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Fulbright Commission Staff

Dr Dara FitzGerald

Executive Director
Email: info@fulbright.ie
Phone: 01.6607670

Dara is the Executive Director. He has a BSc and PhD in Biology & IT from Maynooth University and University College Cork, and has worked in IT and biomedical applications for 20 years. Dara has founded and headed up a number of companies and he acted as the US Federal Liaison for Enterprise Ireland in Washington DC and Dublin.

Ms Paula Melvin

Senior Awards Manager
Phone: 01.6607670

Paula is the Senior Awards Programme Manager. In September 2018 Paula presented the Commission’s Irish Language activities in the U.S. to a Joint Committee of Teachtaí Dála and Senators in Dáil Éireann. She is a graduate of Dublin City University and has a Masters in Journalism and Communications from University College Dublin, where she subsequently taught Irish. Paula was elected President of Conradh na Gaeilge in February 2022. She is also an alumna of the U.S. Embassy Dublin's National Youth Council. Cuireann sí fáilte roimh chomhfhreagras trí Ghaeilge i gcónaí.

Ms Sara West

Deputy Executive Director & Awards Program Officer
Email: sara.west@fulbright.ie
Phone: 01.6607670

Sara West is Deputy Executive Director and Awards Program Officer with the Fulbright Commission, and previously served as Administrative Officer during her first three years at the Commission. Her background weaves together work in programme management and administration across public, non-profit and higher education sectors, supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and working with young people in educational settings. A gender studies and political science graduate of Rutgers University, in her home state of New Jersey, Sara went on to earn her MSc in Children & Youth Studies at University College Dublin, investigating the role of mindfulness-based practices in Irish primary schools and how they interact with children's rights and wellbeing. Sara is also a trained Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) facilitator with the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at the Justice Resource Institute.

Ms Aoife Drinan

Communications & Events Manager
Email: aoife.drinan@fulbright.ie
Phone: 01.6607670

Aoife is the Communications and Events Manager with the Fulbright Commission. She has an international BA in History & History of Art and a Masters in Cultural Policy & Arts Management from University College Dublin. Aoife worked in the arts, higher education and education inclusion sectors in Dublin, London and New York before joining the Fulbright Commission in 2022.

Ms Mary Kate Groark

Administrative Officer
Email: MaryKate.Groark@fulbright.ie
Phone: 01.6607670

Mary Kate is the Administrative Officer with the Fulbright Commission. With a diverse background in administrative roles spanning over 17 years. Mary Kate holds a Diploma in Event Management from the Public Relations Institute of Ireland and has strong foundation in office management, financial administration, and stakeholder engagement. She has honed her skills in various sectors, including law, property and events before joining the Fulbright Commission in 2024.

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