Paula Walshe

Paula Walshe is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Humanities at South East Technological University (SETU), where she contributes to teaching and research in early childhood education. She is actively involved in curriculum development discourse, particularly surrounding Ireland's Aistear framework.

Her research centers on early childhood education, with a focus on STEAM integration, digital competency development, and curriculum policy analysis. She advocates for innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to early learning, emphasizing the role of technology and creative pedagogy in fostering child development.

Her recent scholarly work examines the implementation of the Aistear curriculum framework in anticipation of its revision, contributing valuable insights to national educational discourse. This reflects a broader trend in her research toward evidence-based curriculum evaluation and reform.

Professional Activities and Recognition:

• Chair, Early Childhood STEAM Network (2024–present)
• Member, European Network of STEAM Educators (2025–present)
• Reviewer, European Early Childhood Education Research Journal (2024–present)
• Invited Speaker on digital competency in early education (April 2025)

Paula Walshe is currently accepting PhD students and continues to expand her impact through research, leadership, and academic service. She is an emerging leader in the field of early childhood STEAM education in Ireland.