Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Sandra has 20 years’ experience working in the engineering and project management sectors, and for the past 13 years she has worked exclusively on renewable energy projects in Ireland. Sandra lives in Co Kerry with her husband and three young children. From changing tyres with her dad to building large-scale wind farms, on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, she shares her story of how a curious mind got her hooked on engineering.
How did you get into STEM?
I was raised in a household with seven kids, and my father made sure we learned life skills that went well beyond what we were taught in school. From changing a tyre to planting cabbage, these experiences sparked my curiosity about how things work. When it came to university, engineering was a natural fit for me — it appealed to my love of logic, where everything is almost always clear-cut, black or white.
How do you use your engineering background at work?
I hold degrees in both civil engineering and project management, and I apply the skills I gained in college to my work here at FuturEnergy Ireland. Project management tools, such as risk and budget management, are valuable across any project, whether it’s our renewable energy developments or planning a big event like a wedding.
At FuturEnergy Ireland we rely on external experts for certain specialised aspects of planning projects, but my technical knowledge in areas such as soil and slope characteristics allows me to better understand our project sites and, ultimately, create more effective proposals.
What do you enjoy most about working in renewables?
Working in renewables offers the opportunity to be part of something that directly contributes to a sustainable future. It’s an industry that’s about making a real impact — reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change, and creating cleaner, greener energy solutions. It’s exciting to work on projects that are both technically challenging and crucial for the planet's long-term wellbeing. Plus, it allows me to inspire my kids to care for the environment and I am hopefully helping to create a better future for them.
Did anyone or anything inspire you?
My father always inspired me to pursue whatever I set my mind to, regardless of the obstacles I may face. He taught me to believe in myself and showed me that anything is possible with determination. Through his example, I learned the value of hard work and resilience.
Do you have any advice for women and girls who would like to get into engineering and science-based careers?
My advice is to go for it, no matter what others may think. If you have a passion for something, believe in yourself — you might just discover that you’re capable of achieving incredible things in this field.
What gender balance have you seen throughout your career? What do you think needs to be done to address this?
When I went to college, there were only three girls in a class of 120 boys, and I still value those female friendships to this day. Things have changed a bit since then – it’s refreshing to now be working with so many female colleagues who are making a difference in the renewables industry. It’s important for girls to see women succeeding in engineering and science careers, so having a strong presence in schools and colleges is a key starting point. Initiatives like this, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, are fantastic for giving us a platform to show what we can accomplish.
