Honoured for advancing sustainability

Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens has won a Sustainability Award this week.

The ‘TrailblazHER’ award recognises the Munterconnaught academic’s “outstanding commitment” to advancing sustainability through education, research, and community engagement.

Dr Gilleran Stephens is a lecturer in Environmental Biotechnology at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and leads the Environmental Education research theme within the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES).

This award highlights Dr Gilleran Stephens’ exceptional leadership in sustainability and environmental education, as well as her impactful work through initiatives such as H2O Heroes and her contributions to DkIT’s CFES. Her dedication to advancing research and fostering community engagement continues to inspire students, colleagues, and partners across the institute and beyond.

Dr Gilleran Stephens described the sustainability award as an “incredible honour”. “Sustainability is not just about environmental protection, it is about empowering people and communities to make meaningful, lasting change. At DkIT, I’m privileged to work with inspiring colleagues and students who share that passion and who are driving innovative, real-world solutions to the challenges we face.’’ Dr Gilleran Stephens also acknowledged her colleague, Dr Suzanne Linnane, who was highly commended in the same category. “I am especially delighted to share this recognition with Dr Suzanne Linnane, whose leadership and dedication to environmental research and education continue to make a profound impact. Together, our work at the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies shows what can be achieved through collaboration and shared vision.

“This recognition reinforces the importance of education, research and community engagement in building a more sustainable future.”