Immersive Software Engineering is a unique collaboration between the academics of the University of Limerick and some of the most innovative companies in the world. Our team spans multiple disciplines, and we are supported by three boards that guide our work. The Scientific Advisory Board ensures teaching and research are performed to the highest international standard. 

Our Young Advisory Board exists as a group of mentors and advisors for our faculty and students. Our Industry Advisory Board advises the ISE team on the best connections of academia to industry. 

Everyone involved is passionate about making ISE a success by providing a delightful experience for our students.

Our team

image of Stephen Kinsella

Stephen Kinsella

ISE Co-Director. Stephen is Professor of economics and HoD at the Kemmy Business School. He cares about rethinking the undergraduate experience and the relationship between UL and industry. Ireland must become an ideas economy, and for that we need people who can make ideas real.

◉ KB3-22  ✉️ stephen.kinsella@ul.ie

image of Tiziana Margaria

Tiziana Margaria

Co-Director of ISE. Tiziana is a professor of Software Systems at UL and Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre. She is passionate about Problem Based Learning and will lead the immersive experience on campus and in research.

◉ T2-030   ✉️ tiziana.margaria@ul.ie

Chris Exton

Academic Director and Chair of Software Architecture & Software Development within ISE. Chris holds a PhD in Computer Science, and later added a BSc in Psychology. He has spent several years in the international software development industry, contributing to projects at companies such as Coke, ANZ Bank, and Ashling Microsystems.

◉ CS1-033   ✉️ chris.exton@ul.ie

Roisin Lyons

Lecturer of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Kemmy Business School. Roisin holds a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship Education and a M.Sc. in Business Management. She runs the Entrepreneurship and Innovation track in ISE and contributes to the development of educational methodologies and pedagogy in the course.

◉ IBC Block 2   ✉️ roisin.lyons@ul.ie

Head shot of Mark O'Neill, Industry Coordinator ISE

Mark O'Neill

ISE Industry Coordinator. Mark has worked with industry in intelligent optimisation for the past number of years and is a recent UL AI master's graduate. Likes to drive standards. He is interested in seeing students reach their maximum potential.

◉ IBC Block 2   ✉️ mark.oneill@ul.ie

image of Ian of Keeffe

Ian O'Keeffe

ISE Industry Coordinator. With 10 years academic research experience and having been a change agent in the IT industry for more than 20 years, Ian is passionate about working with people and technology, and helping them realise their ultimate potential.

◉ IBC Block 2   ✉️ ian.r.okeeffe@ul.ie

Gillian Place

ISE Public Engagement Officer with over 20 years' experience as a software engineer working across multiple industries and geographies. Gillian has a background in Media & Communications and experience in public speaking and school outreach with a passion for promoting diversity & inclusion.

◉ IBC Block 2   ✉️ gillian.place@ul.ie

John O'Donnell

ISE Digital Marketing Officer. Having worked in broadcast television for over ten years, John switched to communications with Mary Immaculate College in 2022 before joining the ISE team this summer.

◉ IBC Block 2   ✉️ john.t.odonnell@ul.ie

image of Alison McDevitt

Alison McDevitt

Alison is the Super Senior Administrator for ISE. As a recent UL graduate with experience working in different departments across the University, she has a keen interest in supporting students throughout their time studying Immersive Software Engineering.

◉ IBC Block 2   ✉️ alison.m.mcdevitt@ul.ie

Ellen Fitzgerald

A recent graduate from University of Limerick, Ellen is an Admistrator in ISE. She is passionate about education and contributes to the running of all day-to-day activties in ISE. In her role, Ellen provides administrative support to all ISE students and staff.

◉ IBC Block 2   ✉️ ellen.m.fitzgerald@ul.ie

Marie Travers

ISE University Teacher. Marie holds a Ph.D. in the application of innovation strategies to the development of Health Information Systems. She has worked in industry and in academia. She is interested in how we innovate in STEM and how STEM needs to be accessible to all.

◉ IBC Block 2   ✉️ marie.travers@ul.ie

Salaheddin Alakkari

Dr Salaheddin Alakkari is an Associate Professor at ISE with experience in a wide range of topics including Data Analytics, Machine Vision, and Signal Processing. He received his PhD from Trinity College Dublin where he lectured graduate and undergraduate courses including Optimisation Algorithms for Data Analytics and Software Engineering before joining ISE.

◉ CS2-015 ✉️ Salaheddin.Alakkari@ul.ie

Dr Mark Burkley, ISE lecturer at the university of limerick

Mark Burkley

Lecturer specialising in embedded software and cybersecurity. Mark previously worked as a software engineer and entrepreneur with over 30 years’ experience in the embedded software and electronics areas. Mark co-founder of Emutex and created the ubiworx end-to-end IoT solution framework.

◉ IBC Block 2   ✉️ mark.burkley@ul.ie

Josh McGiff

ISE Head Instructor. Josh is currently pursuing a PhD in AI. His passions lie with revolutionising the way people learn about software engineering and machine learning. He is committed to building an immersive environment that primes students for a prosperous career in IT.

◉ IBC Block 2   ✉️ josh.mcgiff@ul.ie

Oisin O'Sullivan

ISE Teaching Instructor, Intern at Intel Shannon and an Intel Paul Whelan Scholarship recipient for studying Cyber Security & IT Forensics at UL. He has a passion for the future and supports students academically and socially to unlock their true potential.

◉ IBC Block 2   ✉️ ise@ul.ie

Industry Advisory Board

John Collison, President of Stripe, Chair of Industry Advisory Board

Des Traynor, Chief Strategy Officer, Intercom

Barry Lunn, CEO, Provizio

Bobby Healy, CEO, Manna Aero

Taran Lent, Vice President, Product Development, Transact Campus

Padraig Fitzgerald, Senior R&D Director, Site Leader, Becton Dickinson (BD)

Michael Keane, Process Development Director, Boston Scientific 

Anthony Quigney, Senior Director Customer Solution Centers, Dell

Martin Cotter, VP, Solutions & Digital Platforms at Analog Devices 

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