ATU Galway student wins Innovative Student Engineer of the Year

ATU Galway Mechanical Engineering student wins 2023 Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year
Castlebar student Roy Sheridan wins the accolade for his Desktop CNC Prototype Machine

ATU Galway Mechanical Engineering student Roy Sheridan from Castlebar, Co Mayo, has been named Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year 2023. Roy was presented with his award at the annual Engineers Ireland Awards ceremony in Dublin on Thursday last, 26 October (2023).

The prestigious award, now in its 24^th year, is presented annually by Siemens and Engineers Ireland to the best engineering student, or team, who has conceived and developed an innovative technology or commercially viable product.

Roy’s innovative prototype was one of five projects shortlisted for the finals. He was presented with two awards, the overall award and a finalist award for having designed and manufactured a “3-Axis Desktop CNC Milling Machine for Pedagogical Purposes.” Using a variety of engineering principles, Roy created a working prototype of his desktop machine which can be used by hobbyists, industry, students and educators for STEM teaching and training purposes, and for the realisation of miniature parts and products.

Roy has just completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (Honours) degree at ATU – Galway city campus and will graduate later this month (November). Describing his work, Roy says: “The 3D printing has revolutionized the way students are taught engineering, however one process that is continually overlooked due to the expense involved is CNC machining. Desktop CNC machines can put the technology within the reach of all engineering students, and provide students with a practical, hands-on experience in Engineering and Manufacturing”.

"I would like to thank Engineers Ireland and Siemens for selecting my submission and inviting me to attend the final. I would like to thank my parents, family, classmates, and staff who have taught me during my time in ATU Galway. This achievement would not have been possible without your support, knowledge and expertise. Finally, I would like to give a special thanks to my supervisor, Dr Oliver Mulryan, for the guidance, support and encouragement he provided throughout."

Dr Oliver Mulryan, Project Supervisor and Head of Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, ATU Galway-Mayo, says: “Well done Roy, you have done yourself, your family, classmates and ATU proud. Your project literally blew the judging panel away, and your work is evidence of the high calibre of the engineering programmes offered in ATU Galway. It’s a testament to the lectures, technicians and partners who contribute daily to the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. Well done to all. It is a fabulous achievement”.

Professor Graham Heaslip, Head of School of Engineering, ATU, Galway-Mayo, adds: “Congratulations to Roy on winning the 2023 Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year for his Desktop CNC Prototype Machine. Roy’s achievement demonstrates that he will be catalyst for shaping the future with his engineering prowess. Roy’s prototype is an example of precision and passion intertwining in the hands of a skilled mechanical engineering student.  Congratulations to the team who supported Roy, his supervisor Dr Oliver Mulryan, the academic staff and technical staff who contributed over the years to Roy’s engineering education.

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