College of Engineering
Paul McKenna
BTech
Paul McKenna was one of the first students to graduate from UL with a degree in Wood Science and Technology. This degree was developed by UL to raise the level of technology in the wood industry in Ireland. The availability of graduate expertise is necessary if Ireland is to fully develop its indigenous wood processing industry and attract multinational companies in the sector.
Paul now works as a Process Engineer/Technologist with a one of Ireland's largest wood processing companies producing architectural moulds from medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The company produces a range of architraves, dado rails, window boards, skirtings etc., which are familiar to many private householders in Ireland.
As a Process Engineer Paul's role is to bring about improvements in the efficiency and operation of the plant by redesigning the layout and introducing new production systems. The technical knowledge Paul learned through his degree course is useful in helping him design new techniques and production systems. His job requires him to have machinery knowledge together with knowledge of material. The techniques of CAD and World Class Manufacturing., which he developed on his degree programme, have also been useful to him. Paul's Cooperative Education placement with a sawmill was extremely helpful to him in choosing his career path. His work while on placement included helping to set up a furniture and panel manufacturing plant. This enabled him to identify those aspects of the wood industry in which he was really interested. His Cooperative Education placement gave him a head start in the industry by helping him to clarify his career plans.
"The broad nature of the course I chose was valuable in seeking employment".