#AccelerateAction, this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, is a global call to recognise strategies, resources, and actions that drive women’s progress and to actively support their implementation. IWD remains an important opportunity for amplifying the focus on gender equality.
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, Tyndall is proud to highlight the exceptional women making a lasting impact across our organisation, including Niamh Waldron, Head of Process and Product Development, who joined the team in 2023.
What is your current role at Tyndall?
I lead the Process and Product Development Group at Tyndall, overseeing the front-end fabrication cleanrooms, including III-V, Si-MEMS, EBL, and the training fab. My team supports a range of research groups and external companies by enabling their research and development in various fields such as semiconductor devices, photonics and life sciences.
What path led you here?
Throughout my career, I have worn many hats in the field of semiconductors, from process engineer to researcher to manager. I began my career at Analog Devices, then pursued a PhD at MIT to deepen my understanding of process-device interactions. At IMEC, I researched III-V devices before transitioning into management, supporting beyond-Si technologies. Upon returning to Ireland, I joined Meta, shifting back to process development. In late 2023, I took on my current role at Tyndall, bringing together my experience across research, industry, and management.
Did you have a role model who influenced your career choice?
I didn’t have a single role model, but I’ve been fortunate to work with many inspiring people throughout my career. I’ve admired those who approach challenges with curiosity and energy, rather than getting bogged down by them—people whose passion not only drives innovation but also brings teams together. From mentors who shared their technical expertise to leaders who fostered collaboration, each one has shaped my path and reinforced my love for problem-solving and pushing the boundaries of technology.
What could be done to support women in STEM and #AccelerateAction?
To support women in STEM, it’s crucial to provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and leadership training to help advance their careers. Offering flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and childcare support promotes work-life balance. Creating an inclusive, respectful culture and addressing unconscious bias ensures that women feel valued. Recognition of their achievements and increased visibility as role models inspires others. Additionally, providing access to resources, funding, and research opportunities, as well as fostering supportive communities, helps women succeed and thrive in STEM fields.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to change direction—there’s plenty of time to explore different paths. Every experience, even the unexpected ones, will add to your skills and perspective. Trust yourself, stay curious, and don’t rush the journey. It’s perfectly fine not to have everything figured out straight away.
