Her current portfolio spans several strategic European projects, including Waste2Worth, which explores value-added opportunities within regional SME food waste streams; AI4Seniors, which enhances digital confidence & AI literacy among older adults; SmartSkills, which equips VET educators and farmers with next-generation pedagogical tools; and the HEI-led FairFashion project, which advances responsible innovation & circular practices within the fashion sector. Across these initiatives, Paula supports course design, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement & impactful dissemination.

A lifelong learner herself, Paula holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation & Enterprise Development from Trinity College Dublin, a Green Belt in Lean & Six Sigma, and a Postgraduate Certificate in AI for Business from UCD Professional Academy. She began her career with a BSc in Food Science from University College Cork before travelling globally to expand her industry experience. On returning to Ireland, she founded and operated a successful health café for 18 years, grounding her expertise in real-world food entrepreneurship.

Paula retains a deep passion for the food sector & sustainability. Originally from Co. Clare and now living in Galway, she enjoys creating new dishes for her young family, she can’t function without good quality coffee and is enjoying a newfound interest in Pickleball with some great friends…(it tends to be more social than competitive!)