College of Science
Oliver Slattery
BSc
How does a UL graduate end up as a member of a team of scientists that has developed the first Braille display device which takes electronic text such as e-mail and translates it into Braille? Oliver Slattery, a native of Co. Tipperary, might say it takes a good knowledge of Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS).
While studying Applied Physics at UL, Oliver undertook a placement with the Mechanical Contracts Corporation, Missouri. His work experience was focused on developing and testing anti-lock-brake systems (ABS) and the their electronic components. Working with ABS systems exposed him to a range of simulation software used to test the effectiveness of brakes in a range of scenarios. Oliver became interested in electronics and simulation software as a result of this experience.
After graduating from UL Oliver was offered a position in research and development with NIST in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA. His boss, Dr Victor McCrary, has been very impressed by the high level of education of students from the University of Limerick, and has taken on many students in Cooperative Education placements over the past few years. Oliver says the job gives him a chance to apply what he learned in his Applied Physics degree, but best part is working with and developing cutting-edge technology, in an area of work that offers plenty opportunities for career development.
"If you're like me and found Science, and in particular Physics, interesting, look into the degree course in Applied Physics. There are very few industries these days that don't use a knowledge of physics, whether they are involved in semi-conductors, lasers, optics, etc. With all that is going on in physics at the moment there is tremendous scope for career development".