Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens

Lecturer in Environmental Biotechnology. Research Theme Lead CFES. Programme Director MSc Agricultural Biotechnology. H2O Heroes Coordinator.
Department of Agriculture, Food and Animal Health
North Building
| Room: NE232
[email protected]
+353 (0)42 9370200

Biography

I am a passionate educator and environmental researcher, dedicated to advancing sustainability through education, research and community engagement. My work centres on environmental education, sustainable land and water management and empowering learners to become active agents of change.

At DkIT, I lead the Environmental Education (EE) research theme within the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES). Here, I focus on developing innovative, nature-based and place-based learning approaches that foster environmental awareness and inspire sustainable behaviours.

As an advocate for inclusive and engaging education, I strive to create learning environments that are interactive, impactful, and grounded in real-world relevance. I believe that sustainability starts with education and I'm committed to helping shape a future where informed, inspired individuals lead the way.

Teaching

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

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)

  • 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