Sometimes it’s not what’s on our CVs or our academic qualifications that gives us that certain X Factor which propels us to success. Often it’s simply the ability to adapt, grow and have the confidence to challenge ourselves to step outside our comfort zones.
Tyndall’s goal is to attract and nurture people with diverse talents and excellent skills, enabling all to reach their full potential.
In celebration of the many talents that make up Tyndall, we are showcasing Hidden Talent and triathlete: Dr Matthew Hall, Postdoctoral Researcher, in IPIC’s Photonic Packaging team.
What is your hidden talent?
I am representing Ireland in the 2023 World Triathlon Age-Group Championships this month. Although it is an amateur-level event, I still had to qualify through racing in the Irish National Championship Triathlon in Rosslare in 2022. A large proportion of my free time is dedicated to swimming, cycling, running, and the huge amount of prep work that goes along with this. The event is in Pontevedra, Spain, and consists of a 1500m swim in the river, a hilly 40km bike, and a 10km run around the town.
Colette Ormonde, Senior HR Business Partner at Tyndall.
What sparked your interest?
I’ve played various sports since a young age but a series of injuries in 2019 forced me to retire from rugby. To rehab from my injuries, I started swimming but quickly became bored of training without a goal in mind once I’d recovered. I signed up for a short-distance triathlon to challenge myself to become fitter and quickly got ‘the triathlon bug’. My background in engineering meant that I grabbed the sports data-science and engineering side of the sport with both hands, and I’ve not looked back since.
What is your current role (and research focus if relevant)?
I am a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Photonic Packaging Group. My area of research is focused on machine vision automating advanced optical packaging processes in Si and InP based photonic systems and micro-optics.
How has your hidden talent complemented your role and/or enhanced your research?
The main crossover between triathlon and my work is in the scientific and methodical approach I apply to training and racing. Aerodynamics plays a huge part in the bike portion of the race, so I’ve spent a long time testing out different configurations in an experimental way to find what works. I’ve also used computer aided design (CAD) and 3D-printed manufacturing to make all kinds of gadgets for my bike, which is a useful skill in the Photonic Packaging lab to design and prototype parts. My general organizational and time-management skills have also improved through juggling three different sports and a career in research.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to try your hidden talent?
The challenge/reward is often in completing a triathlon and “racing against yourself”, so it’s a sport for all abilities. There is something to suit everyone and there are plenty of different distances available (e.g. beginners’ Try-a-Tri is a 250m swim, 6km cycle, 3km run), and there are also relay options, so you don’t even have to do all three sports.
You don’t have to join a club (I didn’t for the first year or two), but I’m now part of Cobh Triathlon Club and they’re a very welcoming and friendly club, with a huge mixture of abilities and ages. Get in contact via email (cobhtriclub@gmail.com), Facebook, or Instagram if you’re interested!