Faculty in Focus: Developing Data-Driven Solutions for a Changing Climate - Dr Maeve Upton joins the Department of Mathematics and Statistics as Associate Professor in Statistics and Data Science

Faculty in Focus: Developing Data-Driven Solutions for a Changing Climate - Dr Maeve Upton joins the Department of Mathematics and Statistics as Associate Professor in Statistics and Data Science

From the coast of Mayo to climate-focused statistics, Dr Maeve Upton is using mathematics to help understand some of the biggest environmental challenges facing society. Recently appointed as Associate Professor in Statistics and Data Science at University of Limerick, Maeve's research spans sea level rise, renewable energy, climate science and uncertainty quantification. We sat down with her to discuss her journey into academia, the future of statistics and what excites her most about joining UL.

Tell us a little about yourself and your academic journey?

I grew up in a small village in Mayo on the Sligo border, and my secondary school was right beside the sea. I've always loved the ocean and the natural environment. Science was my favourite subject in school, and my mother was actually my physics teacher, so science and mathematics were always part of my life.

One of my earliest memories is being brought to see a stranded whale during a school science class. Looking back, experiences like that probably helped shape my interest in the environment and how we understand the world around us.

I studied Science at Trinity College Dublin, focusing on Physics and Astrophysics, before spending some time working in industry. Eventually, I realised I wanted to combine my interests in mathematics, statistics and the marine environment, which led me back into academia.

I completed a PhD at Maynooth University, where I developed statistical models to understand sea level change and sea level rise. That work ignited a real passion for statistics and showed me how powerful statistical tools can be across many different disciplines.

How would you describe your research interests today?

At its core, my research is about understanding how things change across space and time. I've worked on gauging sea level rise over thousands of years, renewable energy production over minutes and hours, and increasingly I'm interested in environmental data more broadly, including air pollution and climate-related applications.

What connects all of these areas is statistics. The same mathematical and statistical principles can be applied across many different fields. That's one of the things I enjoy most about being a statistician. You develop a toolbox that can be used to tackle very different problems.

I'm particularly interested in environmental statistics, climate science, sea level change, renewable energy and uncertainty quantification.

What trends do you see shaping the future of your field?

The biggest shift is undoubtedly the growth of large-scale datasets and artificial intelligence. Researchers now have access to more data than ever before, which creates exciting opportunities but also significant challenges. AI and machine learning are becoming increasingly important tools for working with these large datasets.

However, one area where statisticians still play a crucial role is uncertainty. It's not enough to produce an estimate or prediction; we also need to understand how confident we are in that prediction.

That's where statistical thinking becomes essential. AI can often generate very strong predictions, but understanding uncertainty and communicating it effectively remains a key challenge. I think the future lies in combining advances in AI and machine learning with rigorous statistical approaches that help quantify uncertainty and support better decision-making.

What does your new role as Associate Professor involve?

The role is a combination of teaching, research and collaboration. I'll be teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, supervising Master's and PhD research projects, leading research initiatives and pursuing grant funding opportunities. Collaboration is also a major part of the role, both within UL and with researchers internationally.

Alongside research and teaching, I'm particularly interested in outreach. I want to help students see statistics and mathematics as exciting and accessible subjects with real-world impact.

Unfortunately, maths and statistics can sometimes have an intimidating reputation, but the reality is that they underpin so many aspects of modern society. Through outreach activities I hope to show students the wide range of opportunities these disciplines can open up.

What excites you most about being part of UL?

One of the things I love most about UL is the sense of community. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is incredibly supportive, and there's a strong balance between research excellence and student development. We have talented students, exciting research projects and colleagues who are always willing to help.

I've found that if you have an idea at UL, people will encourage you to pursue it. There's a real willingness to collaborate and support new initiatives.

The campus itself is also a huge attraction. Being able to walk or cycle along the Shannon and spend time outdoors during the day is something I really value. As someone who loves swimming, cycling and being in nature, UL is a fantastic place to work.

Finally, Mayo's long wait for Sam is over. How did you experience the celebrations?

It was incredible. Like many people from Mayo, I'd grown up watching near misses and heartbreaks, so when they finally won, the emotion was overwhelming. I was in Drumcondra when the final was played and later travelled home for the celebrations in Castlebar.

What struck me most was the impact it had on people. It wasn't just a sporting achievement; it genuinely lifted the whole county. Everywhere you went, people were smiling, celebrating and sharing stories.

For generations of Mayo supporters who followed the team through so many highs and lows, it was a moment they'll never forget. And I don't think anyone in Mayo will get tired of rewatching that final for years to come.