Dundalk IT lecturers celebrated for advancing sustainability in TrailblazHER™ Awards

Two Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) lecturers have been announced as winners of the TrailblazHER™ Excellence Awards in the Sustainability category, recognising their outstanding commitment to advancing sustainability through education, research, and community engagement.

Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens, from Munterconnaught, Co. Cavan, was named the winner of the TrailblazHER™ Awards Sustainability Award, while her colleague Suzanne Linnane, from Blackrock, Co. Louth, was named Runner Up in the same category at a ceremony hosted by Sonya Lennon in TU Dublin's Concert Hall.

The TrailblazHER™ Excellence Awards, part of TU Dublin’s flagship TrailblazHER™ gender equality programme, celebrate individuals whose determination, creativity, and impact are paving the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable Ireland.

Dr Gilleran Stephens is a lecturer in Environmental Biotechnology at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and leads the Environmental Education research theme within the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES), while Dr Suzanne Linnane lectures in Sustainable Agriculture and is Director of the CFES. 

These awards highlight exceptional leadership in sustainability and environmental education, as well as the impact of both Caroline and Suzanne’s work through initiatives such as H₂O Heroes and DkIT’s CFES. Their dedication to advancing research and fostering community engagement continues to inspire students, colleagues, and partners across the institute and beyond.

 “Receiving the TrailblazHER™ Sustainability Award is an incredible honour,” said Dr Gilleran Stephens. “Sustainability is not just about environmental protection, it is about empowering people and communities to make meaningful, lasting change. At DkIT, I’m privileged to work with inspiring colleagues and students who share that passion and who are driving innovative, real-world solutions to the challenges we face.''

She added: “This recognition reinforces the importance of education, research and community engagement in building a more sustainable future. Awards like TrailblazHER™ remind us that when we celebrate diverse voices and empower women in leadership, we accelerate progress for our environment, our society and future generations.”

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Speaking following the presentation of the awards, Dr Linnane said: “It's a privilege to be recognised alongside my colleague, Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens, as a TrailblazHER award recipient in the Sustainability category. This acknowledgment reflects the shared commitment we have in advancing sustainability through collaboration, innovation, and meaningful engagement. Together, we strive to empower individuals and communities to take informed action that leads to lasting environmental and social impact. 

“For me, sustainability is about creating a balance between people, place, and progress - ensuring that our actions today support the wellbeing of future generations. We don’t always realise the difference we’re making in the moment, but this award is a reminder that our efforts do have real and positive impact. Receiving this recognition is both humbling and inspiring, reaffirming my belief in the power of collective effort to drive real and lasting change.”