Pharmacy Technician Studies Programme Celebrates First-Year Achievement Awards and Cross-Year Meet & Greet 2025
On the evening of 30 September 2025, the Pharmacy Technician Studies Programme community at TU Dublin came together to celebrate student success and strengthen connections across the programme.
The event featured two highlights: the presentation of the Théa Pharma – Pharmacy Technician Studies First-Year Achievement Awards (2024–2025), recognising the outstanding achievements of second-year students for their performance in first year, and the annual Cross-Year Meet & Greet, a valued tradition that brings students from across the programme together to share experiences, support one another, and build a sense of community.
Dr Tao Zhang, Programme Chair, welcomed attendees and opened the event on behalf of the Programme Team. This was followed by an address from Dr Julie Dunne, Head of the School of Food Science and Environmental Health, who congratulated the award recipients, commended the Programme Team’s initiative, and acknowledged the generous support of Théa Pharma Ireland, sponsor of the event. Orla Smith from Théa Pharma delivered a partner’s address, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting student success.
First-Year Achievement Award Winners 2024–2025 are:
- Rising Star: Anna Ignatjeva
- Community Engagement & Volunteering: Laura Staroń
- Pharmacy Practice: Julia Filipkowska
- Engagement & Commitment: Filip Kortaba
- Student ePortfolio Development: Anne Braga
The audience was also inspired by speeches and reflections from students Ethan Warnock (Year 1), Anne Braga (Year 2), and Laura Staroń (Year 2), who shared their perspectives on their learning journey and student experience. All students also received goodie bags from the event sponsor.
Dr Denis O’Shea, Head of Learning and Teaching, Faculty of Sciences and Health, delivered closing remarks, recognising the meaningful initiative and commitment of the Pharmacy Technician Studies team. He congratulated the award winners once again and wished all students continued success in their studies at TU Dublin.
The School extends its appreciation to the Programme Team, School Management, colleagues across the School, and staff members: Graham O Neill, Gemma Kinsella, Seana Hogan, Swarna Jaiswal and Elena Alexa for their encouragement, support, and presence at the event, which helped foster a strong sense of student community.
Finally, the School expresses its sincere thanks to Théa Pharma Ireland (Orla Smith, Barry O'Dwyer, Ewa Wolanin) for their generous sponsorship of the award prizes, student goodie bags, and refreshments. Their commitment enables the celebration of student success while strengthening the learning community in a meaningful way.