Lecturer scoops top award

A LECTURER in Limerick has been named the world’s Outstanding Young Person of the Year.

Dr Derek O’Keeffe of University of Limerick was honoured at a Junior Chamber International ceremony in Antalya, Turkey.

The 33-year-old from Ashbrook, Ennis Road, Limerick, received the award for his scientific and technical development research. He was one of 157 entries from 42 countries.

After graduating from UL with fist class honours in electronic engineering, his project work won the Stryker Howmedica International Biomedical Engineering Competition.

He was later awarded a fellowship to pursue his PhD.

Dr O’Keeffe received his PhD in biomedical engineering in 2001 after publishing widely in the field.

He also did field work with NASA on astronaut mobility.

Dr O’Keeffe was subsequently awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Harvard University to continue his work in biomedical engineering.

During his time in the US, he was invited to speak at several prestigious institutions such as MIT and NorthWestern. He holds a faculty appointment at UL, where he lectures and supervises his own research students.

Dr O’Keeffe also teaches children aged between seven and 11 every week as part of the Centre for Talented Youth of Ireland on a range of topics which include archaeology.

His own students have been awarded scholarships at Cape Kennedy NASA.

Recently, he decided to augment his medical knowledge by returning to NUI Galway to pursue a medical degree.