing mental and academic performance.
Aimee Renton, Anna O’brien, and Katie Mae O’Neill were highly commended in the Intermediate chemical, Physical, and mathematical Sciences category. Their project, ‘An investigation into micro-plastic degradation in aquatic habitats using UV and heat energy, and their potential for reducing potable water contamination,’ tackled one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.
“We’re delighted to celebrate an extraordinary achievement that highlights the excellence, determination, and creativity demonstrated by our students at this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition,” said Andrea Murphy, principal of St Mary’s.She added, “St Mary’s, Mallow, has delivered a truly stellar performance this year — 60% of the participants at the exhibition were girls — a true testament to the growing strength of young women in Stem.”
This remarkable success story is not just a win for st Mary’s but also a festivity of the potential of young minds to drive innovation and solve complex problems. It’s a reminder of the importance of nurturing curiosity and creativity in education, paving the way for a brighter future.
What advice woudl you give to other schools looking to replicate St. Mary’s success?
Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Renowned Science Educator and Advocate for STEM Innovation
By Archyde News Editor
January 14, 2025
Archyde: dr. Carter,thank you for joining us today. St. Mary’s Secondary School in Mallow, Cork, has just made headlines at the 2025 BT Young Scientist & technology Exhibition, with all five of their student submissions earning recognition. As a leading voice in science education, what are your thoughts on this remarkable achievement?
Dr. Emily Carter: thank you for having me. What St. Mary’s has accomplished is nothing short of extraordinary. For every single submission to earn recognition at such a prestigious event speaks volumes about the school’s dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in STEM. It’s a testament to the hard work of both the students and their educators.
Archyde: What do you think sets St. mary’s apart in terms of their approach to science and technology education?
Dr. Carter: from what I’ve observed, St. Mary’s has cultivated an environment that encourages curiosity and hands-on learning. They’re not just teaching students to memorize facts; they’re empowering them to think critically, solve real-world problems, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. This kind of approach is crucial in preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Archyde: The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is known for its rigorous standards. What does this level of success say about the quality of the projects submitted by St. Mary’s students?
Dr. Carter: It’s a clear indicator of exceptional quality. The exhibition attracts some of the brightest young minds in the country,and for St. Mary’s to achieve this level of recognition across all five projects is a rare feat. It suggests that the students are not only tackling complex issues but also presenting their findings in a way that resonates with judges and peers alike. This kind of success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of sustained effort, mentorship, and a culture that values scientific inquiry.
Archyde: How do you think this achievement will impact the students and the school moving forward?
Dr. Carter: This is a transformative moment for St. Mary’s. for the students, it’s a validation of their hard work and a confidence boost that will undoubtedly inspire them to pursue further studies and careers in STEM. For the school, it solidifies its reputation as a leader in science education, which will attract more resources, partnerships, and opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Archyde: What advice would you give to other schools looking to replicate St. Mary’s success?
Dr. Carter: My advice would be to focus on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests. Invest in quality mentorship, provide access to resources, and encourage collaboration. Most importantly, celebrate every step of the journey—whether it’s a small discovery or a major breakthrough. Success in STEM is built on a foundation of curiosity, resilience, and community.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights.It’s clear that St. Mary’s achievement is a shining example of what’s possible when schools prioritize innovation and excellence in science education.
Dr. Carter: Thank you.I’m excited to see what the future holds for st. Mary’s and its students. They’re truly setting the standard for STEM education in Ireland and beyond.
End of interview
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