Dundalk explorer Dr Niamh Shaw retraces Arctic paths with local student support

As Dundalk Native, Dr Niamh Shaw sets off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic from July 7th - 23rd for an art-science residency at The Arctic Circle Summer 2025 Expedition, she brings with her some very important pieces of home.

The newest adventure will see Niamh living and working alongside scientists, engineers, artists, and changemakers, all brought together by a shared curiosity about climate, isolation, resilience and how we build new ways of living in a changing world.

As part of her latest mission, Niamh is collaborating with students from DkIT on an exciting science and engineering initiative. She will collect Arctic water samples for student-led analysis projects, bringing real-world data back to the classroom. In addition, she is supporting a student-led engineering project in partnership with DkIT Electrical and Electronic Engineering students Edward Otesanya and Jack Tully, who are currently completing their industry placement with AMTCE Dundalk. Their projects focus on evaluating electronic component performance in extreme Arctic conditions, as well as audio-visual data collection and analysis, using advanced equipment provided by AMTCE and Overhaul.

The collaboration was made possible by Dr. Orla Sherlock, Ms. Amanda Kearns, Ms. Maryellen Kelledy, and Denise McKitterick from DkIT,  Jean Kennedy and Siobhan Clarke from AMTCE and the team at Overhaul.

Maryellen Kelledy, Chairperson for Engineers Ireland North-East Region said:

Engineers Ireland North-East Region are delighted to collaborate on this project with Dr. Niamh Shaw, DkIT and Dundalk Chamber, highlighting STEM activities in our region. Showcasing our strong engineering talent pipeline with the DkIT student led projects supported by AMTCE. We’re looking forward to hearing all about Dr. Niamh’s findings.

In addition to the student projects, Niamh will also carry with her a flag, specially designed by Isabelle McCabe from DkIT’s Marketing Team and sponsored by Engineers Ireland North-East Region and Dundalk Chamber of Commerce to highlight the backing she has received from various organisations in Dundalk town. Representing some of the key supports in the area of STEM across the North-East Region and her hometown, of Dundalk, the flag also features legendary explorer and Dundalk native Leopold McClintock, who was renowned for his Arctic explorations. 

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Speaking before her departure, Dr. Niamh Shaw said:“As with all my expeditions, this journey has a deeper thread running through it. This time, it’s anchored in the story of Leopold McClintock, the legendary Irish explorer from Dundalk who helped solve the mystery of Franklin’s lost Arctic expedition. His legacy of methodical exploration, deep respect for nature and Indigenous knowledge, and calm leadership quietly shaped the polar explorers who came after him. And here’s the strange, beautiful part, although I’m from Dundalk too, I didn’t grow up knowing about McClintock. But here I am, becoming an explorer in my own right, retracing Arctic paths, creating shared moments for families and students aiming for futures in STEM back home, and helping others see Earth from new perspectives.”

Hanna McDonnell, President of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce added:“At Dundalk Chamber we are always delighted to work alongside Niamh and support her fantastic initiatives which help make STEM accessible to everyone in the community. It is fantastic to think that a small representation of the Dundalk Chamber will be with Niamh on her adventures to the Arctic as she retraces the steps of another Dundalk explorer. We look forward to hearing all about Niamh’s journey on her return.”