Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Current Role
Research Statement
References
Research
Career Overview
References
Timeline
Generic
Aisling Coyle

Aisling Coyle

Buncrana

Summary

I am a dedicated researcher with a strong focus on neurodivergent students in higher education, particularly in understanding their experiences, challenges, and support needs. My recent publication in the Journal of Autism highlights my expertise in using a mixed-methods approach to explore the social experiences of neurodivergent students, contributing valuable insights to inclusive education practices. My research integrates quantitative and qualitative methodologies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and facilitators for neurodivergent students in university settings. I am particularly interested in evidence-based interventions, policy development, and accessibility improvements that promote equity and success for this student population. Moving forward, I have a passion for nutrition. Using the skills I gained from undertaking a Doctorate of Education, I hope to study and publish research relating to nutrition, particularly in the area of public health nutrition. Passionate nutrition educator skilled in delivering engaging and informative sessions on dietary health and wellness. Known for efficiency in task completion, ensuring educational programs are both impactful and accessible. Specialised in developing tailored nutrition plans, conducting comprehensive dietary assessments, and leveraging motivational interviewing techniques to inspire change. Excel in communication, empathy, and problem-solving, applying these soft skills to connect with diverse audiences, and foster sustainable lifestyle changes.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Lecturer in Food Science

Atlantic Technological University
09.2008 - Current
  • My role is to deliver nutrition and food technology-based modules across a range of programs, including BSc Food Science and Nutrition, BSc in Bioscience, and Higher Certificate in Science with Dietetic Studies.
  • I am involved in programme development, student inductions and industrial placements
  • Demonstrates a deep-rooted commitment to the field of education.
  • Found satisfaction in helping new students excel academically every year.
  • Delivered instructional content fostering student growth and development.
  • Responsible for teaching, researching, and administrative duties associated with the disciplines of Food Science, Health Science, and Agriculture at ATU.
  • The subjects taught include clinical nutrition, human nutrition, human biology, nutrition in health for nursing, sports nutrition, food microbiology, chemistry, advanced food chemistry, research skills, IT, and coordination of student industrial placements.
  • Supervision of final-year student projects, which have included nutritional analysis, surveys, new food product development, and shellfish trace metal analysis.
  • Designed, coordinated, and facilitated units focusing on human nutrition and food-related subjects within school coursework programs.

Mathematics Tutor for Adult Learners

Adult Education Services, Donegal Vocational Educational Committee
Ballybofey
09.2009 - 06.2010
  • Responsible for facilitating adult learners towards the completion of Junior Certificate Mathematics
  • Design of challenging lessons for a class of differentiated learners

Teacher of Biology, Science, Home economics & Mathematics

Crana College
Buncrana
09.2007 - 06.2008
  • Provided a positive environment in which students were encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.
  • Communicated effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis.
  • Set and reinforce clear expectations and routines that are aligned with the school's overall vision.

New Product Development Technologist

Niche Drinks Co. Ltd
Derry
06.2004 - 08.2006
  • Responsible for product development from concept to the launch of alcoholic cream-based liqueurs and cocktails.
  • Development of existing and new products for key retailers in the UK, namely M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Aldi.
  • Personally, I developed products with the same profile under different legislations in Aldi, Ireland, the UK, the USA, Australia, Hungary, and Slovenia.
  • Day-to-day involvement in quality control experiments, production of sample products, as well as designing the processes for the development of products with a consistent flavor, color, and texture.
  • Built relationships with clients and suppliers, while at the same time ensuring that the products were profitable.
  • Maintained adherence to labeling and packaging requirements.

Education

Doctor of Education -

Queens University Belfast
01.2024

Master’s in Education - with Specialism’s

University of Ulster
Jordanstown
01.2010

Post-graduate Diploma in Further & Higher Education -

University of Ulster
Derry
01.2009

Post-graduate Certificate in Further & Higher Education -

University of Ulster
Derry
01.2008

B.Sc. 1st Class (Hons) - Food Science & Nutrition

Letterkenny Institute of Technology
01.2004

Skills

  • Curriculum development
  • Food technology
  • Research design
  • Data interpretation
  • Effective communication
  • Health promotion

Affiliations

The Nutrition Society UK, Reflecting commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise in the field of nutritional science.

Current Role

Lecturer in Food Science, Atlantic Technological University, 09/01/08, Deliver nutrition and food technology-based modules across a range of programmes, including BSc Food Science and Nutrition, BSc in Bioscience and the Higher Certificate in Science with Dietetic Studies. Involved in programme development, student inductions and industrial placements.

Research Statement

Neurodivergent students in higher education, Dedicated researcher with a strong focus on understanding the experiences, challenges, and support needs of neurodivergent students. Recent publication in the Journal of Autism highlights expertise in using a mixed methods approach to explore social experiences of neurodivergent students.

References

Available upon request.

Research

A Design and Implementation Study of a Support Programme for Neurodivergent Students in Higher Education., Synapse: A co-designed neurodivergent peer support programme for higher education settings., Coyle et al., Journal of Autism, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251320448, A review of semesterisation and modularisation in the Science Department at Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Co. Donegal.

Career Overview

  • Lecturer of Food Science, LYIT, 09/01/08, Present, Responsible for teaching, researching and administration duties associated with the discipline of Food Science.
  • Mathematics Tutor for Adult Learners, Adult Education Services, Donegal Vocational Educational Committee, 09/01/09, 06/30/10, Facilitating adult learners towards the completion of Junior Certificate Mathematics.
  • Teacher of Biology, Science, Home Economics & Mathematics, Crana College, Secondary School, 09/01/07, 06/30/08, Provided a positive environment for student engagement in the learning process.
  • New Product Development Technologist, Niche Drinks Co. Ltd, 06/01/04, 08/31/06, Responsible for product development from concept to launch of alcoholic cream-based liqueurs and cocktails.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Mathematics Tutor for Adult Learners

Adult Education Services, Donegal Vocational Educational Committee
09.2009 - 06.2010

Lecturer in Food Science

Atlantic Technological University
09.2008 - Current

Teacher of Biology, Science, Home economics & Mathematics

Crana College
09.2007 - 06.2008

New Product Development Technologist

Niche Drinks Co. Ltd
06.2004 - 08.2006

Doctor of Education -

Queens University Belfast

Master’s in Education - with Specialism’s

University of Ulster

Post-graduate Diploma in Further & Higher Education -

University of Ulster

Post-graduate Certificate in Further & Higher Education -

University of Ulster

B.Sc. 1st Class (Hons) - Food Science & Nutrition

Letterkenny Institute of Technology
Aisling Coyle