Analog Devices Inc (ADI), the global high-performance semiconductor company, has been recognised by University College Cork's School of Engineering and Architecture for its contribution to the education and development of electronic engineers at the third-level college.
ADI was acknowledged for its support of students and staff in the School of Engineering and Architecture, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, by enabling access to state-of-the-art ‘lab-at-home’ modules, assisting with final year projects and the publication of research papers.
Critical to delivering world-class education in electronic engineering
ADI’s assistance and interventions allowed the continuation of learning and experimentation in analogue electronics, embedded systems, and wireless communications – all critical to delivering a world-class education in electronic engineering.
This support was crucial in providing continuity for students' education and development during the pandemic and helped UCC maintain an excellent standard of learning and teaching for students. The practical and teamwork skills gained by students through lab work are a main feature of UCC’s engineering curriculum and are key to achieving accreditation by professional bodies such as Engineers Ireland.
The School of Engineering and Architecture also acknowledged the greater than 50-year relationship between UCC and ADI. ADI has supported many initiatives in UCC during this time, including scholarships, internships, subject matter lecturers, access to technology and specialised equipment and other support over the years. Many of UCC’s graduates go on to have highly successful and fulfilling careers in ADI.
Diarmuid McSwiney, senior director, intelligence infrastructure, Analog Devices, added: “ADI in Ireland have a very close relationship with UCC.
"The education and development of the next generation of engineers is something that all in ADI are passionate about and we are delighted to see how the students and staff of UCC Electronic Engineering innovated and continued to experiment through the pandemic. We look forward to continuing the close relationship between ADI and UCC.”
Dr Olive Murphy, director, Systems Applications and Advanced Technology said: “ADI recognises that the success of the electronics industry in Ireland is highly dependent on the calibre of students from Irish universities.
"Our support of UCC over the years reflects this, but during the pandemic it was vital to ensure the student experience was not impacted. I look forward to continuing to work closely with UCC and its highly skilled, curious, and innovative students and graduates.”
Dr Emanuel Popovici, chair of Industry Relations Committee at the School of Engineering and Architecture and Director of Embedded.Systems@UCC group said: “We are delighted with the help and support from Analog Devices throughout the years. Their help and generosity was key in overcoming many of the shortcomings brought to the student and staff learning and teaching experience during the pandemic.”
Dr Kevin McCarthy, deputy head of discipline of electrical and electronic engineering, said: “We are very grateful for the support that Analog Devices provides to our electrical and electronic engineering programmes.
Provision of guest and associate lecturers
"This support takes many forms such as participation in our work experience/placement schemes, the provision of panel members for periodic curriculum and professional-body assessments, the provision of guest and associate lecturers especially on specialised subject material, the recent donation of ADALM2000 and ADALM-PLUTO kits, and, most importantly, the opportunity for many of our graduates to find employment with an industry-leading, world-class organisation.”
Professor Jorge Oliveira, head, School of Engineering and Architecture, said: “The School of Engineering and Architecture provides an educational experience to our students that relies heavily on the excellent interaction with industrial companies.
"ADI has been at this forefront, informing and supporting our teaching, so we can provide students with the quality experience required for the solid foundation of engineering professionals that our collective future success necessitates.”
Professor Sarah Culloty, head, College of Science Engineering and Food Science, said: “I would like to thank Analog Devices for their invaluable contribution to the study of STEM at UCC. Analog’s longstanding support has enriched our engineering programmes, empowering students to reach their full potential and become future shaping innovators”.