The Team

Hazel Farrell the lead for the N-TUTORR GenAI:N3 project and is also the South East Technological University (SETU) Academic Lead for Gen AI. She has been actively involved in technology-enhanced learning for many years with student engagement initiatives for creative disciplines at the forefront of her work. Coming from a background in analytical musicology, she is also the programme leader for the BA (Hons) Music degree in SETU. She is a founder member of CASE (Creative Approaches to Student Engagement) and through her work with this group, she became an early adopter of Gen AI in the classroom. She serves on the Steering Committee for Gen AI in the university and has developed resources and facilitated training to support the university community in the challenges and opportunities of this technology. She has presented extensively both nationally and internationally on a variety of Gen AI related topics and has several publications in this space.

Jackie Toal is a Lecturer at Dundalk Institute of Technology, specializing in immersive technologies, augmented and virtual reality, and computing. She has a deep passion for immersive tech and the arts. As an artist and a surface pattern and print designer, she possesses a multidisciplinary skill set and extensive experience teaching in various fields for well over 20 years, including graphics, virtual reality, augmented reality, UX, animation, photography, multimedia, and art fundamentals.
With a keen interest in AI and XR technologies, she is currently pursuing a PhD focused on exploring how these technologies can enhance learning. Most recently, she has investigated the use of Generative AI to augment creativity, examining how it can serve as a supportive tool when used responsibly in the creative design process. She is also highly interested in theories of creativity and computing creativity technologies to promote innovation in these areas.

Annette Cosgrove is a Lecturer in Computing / Digital Technologies at ATU, Galway . She is currently completing a PHD in digital technologies and teaches on Level 9 DTL and Level 9 TEL & MA in T&L programs at ATU Galway. Annette has research interests in AI technologies and has embraces AI in her teaching practice . Annette will be running webinars and workshops on the innovative use of AI to enhance teaching practice and consideration of AI for assessment redesign across the ATU campuses as part of this project.

Dr Denise Mac Giolla Rí is a creative practitioner and lecturer at TUS Athlone who focuses on sustainability and creativity-led initiatives in Social Care and Early Years Education and Care. With extensive experience in concept-led teaching using Threshold concepts, she has developed innovative workshops combining creative expression and practical sustainability principles. She also actively contributes to Higher Education and social care research and publications, offering workshops integrating creative practices with CORU proficiencies. Her ongoing research and community-based projects explore the intersection of innovative art, social care, and Gen AI pedagogies.

Mohammed Cherbatji has an MSc in Software Engineering & Database Technologies and a BSc in Computing in Multimedia Systems/Web Engineering. He is currently Lecturer at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT). Mohammed teaches in subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Front-End Development, Advanced JavaScript, Web Development, and more.
He has contributed to several Erasmus+ research projects, including the InterAct and DisAbuse projects, as well as N-TUTORR projects such as “Reimagining Student Support Services.” In addition, he has led multiple Innovation Voucher projects focusing on UI/UX design, system design and development, web development, and Generative AI platforms. His research interests are centred around Natural Language Processing, Generative AI, and other related areas.

Dr Angela Wright, MMIIGrad, MBS, PhD, MCIPD (Academic), MATLHE, D-EduLaw is a Senior Lecturer & Research Supervisor in the Department of Organisation and Professional Development, MTU Cork. She is currently on secondment to N-TUTORR as an academic developer for Research Integrity, specifically GenAI. As part of the N-TUTORR project, her focus has been on GenAI and the implications for post-graduate L9 and L10, specifically, the challenges for research supervisors, researchers, and research grant applications. She has developed a set of tools along with a new awareness campaign called CROP@MTU (CReate it, Own it, be Proud of it) to raise awareness around creativity, ownership and pride in one’s work for all students. The main aim is to look towards a cultural shift, considering humanness in an AI world where ethics and values are always at to the fore.

JJ Quinlan is a lecturer and researcher in Creative Media at Dundalk Institute of Technology, where he has worked for over 17 years. His teaching and supervision span a variety of modules related to digital media, augmented experiences, UX, game design, and graphic design. He is also the FIS Exhibit event coordinator, and previously served as the programme director for both the BA in Media Arts & Technologies and the BA in Creative Multimedia. He led the development and authoring of these degree programs, contributing to the evolution of Media Arts & Technologies and Creative Media education. Furthermore, JJ has authored and led courses in digital media design and user experience design. This is underpinned a deep passionate about creating engaging and innovative learning experiences for my students.
His research interests focus on virtual environments, game-based learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and narrative design. JJ has led and presented workshops exploring how AI can be integrated into the digital design workplace. Additionally, he has collaborated with Enterprise Ireland on projects involving motion graphics, digital design, and UX design.

Dr Tom Farrelly is an Academic Developer with the N-TUTORR team at MTU. With a background in sociology, he has a keen interest in exploring the societal implications of technology use. While he advocates for the integration of technology in education, he identifies as a “critical technophile,” continually questioning the gap between hype and reality. In collaboration with Nick Baker, Dr Farrelly has developed a framework aimed at helping teaching staff enhance their Generative AI literacy, particularly in relation to diverse student groups. You can read their publication here.

Dr Larkin Cunningham is a computer science lecturer based at Munster Technological University’s Bishopstown campus. He teaches subjects related to software engineering for the cloud and video game development. His research is in the area of serious games, game-based learning, virtual reality, and how AI, machine learning and large language models can be leveraged to enhance teaching, learning and assessment.