DkIT student-led outreach engages local schools in the wonders of science
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) recently launched an innovative, curriculum‑embedded outreach initiative that places undergraduate students at the centre of high‑quality STEM engagement with schools.
The initiative coincides with a redesign of Year 3 science programmes at DkIT and marks a significant step in aligning graduate skill development, civic engagement and sustainable outreach practice.
Research has shown that almost half of science graduates progress into non‑research careers, including teaching, communication and other public‑facing STEM roles, yet many undergraduate programmes offer limited opportunities to develop key skills such as communication, leadership and teamwork. Employer surveys consistently rank communication as the most important graduate attribute, with outreach and public engagement experience also featuring strongly in recruitment decisions.
Drawing on reflective feedback from undergraduate students involved in previous outreach events, Dr Orla Sherlock, Microbiology Lecturer and Outreach Coordinator at DkIT, identified a clear skills gap for students interested in alternative, non‑laboratory‑based career paths. In response, Dr Sherlock in collaboration with Dr Chiara Hanlon, developed a new elective outreach module designed to build these competencies and better prepare students for diverse STEM career trajectories.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr Sherlock said
“This module allows our students to graduate not only with strong scientific knowledge, but with the communication, leadership and civic skills employers are actively seeking. The initiative also creates a sustainable pipeline of trained outreach facilitators allowing us to strengthen links between higher education and schools. At the same time, schools benefit from high quality, curriculum relevant STEM engagement.”
As part of the first delivery of the student led module in 2026, 11 students worked as a team to redesign a secondary school classroom resource called “Science in a Box” which they then delivered in schools in the North East. Students chose to focus on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a major global health challenge that aligns with DkIT’s commitment to the One Health framework. Throughout the 12-week module, they innovated and designed 3 interactive activities for school workshops featuring an antibiotic penicillin resistance sweets modelling, a knowledge driven simulated “Horse Race” activity and AMR play doh art challenge. The student‑led workshops were piloted with approximately 240 second‑level students in April 26, in Drogheda Educate Together School, Colaiste na Hinse Bettystown and St. Louis Dundalk.
Speaking about their experience, one undergraduate student facilitating the workshops commented
“This Outreach module helped me strengthen my teamwork and communication skills, as I worked closely with others to design and deliver engaging activities at the same time it improved my confidence in explaining scientific concepts”.
A fantastic 96% of school participants reported learning something new and interesting, while having fun.
Chemistry teacher Ms Val Veen from Colaiste na Hinse Bettystown said:
“The DkIT "Science in a Box" workshop provided our students with an invaluable hands-on look at the global challenge of antibiotic resistance. By moving beyond the textbook and into practical activity, the session made microbiology both accessible and engaging. It sparked a fantastic buzz in our classroom and hopefully inspires many of our students to consider a future career in science”.
The 11 module participants also facilitated their second event on May 7th at “DkIT Loves STEM” campus event, hosting 125 TY girls from 5 secondary schools in the region in the DkIT in Science labs.
Future module cohorts will collaborate with local industry partners to co‑develop outreach activities that reflect regional STEM opportunities, further strengthening links between higher education, industry and schools, while supporting informed pathways into STEM careers.
Schools and partners interested in engaging with DkIT outreach initiatives can find further information at: https://www.dkit.ie/p/science-outreach.html
