Dr. Mary Heneghan is a lecturer in Biomolecular Science, and Programme Chairperson for the Medical Biotechnology programme in the department of Life Sciences at the Institute of Technology, Sligo. She obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry (2004), from National University of Ireland, Galway, in the field of Fungal Biotechnology. This work resulted in a peer reviewed publication and a patent on the technology produced. Dr. Heneghan then went on to complete two postdoctoral research positions at Bristol University, which resulted in 9 peer reviewed papers, before completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at University of Bath in 2011. She obtained a lectureship at IT Sligo in 2011. Dr. Heneghan is currently supervising three postgraduate students in the field of Fungal Biotechnology, with projects investigating molecular mechanisms to increase mushroom crop yields, and optimisation of fungal enzyme production for industrial applications.
Dr. Heneghan's research interests broadened from Fungal Biotechnology to Science Education during her time at Bath University. Her PGCE dissertation was on the subject of questioning in the classroom, with a particular focus on the existence of gender bias in questioning. She is currently involved in research projects to enhance her own teaching activities. These include the development of authentic learning environments to mimic the workplace and investigation of the role of student presentations as a teaching tool.