Women in Science – Louise Healy

To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Marine Institute is highlighting the many brilliant women who play transformative and ambitious roles in understanding, exploring, protecting and sustainably managing our oceans wealth.

The Marine Institute is profiling our female scientists, sharing their study and career paths, the work they do at the Marine Institute and the important contribution their work delivers.

Louise Healy
Scientific Technical Officer, Benthos Ecology
Marine Institute

What is your current role at the Marine Institute and what's involved in your daily work?
I work as a Scientific and Technical Officer within the Benthos Ecology group at the Marine Institute. This role involves collecting, collating and analysing Benthic data for a number of different work programmes and projects. This is done through a combination of desk- based activities, laboratory and field work.

What did you study and why?
I have a Bachelor's of Science in Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology from Galway-Mayo Institute of technology (GMIT) and a taught Masters in Climate Change: Managing the Marine Environment in Heriot- Watt University, Edinburgh.

While studying in GMIT I took an interest in Benthic ecology and completed my thesis in this area. After my Masters, I completed an internship in the Marine Institute within the Benthos Ecology group. This experience prepared me for the role I am in today.

What are your interests and passions?
Outside of work I love to be outdoors, I like to walk, read and travel.

What is the best thing about working in the Marine Institute? What do you enjoy most about your job?
In the Marine Institute I get to work with people from all different disciplines and take part in interesting projects and surveys. It is great working alongside others that are so passionate about their work.

What I enjoy most about my job is the variety of work we do. Being able to go to sea, work in the lab and office-based work always keeps things interesting.

What is something you think everyone should know about the ocean?
I think everyone should know that amazing, beautiful species aren't just found in warm coral reefs. Irish waters are home to many weird and wonderful creatures that are just as impressive.

ENDS