Agri-food lecturer, Dr Ultan Mc Carthy, is always looking for new ways sensor technology can improve production processes and increase food security
Dr Ultan Mc Carthy
Lectures on Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Food Science
Modules taught Environment and Energy Development, Data Analytics for AG Scientists, Environmental Science, Project Management.
Home is Kerry and live in Kilkenny
Land Science credentials: One of the few Kerry men left in the country who do not own a farm
My interest in Agri food stems from: My interest in this sector came from growing up in Kerry where I spent my weekends and summers working on farms and food companies which exposed me to the Irish Agri-food sector.
Career ladder
Undergraduate degree BSc Food Technology
Masters and/or PhD: MSc (AGR), PhD Biosystems Engineering, MBA
PhD title: Assessment of UHF RFID as an Automatic ID Data Carrier for Item Level Food Supply Chain Traceability
Research interests: The use of all types of wireless sensor technology in the Agri-food industry. I am always looking for new ways sensor technology can improve production processes and increase food security.
Links with industry Being involved in research over the last few years has exposed me to many industrial sectors both in Ireland and abroad.
Thoughts on…
Career trends for Agri-food graduates: I feel that there is a lot more being expected of graduates these days as opposed to many years ago. It is expected that graduates be more informed in terms of technology and also be more culturally aware when beginning in the work place.
The main challenge facing the Agri-food industry in Ireland is: As with all industries there is a constant need to remain competitive and be global leaders. Ireland’s Agrifood sector is very competitive and a key challenge is maintaining the high standards it always delivers on.
My top tip for farmers: Constantly challenge yourself to remain up with the latest trends and technologies.
How times have changed: Ireland is now a global player in the Agrifood industry and as a result companies are requiring a lot more from todays Agrifood graduates. It is now expected that graduates have a multi-discipline skill set i.e. as well as becoming experts in Agrifood they are also expected to have an appreciation of many of the business skills including accounting and marketing.
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
