Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens
Biography
I am a STEM Educator, Sustainability Advocate, and Environmental Researcher dedicated to advancing sustainable futures through education, research, and community engagement. My work centres on environmental education, nature-based learning, sustainable land and water management, and empowering learners to become informed, active changemakers.
At DkIT, I lead the Environmental Education research theme within the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES). My research explores innovative, place-based learning approaches that build environmental awareness, strengthen connections to nature, and inspire meaningful sustainable behaviours.
I am committed to creating learning experiences that are interactive, inclusive, and grounded in real-world relevance. As an advocate for sustainability and engaged education, I believe that transformative change begins with knowledge and that informed, inspired individuals can lead the way toward healthier ecosystems, communities, and futures.
Teaching
MSc / Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Biotechnology
BSc in Agriculture (Part-time Level 7 Add-On)
BSc (Hons) in Sustainable Agriculture
Qualifications & Awards
Qualifications
MA in learning and Teaching (Dundalk Insitute of Technology, 2020)
PhD in Biotechnology (National University of Ireland Galway, 2004)
BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry (National University of Ireland Galway, 2000)
Awards
TrailblazHER Excellence Sustainability Award 2025 Scientix: STEM Contributors Award 2024
National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning in HE: Teaching Hero Award 2001
Research & Interests
Current Projects
- H2O Heroes (www.h2oheroes.ie). Funded by Research Ireland.
- Engineered soil mixes for nature-based Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) (2025-2026). Funded by Enterprise Ireland.
- United Youth Initiative (2025-2027). Funded by PEACEPLUS through the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
- ResiRiver: Creating Resilient River Systems by Mainstreaming and Upscaling NbS (2024-2027). Funded by INTERREG NWE.
- Environmental Education for Empowerment: A response to Eco-anxiety among young people in Ireland (2024-2028). Funded by TU CREATE.
Recent Publications (last 5 years)
- Jordan, S. N, Farrell, M., Gilleran Stephens, C. (2025). Microbial community response to spent mushroom substrate composting methods by phospholipid fatty acid analysis. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology.
- Gilleran Stephens, C., Antwi, S. H., Linnane, S. (2025). Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – A framework for re-design of an Environmental Education (EE) outreach program for a more inclusive and impactful Science Festival event. Discover Education.
- Sarpong, H. A., Gilleran Stephens, C., Getty, D., Slinger, J., Rolston, A. and Linnane, S. (2025). Public participation in environmental decision-making: A water sector perspective. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators.
- Kneel, S., Gilleran Stephens, C., Rolston, A., Mendes, A.M., Morrison, L., Linnane, S. (2024). Microplastic contamination of intertidal sediment and cockles (Cerasastoderma edule). Marine Pollution Bulletin.
- Sarpong, H. A., Linnane, S., Getty, D., Slinger, J., Rolston, A. and Gilleran Stephens, C. (2024). A Review Of Best Practices (National And International) In Public Participation In Environmental Management, With Policy Recommendations. National Water Forum.
- Kneel, S., Gilleran Stephens, C., Rolston, A., Linnane, S. (2023). Examining awareness, attitudes and behaviour of stakeholders in Irish Fishing towards plastic. Resources, Environment and Sustainability
- King, C., Gilleran Stephens, C., Lynch, J., Jordan, S. (2023). Farmers' attitudes towards agricultural plastics–Management and disposal, awareness and perceptions of the environmental impacts. Science of the Total Environment.
- Gilleran Stephens, C., Short, A., Linnane, S. (2021). H2O Heroes: adding value to an environmental education outreach programme through intergenerational learning. Irish Educational Studies.
Videos
