STEM

Caitriona Hennessy

Environmental Compliance Specialist

Secondary school science subjects: Biology

Other experience: BScDegree in Construction Economics & management – TUS, Higher Diploma in Environmental Science & Social Policy – UCC

Basic job overview: compliance monitoring and reporting

Path to current role: I worked as a Quantity Surveyor until 2008. I then took up part time contractor role here in Carbery looking after Nutrient Management Plan (as I also have a certificate in Farming including Organic Farming), – then went to college by night to get my diploma – (mentioned above)- over the years got additional items to look after including waste management. Then my current role became available and applied for the position. I am in my current role since June 2023.

Ciara Smith

RPA Developer and Citizen Developer Lead

Secondary school science subjects: Biology, Chemistry

Other experience: Business information Systems UCC

Basic job overview: Talking to process owners to gather requirements, decide on best solutions and subsequently develop them. I also manage the citizen developer program which provides training to business users so that they can build automations for themselves or their team.

Path to current role: Joined Carbery as a graduate in 2021 and became an RPA developer in 2022. Started the citizen developer program in 2023. I also have worked in Deloitte and McAfee during college.

Meg Ross

Dairy Flavour Technologist

Secondary school science subjects: Chemistry

Other experience: BSc Food Science (2013-2017), PhD Food Science (2017-2022) – Both completed at UCC

Basic job overview: In my role as a Dairy Flavour Technologist at Synergy Flavours, I work to develop and improve flavour solutions for the food and beverage industry, with a focus on dairy products. My job combines creativity and science to solve challenges and improve processes. A big part of my role involves supporting operations in the production plant. If there are issues with formulations or production processes, I troubleshoot, advise, or run small-scale trials to find solutions. I also work on proactive projects, researching new ways to innovate and enhance our flavour offerings. This role allows me to use both my academic background and hands-on industry experience to make an impact in the food sector.

Path to current role: After completing my BSc in Food Science, I planned to work in the food industry or join a graduate program. While searching for opportunities, my final-year project supervisor suggested I apply for a PhD in 3D Food Printing. The project combined Food Science, Engineering, and Consumer Science, and its innovative potential convinced me to take it on.The Lauritzson Scholarship funded my PhD, covering fees, travel, materials, and a stipend, allowing me to focus fully on my research. Although a PhD isn’t essential for the role, I’m in today, the experience helped me stand out and gain valuable expertise. When I finished my PhD, I became a Production Manager at Carbery Group, working in their Ultrafiltration Plant. This part of the plant focuses on concentrating liquid whey to prepare it for further processing, such as drying it into protein powders like Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC). This role gave me valuable insight into large-scale production and operations. For the past year, I’ve worked in Research and Development at Synergy Flavours, a subsidiary of Carbery. As a Dairy Flavour Technologist, I help troubleshoot plant issues related to formulations and processes, run trials, and contribute to proactive innovation projects. My current role builds on both my academic and industry experience, proving there’s no single path to a STEM career.

Emma Deasy

Cheese Shift Production Manager

Secondary school science subjects: Technology and Biology

Other experience: QQI Level 5 & 6 in Early Education

Basic job overview: In my role I lead a team of operator on a shift, ensuring that the production processes runs safely, reliably, and efficiently. Every day is different, but I ensure the production plan is met, consistently producing quality cheeses for our customers.  I coach operators on an ongoing basis and train new operators on how to safely use equipment and follow procedures.

Path to current role: I started off as an operator in the block formers in December 2019 employed for the Mozzarella plant. Covid 19 came along, and the Mozzarella production was delayed. I joined the Mozzarella team in September 2020 and became a Shift lead in January 2022 after gaining experience in the area I then took the Shift production manager job in January 2024.

Sarah Hicks

Lab Analyst 

Secondary school science subjects: Biology

Other experience: BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Health Sciences | MTU | 2020-2024

Basic job overview: As a Microbiology Quality Control Analyst, I am part of a team responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of final products through testing and analysis.  Some of my primary duties include; Preparation and sterilisation of media for culture growth and various microbiological assays. To perform phage (virus) testing of bacterial cultures and to conduct microbiological tests on final products such as Cheese to assess bacterial contamination and overall quality.

Niamh Nyhan

Apprentice Laboratory Analyst 

Secondary school science subjects: Biology and Agricultural Science

Other experience: I am currently in my final year of BSc laboratory analyst apprenticeship in MTU. The duration of the course is 3 years, I spend 2 days at MTU and 3 days on-site at Carbery.

Basic job overview: Throughout my course Carbery have given me the opportunity to experience a number of different areas in the microbiology laboratory. I have been on the sampling role which consists of aseptically(sterile) sampling powder products and delivering them to the appropriate laboratories to be tested. I have gained a lot of experience in testing final cheese during my time in Carbery. I test the cheese for bacterial contamination to ensure that it is safe for consumers. I am currently training on a new bench in the laboratory that focuses on testing Carbery’s yeast ingredients and flavourings. I have gotten a taste of every step of the quality testing the past three years and I am still learning each day! 

Path to current role: Carbery advertised that they were hiring Laboratory apprentices. I always loved biology and Agricultural science in secondary school, so I decided to apply for the role. I had an interview with Carbery and when I got accepted, they helped me to enrol in the college course in MTU.

Laura Bogue

European ESG Lead 

Secondary school science subjects: Biology and Chemistry

Other experience: Environmental Science in Liverpool Hope University (Bachelor of Science)

Basic job overview:: I am part of Carbery’s Sustainability Team, collaborating with colleagues across the business to implement Carbery Group’s ESG strategy. My role is varied, encompassing sustainability projects, reporting, and driving efforts to achieve key sustainability accreditation. Additionally, I actively engage with green teams, the local community, and our charity partners to drive impactful initiatives.

Path to current role: I have always been passionate about the environment, and my college studies deepened that interest significantly. After graduating and traveling, I began my first role in the environmental and sustainability field in late 2018. Over the past six years, I have gained valuable experience in the food industry, working in environmental and sustainability roles across meat, ingredients, and dairy sectors. In 2024, I joined Carbery as the European ESG Lead, and after a year in the role, I’m excited about continuing to make a meaningful impact in sustainability.

Matea Markovac

Production manager – Ingredients department

Secondary school science subjects: Biology, Chemistry and  Physics

Other experience: Bachelor’s degree in food technology, Master degree in Food engineering

Basic job overview: Ensuring all jobs are performed to the highest standards. Ensuring GMP are adhered to at all times. Responsible for all associated labour issues in the department. Ensuring powder ingredients are made to the highest possible quality. Planning and liaising with the Maintenance team and co-ordinating  maintenance. Efficient running of the quality system. Ensure production plans are adhered to. Working with the R&D team agreeing to and performing trials.

Path to current role: After finishing college I started working as Production manager/Quality manager in bakery in Bosnia and Herzegovina where I worked for almost 5 years. After moving to Ireland I was working in meat industry as Production supervisor for 2 years and then I moved to Carbery. In Carbery I have been working in few different Ingredients departments (Ultrafiltration plant, Sports food and blending department and now Microfiltration and Hydrolysis plant).