Kilkenny student awarded Johnson & Johnson’s Women in STEM2D scholarship

Maria Bovenizer from Piltown was among 62 students from five Irish universities who have been awarded scholarships as part of the prestigious Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate Awards at the first ever national event held in Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick. 

Maria is studying Computer Science at University College Cork.

The Award recognises outstanding female students in STEM2D disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing and Design. 

This is the eighth year of the annual awards programme, showcasing the company’s commitment to advancing female excellence in STEM fields. 

This is the first year that the company has brought all recipients together for a day-long event, with all attendees benefitting from a unique learning experience, including workshops and breakout sessions, carefully tailored to foster their growth and provide them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to prepare them for a successful career. 

“Huge congratulations to the recipients of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award on their achievements. What they have achieved to date is inspirational and I hope will encourage more women to study STEM,” said Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD. 

“There is so much more we can do to reduce the gender gap in STEM studies and as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science I am committed to pulling every lever to do so, and making sure that there are no barriers to educational opportunities.”

“I want to thank industry leaders like Johnson & Johnson for their commitment to empowering and investing in brilliant young women. By igniting the spark of curiosity in young minds, nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders, and supporting the development of a robust talent pipeline, we are investing in our shared future.”

"Our Irish WiSTEM2D journey started in Limerick in 2016, and it is wonderful to be here again eight years on, to see how this programme has grown. This is now a truly national initiative, impacting the early careers of women and STEM in all corners of the country,” said Anna Rafferty, Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D University Lead and Director of Strategy, Johnson & Johnson Campus Ireland

“Johnson & Johnson's commitment to supporting women in STEM runs deep. We understand the tremendous value diversity brings to innovation and progress, and we believe that by empowering and investing in these brilliant young women, we are not only shaping the future of STEM but also advancing solutions that will benefit our global community."

"I have benefitted from the wonderful opportunities Johnson & Johnson offers to women in STEM. When I first joined this company, I was a young, aspiring engineer, and thanks to the support and mentorship that has been provided along the way, I have had the opportunity to travel the world in leadership roles,” said Stephanie Mabrouk, Plant Leader, DePuy Synthes.

Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award scholarship were also presented with bespoke framed glass artwork crafted by Fermoy-based artist Suzanne O'Sullivan