Stephen is a CONFIRM PhD Student based at the Univeristy of Limerick
” I have been in the University of Limerick for my entire student life and it is a fantastic place to study.”

Tell us a bit about your research...
My research at the moment is examining how a tool based approach in computers can help people achieve better results. For example, if you look at companies who want to complete a risk assessment. We could create a DSL (Domain specific language) for them in order to achieve this instead of the comp-any itself bringing in consultants. In general my research falls under the headings of Artificial intelligence and Machine learning with a business prospective.
What did you study as an Undergraduate?
I have been in the University of Limerick for my entire student life and it is a fantastic place to study. My undergraduate degree was in the area of Economics and Finance and after working in industry for a couple of years, I returned to complete a MSc in Computational Finance and Machine Learning again at UL which has led me to pursue my PhD in the Computer Science Department also in UL.
What made you decide to go into research?
I have always been interested the research side of the University and reading papers. It is fascinating examining how new ideas are been developed and how they can be integrated into current applications. It is an interesting area to work in.
What do you enjoy most about being a PhD Student or Post-Doc?
The flexibility that a PhD student has is really good. Certain deadlines need to be achieved but for the most part, you can choose your working hours. The area of research that I am in is really interesting so that would be what I most enjoy.
Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about a career or research in STEM?
It would be important to love the subject that you are going to complete your PhD in. There will be times that it can become difficult so loving your research will make this easier.