Stephen originated from a farming background and graduated from the University of Limerick with a B.Sc. in Applied Physics in 2020. For his final year project, he proposed applying machine learning to assist in classifying images obtained by Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs).

Following this project, Stephen undertook a PhD in Data Science and Machine Learning with over 4 years of physics modelling and software development. His research specialised in simulating the transmission of electrons through nanomaterials in TEMs.

As part of the CRT, Stephen completed his training placement with Met Éireann where he produced a machine learning training dataset to identify maize crops in Ireland through satellite images. Stephen furthermore went on a research visit to the Department of Chemistry at University College London, where he focused on continuing his PhD research and worked with international academics.

Completed training placement with Met Éireann.