Dara Ryder is Chief Executive Officer of AHEAD, having previously managed AHEAD’s digital presence and developed a suite of online CPD programmes relating to inclusive practice in his role as Digital Media and eLearning Manager there.

After graduating from Queens University in 2005, Dara joined Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education as a lecturer, where he became interested in inclusive education when working first-hand with students with disabilities in his classroom.  When the opportunity arose in 2008, he joined AHEAD where he has been working ever since on creating inclusive environments in education and employment for people with disabilities.

Dr Zeta Dooly is a Lecturer in Digital Education, and Programme Lead for the PG Cert in Technology Enhanced Learning in the School of Education and Lifelong Learning at the South East Technological University.  Zeta has 15+ years academic experience; teaching, supervising and ­­­researching. Zeta has led and participated in funded research from European Commission, H2020, Horizon Europe and National agencies (HEA, HSE, National Forum Enterprise Ireland, SFI). Zeta was shortlisted for SETU Teaching excellence award in 2021

My core research interests are digital education, technology and learning. My vision is to promote educational transformation for Universities of the Future. My research to date has been primarily centred in knowledge and technology: First, my scholarship explored network theory in the context of research networks where academia and industry organisations collaborate. Previously, my research delved into cybersecurity, investigating privacy, identity and trust inherent in organisational systems and processes. Recently my research has focused on education and employment looking at Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL), the design of ethical algorithms for public administration of job seekers, Immersive Learning Environments and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).  Furthermore, I am leading the establishment of the, South East Education Research Lab (SEERLab) within SETU where research includes Student experience, emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Extended Reality (XR), Neurodiversity in HE, and teaching, learning and assessment with Artificial Intelligence.

Zeta is a member of SETU’s Academic Council and the SETU Academic Development, Learning and Teaching Committee and has contributed significantly to Assessment in the Generative Ai era, Online learning and Assessment Guidelines and SETU Micro credential Policy.

Zeta has been invited as Expert evaluator, Observer and Rapporteur with the European Commission in programs in ICT, Research and Education.

Zeta is appointed to the Corporate and Midlands Health Service Executive (HSE) Research Ethics Committee (2022-2025). Zeta has been an invited speaker with Dept. of Taoiseach at the Data Summit numerous events with Enterprise Ireland and at Trinity’s Cyber Summit in the Science Gallery.

Prior to joining academia Zeta had an international career in Senior Software Engineer roles and as QA Software Manager with Sun Life Financial, NuaPublish, WestPac and Ericsson.

Specialties: Immersive learning environments, Neurodiversity in HE, Digital Education, Digital Transformation, Recognition of Prior Learning, Policy and Practice, Knowledge Management, Network theory, Identity, Trust and Privacy, Innovation and entrepreneurship.

Majella Mc Carthy, SETU, Waterford. Majella works in the Disability Office at SETU Waterford. Majella works in the area of Assistive Technology (AT) where her role entails supporting students with disabilities. Majella also leads an Assistive Technology Outreach programme where she trains students, staff and educators on AT to support students with disabilities attending post primary schools in Waterford and throughout the SETU catchment area.

Mary has an extensive background in adult education, with over 20 years of experience working with WWETB. She has made significant contributions to teaching and learning across accredited programmes. She is passionate about creating enriching learning environments for adults who return to education. She believes in the transformative power of technology to enhance these educational settings. In her role as Adult Education Officer, she is responsible for Certified Training and the Adult Education Guidance Service. This year she started a Professional Doctorate with the University of Limerick, and this will be examining the efficacy of immersive technologies in achieving learning outcomes.