Meet the 2025-2026 Ireland Fellows
Meet some of the 2025 - 2026 Fellows
Honduras
Sergio Acosta
My name is Sergio Acosta and I'm studying a master program in electrical power network at University College Dublin (UCD) and I am from Honduras.
I hope to improve and learn more high skills in electrical engineering and that is why I chose UCD. I am really looking forward to getting to know more people from around the world.
The fellows programme is offering me an opportunity to create a bigger network to develop many of my skills and then achieve my goals. This will allow me to know more people from around the world, to understand how they resolve many of the problems we are faced with.
The Irish people have been really kind and that was something that made me feel really good when I arrived. When you move from another country and arrive in a you don't know, it can be intimidating but the kindness of the people here was something that really impressed me and I really appreciate.
Ghana
Nicholas Asampana
I am a detective police officer with the Ghana Police Service, with over eight years' experience in criminal investigation and intelligence. I am a graduate of the University of Cape Coast and a graduate entry LLB candidate of the Presbyterian University Ghana, and currently pursuing a master's in Human Rights in Criminal Justice at the University of Limerick.
Before coming to Ireland, I served at the Central North Regional Police Command and led the SEEF Ministries, a Christian fellowship I founded in 2013 to promote crime prevention and justice through community education.
I look forward to gaining advanced knowledge in human rights, criminal justice and building meaningful connections with peers and experts. These experiences will help me apply best practices to reform policing, promote fair justice delivery, and strengthen police-community trust in Ghana.
The fellowship will give me the opportunity to acquire internationally recognized expertise, build vital networks with peers and experts from all over the world. It will also help me develop leadership skills that will enable me to contribute more effectively to peacebuilding, justice, and security initiatives in Ghana and beyond. Additionally, the fellowship will give me the rare privilege of earning a prestigious degree from a top global institution.
Palestine
Beesan Nooraddeen Mohammed Arda
I might sound like a total nerd, but I’m genuinely excited about the academic side of things—and the chance to work with people from so many different backgrounds, all focused on advancing the field of cellular therapeutics. Plus, I’m on a mission to explore as many Irish cities as I can, so I’m really looking forward to that adventure too.
The Ireland Fellows Programme is opening doors I never thought were possible. It’s not just about the education—though that’s a huge part—but also the mentorship, the international network, and the opportunity to develop skills that I can take back home to make a difference.
The moment I stepped onto Irish soil, I was showered with kindness. I’ve never felt more comfortable wearing my hijab—as a visibly Muslim woman—than I do in Ireland, and I’ve been to many countries. The Irish are beautiful people.
Palestine
Adnan A.S. Abuzaher
My name is Adnan and I am from Palestine. I have worked as a field service biomedical engineer for about four years in Gaza hospitals, maintaining medical equipment and supporting healthcare services.
I look forward to expanding my knowledge in AI and applying it to healthcare in my home country.
The Ireland Fellows Programme will provide advanced skills, valuable networks, and broader perspectives. The Irish people are super friendly and very supportive, especially towards us as Palestinians, which feels very special. I also really like the atmosphere here.
Ethiopia
Bektu Gudeta Dida
I am an educator at one of Ethiopia’s higher education institutions, in the School of Engineering, dedicated to applying science and technology to improve community lives.
While skills are abundant, opportunities are limited; the Ireland Fellows Programme offers a chance to broaden my innovation horizons and serve my community better.
I hope to gain mentorship, practical knowledge, and exposure to cutting-edge education that can transform my work. I look forward to connecting with diverse peers and bringing scalable solutions back home.
My first impressions of Ireland are of a welcoming, innovative country that inspires collaboration and learning. This experience is already expanding my perspective and sense of community. I am eager to translate what I learn into meaningful impact for Ethiopia.
Cambodia
Sereyvuth Seng
I have worked at the Department of Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia. After a few years of direct involvement in foreign affairs, it has sparked my interest in pursuing further education in international security and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
I look forward to gaining deeper insights into my area of study through the high-quality education offered in Ireland. I aim to contribute the knowledge and skills I acquire to my institution, especially in relation to international security analysis and the promotion of regional and global peace.
The fellows programme has a profound impact on both my academic and professional journey. It enables me to pursue higher education at one of Ireland’s top universities, broaden my knowledge and skills in the areas of my interest, and build a global network. Moreover, it allows me to strengthen the bilateral relations between Ireland and Cambodia, particularly through people-to-people exchanges.
Sierra Leone
Benjamin Bockarie
I am a Sierra Leonean professional with over three years of experience in the blue economy sector, particularly in aquaculture, fisheries, climate change and coastal community livelihoods coupled with a strong academic background on natural resources management and marine biodiversity conservation.
Prior to coming to Ireland, I worked as Coordinator of the Blue Economy Programme with GOAL Sierra Leone and have played a contributive role in promoting actions towards blue economy transformation in the country.
I am looking forward to acquiring advanced knowledge and technical skills in coastal and marine management, which I can apply to support climate resilience, food security, and sustainable blue economy initiatives in Sierra Leone and beyond.
The Fellowship provides me with world-class education, global networking opportunities, and the chance to strengthen my leadership capacity. These benefits will empower me to contribute more effectively to national and regional strategies for sustainable marine resource management.
Paraguay
Cielo Nicole Rios Galeano
I am Cielo Rios from Paraguay. I have a background in information and library science and prior to coming to Ireland, I worked for 5 years in the educational and non-profit sector in diverse roles such as programme manager, data operator and library assistant.
I find my study programme’s curriculum particularly fascinating, especially its focus on career development and real-life scenarios. I am most looking forward to engaging in practical learning opportunities that will allow me to apply theory into practice, gain international perspectives, and contribute to strengthening my country’s professional capacity.
I am certain that this will be a life-changing experience. Ireland’s educational system being so dynamic and engaging will sharpen my adaptability and critical thinking to keep working and also start creating more projects with valuable impact.
