Heather Lally

Dr

    • Dublin Road, H91 T8NW, Galway City

      Ireland

    Accepting PhD Students

    20122024

    Research activity per year

    Personal profile

    Personal profile

    Senior Lecturer in Freshwater Ecology & Biology with over 10 years teaching and supervision experience, both at undergraduate (L7 & L8) and postgraduate (L9 & L10) level. I currently teach in the areas of environmental science, aquatic botany, and freshwater biology and ecology and was awarded the ATU Presidents Award for Teaching Excellence in 2018/2019. Throughout my teaching, I incorporate a blended, student-centered approach following universal design for learning (UDL) principals including group work, online discussion forms, problem-based learning, flipped classrooms, online quizzes, choice on assignment submission, and peer- and self- assessment.

    As a Principal Investigator in the Freshwater Ecology & Biology research group based at ATU’s Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC) my research focuses on the implementation of ecological restoration techniques for the improvement of water quality and associated monitoring using water chemistry and biological indicators e.g., phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrophytes and invertebrates.

    Teaching Profile

    Short summary of key roles and responsibilities:

    • Employ a blended teaching approach combining the use of problem-based learning (PBL) and flipped classroom teaching styles with traditional and e- lectures. All material is informed by relevant digital text-books, published scientific research papers and ongoing research within the MFRC, ATU Galway City. Student engagement is further encouraged using in-class interactive digital apps (Mentimeter, Padlet, Kahoots), online video clips, online quizzes, peer discussion groups and online forums, practical laboratory classes, outdoor classrooms and fieldtrips. Assessment strategies include individual and peer learning tasks and presentations, peer- and self- assessment (Workshop app), online quizzes, posters, developing short video content and documentaries (Freshwater Blue Spaces), recording digital role plays (Turf Talk), small (<500 word) assignments and large (5-8 pages) scientific reports. Each assessment has several specific learning outcomes which is supported by a marking guide making it clear where marks are being awarded.
    • Prepare examination material for end of module examinations each year via GURU. In addition to ensuring all examination material and marking guides is available for review by external examiners.
    • Supervise undergraduate (L8) research theses. To date I have supervised 26 undergraduate thesis to completion.
    • Provide academic and consultative support and leadership through encouraging students to work hard, gain new experiences and enjoy their time at ATU Galway City.
    • Actively participate in the development of modules for the BSc (Hons) Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology programme and associated programmatic and school reviews, in addition to developing new L9 Masters programmes and modules.
    • Engage in continuous professional development opportunities offered and run by the ATU Galway Mayo Teaching and Learning (T&L) office. 

    Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

    In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

    • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    • SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
    • SDG 13 - Climate Action
    • SDG 14 - Life Below Water
    • SDG 15 - Life on Land

    Education/Academic qualification

    Natural sciences, PhD, Wetlands created on Irish cutaway peatlands using three construction approaches with specific reference to water chemistry, phytoplankton communities and habitat recolonisation, University of Galway

    Award Date: 11 Jun 2010

    Name of Affiliated ATU Research Unit

    • MFRC - Marine and Freshwater Research Centre

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