I studied Agricultural & Environmental Science in UCD - the development of agriculture and other forms of land use in an environmentally sensitive manner. In my final two years I specialised in the area of natural resource management, environmental monitoring and management and environmental planning including impact assessment.
On graduation I moved to the US and worked as a Research Analyst for the Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Here, I researched resource and agricultural issues such as the River Protection Act, and compiled 'bill summaries' on current legislation.

Upon returning to Ireland, I joined the Environmental Department of Tara Mines Limited. As an Environmental Officer I am responsible for the implementation of Tara's Integrated Pollution Control Licence which involves working in areas ranging from monitoring control of atmospheric emissions, ground and surface waters, landfill and gaseous emissions and noise and blasting vibration. Aside from fieldwork there is considerable emphasis on data management which involves compilation of databases, interpretation and validation of monitoring results and preparation of reports for the EPA and local authorities.

In the mining industry there is a great diversity of environmental aspects which is reflected in our Annual Environmental Report (AER). The AER is a summary report of environmental performance and management of the activity which involves the compilation of summaries of all emissions, mass balance of all chemical inputs/outputs to the mine, waste management records as well as reviewing our Environmental Management System, Emergency Response Procedure and Site Closure Plan.

Working for the Environmental Department also involves taking part in ongoing research programmes that in recent years have included tailings rehabilitation, wetlands trials, electro fishing and effects of mining operations on soil and vegetation.

Currently I am working on two Environmental Impact Statements which will accompany planning submissions to the local authority for expansion of current mining operations.

What I enjoy most is the variation that goes with my job. It gives an excellent balance between fieldwork and office work