Technical Staff Spotlight

    Technical Staff Spotlight - Olivia McCartin, Senior Technical Officer

    AIT CAO-hub

    Our Spotlight on the Technical Staff who work in and support staff and students in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology this month features Olivia McCartin, Senior Technical Officer, in the Faculty of Science and Health at TUS.

    BIOGRAPHY

    Olivia is a graduate of Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT), which since October 1, 2021 has become the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS). Olivia graduated in 1998 with a BSc(Hons) degree in Toxicology. Olivia worked in Elan Pharmaceuticals in the Quality Control (QC) Laboratory for 1 year before returning to AIT to complete an MSc in Environmental Toxicology by Research. After a successful completion of her MSc in 2001 she then worked in the QC Lab in Chanelle Veterinary and the Raw Materials Laboratory in Elan Pharmaceuticals for 2 years. Olivia then returned to AIT and took up a post as Science Laboratory Technical Officer in 2003. In February 2009 she was promoted to the role of Senior Technical Officer in The School of Science (now the Faculty of Science and Health) where she now currently works with a dedicated team of 10 other Technical Officers.

    TECHNICAL ROLE

    Day to day duties include assisting Academic Staff in their teaching, research and service commitments through preparation of the laboratories, equipment, biological reagents, chemicals and resources. Her range of responsibilities is widespread in her role. These include:

    1.Budget monitoring, stock control and procurement/ordering of teaching resources;
    2. Management of laboratory infrastructure and project managing required upgrades (including advice and procurement of laboratory instruments, equipment and resources and liaising with external contractors);
    3. Maintenance of laboratory equipment (including direct maintenance, as well as scheduling and procurement of required checks);
    4. Maintenance of laboratories and preparation areas to ensure they are clean, tidy and organised;
    5. Overseeing chemical segregation and waste management;
    6. Development and maintenance of documentation such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance manuals, quality policies and work instructions.

    SCIENTIFIC AREA OF EXPERTISE

    Olivia’s particular scientific expertise lies in the area of Environmental Science and Microbiology.

    CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)

    Olivia is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning, Teaching and Assessment at TUS and has also taught on some Part-Time programmes delivered by the University.

    PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY

    Olivia is a member of the TUS Health and Safety Committee and has also previously served on the Athena Swan Committee.

    INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

    Olivia is a dedicated triathlete, who loves to swim, bike and run. She is also a Level 2 Triathlon Ireland coach.

    CONTACT DETAILS

    Olivia McCartin, E57 C,
    Senior Technical Officer,
    Faculty of Science and Health,
    Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest,
    Athlone Campus, University Road,
    Athlone, Co. Westmeath,
    N37HD68, Ireland.

    Tel.: +353(0)906471881
    E-mail: oliviamccartin@tus.ie​​​​​​​