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ABOUT ME

A little bit about me
Mike Hynes

"The problem of life can only be solved by living!"

Unlike many cynics, I live in an incredible world of tremendous possibilities, a community of positive people who appreciate the splendour that nature & society offers. I remain curious about our existence and hungry to learn more, and I am deeply appreciative of what I have been given thus far, not least my family and friends. There is no end to life's great adventures if only we seek these with our eyes and minds open, and I look forward to the future and learning and experiencing so much more!

But there are important issues we need to tackle! Humanity is accelerating towards an unrecognisable future where singing birds compete with explosive drilling; monoculture has usurped diversity, and indigenous knowledge is being covered over with concrete & steel. These are signs that our responsibility towards the planet has gone off track and left destruction on cruise control. Society's dynamics affect every aspect of our lives, from the seemingly trivial to those of utmost importance. Furthermore, technology's effects and consequences continue to fascinate and generate in me a profound interest in the sciences.

My Résumé

Name

Michael (Mike) Hynes

Address

Room 323, 2nd Floor, Áras Moyola, Central Campus, University of Galway, Ireland, H91 TK33

Phone

+353 (0)91 49 5104

Email

mike.hynes@universityofgalway.ie

"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything!"

MY SKILLS

What I'm good at

Main Skills Areas

TRANSPORT, MOBILITIES, & LIVEABILITY
LECTURING, TEACHING, TUTORING, & MENTORING
TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH & INSTRUCTION

Main Sustainability Focus

TRANSPORT & MOBILITIES RESEARCH
ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY
URBAN PLANNING, LIVEABILITY, & QUALITY OF LIFE

"The proper use of science is not to conquer nature but to live in it!"

EDUCATION

My main academic achievements

Recent Publications

Hynes, M. (2022). Virtual Consumption: A Review of Digitalisation’s ‘Green’ Credentials. Front. Sustain. (Insights in Sustainable Consumption), 3:969329. doi: 10.3389/frsus.2022.969329

Hynes, M. (2022). Walk a mile in my shoes! An autoethnographical study of urban walkability. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, first published online 4 February 2022, doi.org/10.1177/08912416221075324

Hynes, M. (2021). The Social, Cultural and Environmental Costs of Hyper-Connectivity: Sleeping Thorough the Revolution. Bingley, UK: Emerald Publishing Limited, ISBN: 9781839099793.

Hynes, M. and Malone, P. (2020). The Utility of Public Transport in Ireland: Post COVID-19 Lockdown and Beyond. PublicPolicy.ie | UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy, 1st July 2020.


Download my full list of publications
Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology (1st) | 2002 - 2007
Oscail/Dublin City University, Dublin 9

My study primarily focused on subjects such as software, databases, and networking, in addition to the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computing, rather than emphasising specific technologies. This gave me with a critical insight into the application of Information Technology to the administration, management, and innovation processes within various industries and organisations.

Certificate in Training & Development (Distinction) | 2007
Irish Institute of Training & Development, Co Kildare

Founded in theory and focused on practice and application, the Certificate in Learning & Development covered the training process, including assessment, preparation, creating a positive learning environment, facilitating learning, and evaluating knowledge. It also provided a comprehensive understanding of establishing and running an effective organisational coaching system and social media in training.

Masters Degree in Information Technology (Honours) | 2007 - 2009
National University of Ireland, Galway

The Masters in Information Technology (MIT) helped develop my core technical knowledge, a strong appreciation of business environments and an understanding of how people behave in a workplace context. These skills enable me to contribute significantly to organisations across technical and business boundaries and facilitate strong consulting and management roles.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | 2009 - 2013
National University of Ireland, Galway

Mobility Matters? Technology, Telework, and the (Un)sustainable Consumption of Distance
This four-year body of research used Ecological Modernisation (EM) theory to investigate telework's social and environmental impacts in Ireland. It critiqued telework policy and practice for its frequent overemphasis on technology-induced efficiency and productivity gains. It identified contradictions with broader social and environmental sustainability goals in the areas of mobility, work, and consumption.

Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning at HE | 2015 - 2016
Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching (CELT), NUIG

The Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning at Higher Education raises critical awareness of the key issues in teaching, learning and assessment in contemporary higher education. It helps promote reflective practice as a crucial attribute of a professional approach to third and fourth-level teaching. It provides opportunities to develop specific practical skills in teaching, course design, assessment and evaluation.

"Knowledge will bring you the opportunity to make a difference!"

EMPLOYMENT

My work experience
Postman, Post Office Clerk, Clerical Worker - 1987 - 2002
An Post, Eglinton Street and Forster Street, Galway, Ireland

Delivery, sorting, and dispatch of mail, PABX operations, sale of products and financial services, cash accounting, customer services, staff IT training, TV license database administration, payment of wages and allowances, HR, transport fleet maintenance scheduling, newsletter editor, and general office management.

Process Area Manager- 2002 - 2007
Athlone Mails Centre, Co Westmeath, Ireland

Managed the daily processing of mail, meeting significant network deadlines in a highly technical and demanding environment, deputising for the Systems Manager, testing and systems maintenance control, induction training to all new staff, training in Integrated Letter Processing Systems (ILPS) and IT applications, frontline administration to all staff, Industrial Relation, developed and implemented ILPS testing and procedures, and implemented the Occupational Health & Safety Management System & OHSAS 18001.

Research Associate- 2008
Beemway Ltd, Technology Transfer Office, NUIG, Galway, Ireland

Researched and wrote a market report on web widget technologies for online European social networking environments, provided user analysis reports, including fluctuations in reach and popularity, and drafted company whitepapers while providing administrative support to Cynelix personnel in the Netherlands.

Office & Leagues Manager- 2008 - 2009
Galway Football Association (FA) District Leagues, Terryland, Galway, Ireland

Managed the Galway FA District Leagues, organised fixtures and leagues under the rules and regulations, appointed and reimbursed match officials, liaised with all stakeholders in football, including local and national media, and maintained the Galway FA website, prioritising results and information.

Computer Technician & IT Support- 2010 - 2014
Information Solutions & Services (ISS), NUIG, Galway, Ireland

Comprehensive maintenance of the on-campus PC suites and ensuring that all PCs and printers are functioning and available for use, checking and ensuring the application software profile is accurate, resolving software and network faults, offering advice training and IT support to staff and students, IT hardware fault investigation and resolution, and liaising with all levels within the ISS Department to resolve outstanding issues/problems.

Lecturer in Environmental Sociology | 2015 - Present
School of Political Science & Sociology, University of Galway

My current position is as an undergraduate and postgraduate lecturer in Political Science and Sociology at the University of Galway, specialising in Environmental Sociology, Mobilities and Sustainability, and Digitalisation and Society Research. I'm the Convener of the Governance and Sustainable Development Research Cluster, A member of the Teaching and Learning Committee (TLC), Research Committee and Research Ethic Committee, Secretary of the Social Science Research Centre (SSRC), and a researcher with the Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change and The Ryan Institute.

A personal work statement

Through hard work, perseverance, and genuine achievement, I am well-organised, reliable, and motivated, with a clear and positive approach to all and any work undertaken. I have strong acknowledged abilities working in multi-disciplined groups and managing teams achieving high standards in all tasks, projects, and work. In particular, my research and teaching/training experience provides a clear understanding of sustainability practices, lifestyles and development, and technology use and adoption, which are some of my more potent qualities.

"If you want something new, you must stop doing something old!"

TEACHING

My lecturing, teaching, tutoring, mentoring and training experience

Bold in the pursuit of knowledge

Education & learning enhances social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal development and is the means to improved self-sustainability and satisfaction rather than mere competitiveness and employability.

My objective

To transfer my key technology, sustainability and sociological knowledge and experience in a way that allows students to take control of their learning and equip myself for the rapidly developing roles of a lecturer by focussing on how learning happens.

Induction Training and Development | 2002 - 2007
Training & Development Officer, An Post, Athlone Mails Centre

I provided extensive induction training to all new staff at the Athlone Mails Centre. Delivered ongoing training in Integrated Letter Processing Systems (ILPS) and IT applications to staff & management and facilitated and supported continuous training and development in ICT-related problems and issues.

SP220 Methods for Social & Political Science | 2009 - 2012
National University of Ireland, Galway

Assisted cross-disciplinary groups of undergraduate and postgraduate students in mastering the statistical software package SPSS. This course included; Introduction to Statistics, Data Management & Statistical Analysis, Intermediate Statistics, Introduction to Longitudinal Analysis, and Data Visualisation. Tutorials (thrice weekly) comprised approximately 30 to 40 students per class.

Computer Training | 2010 - 2014
Information Solutions & Services, NUIG

Basic computer training introduces students and staff to use the PC Suites in various locations across the university. It involves practical training in available applications and software, file and share drive management, public and private drive security and usages, the Blackboard learning environment, printing, email, and problem reporting and resolution.

SP160 Problems in Politics & Sociology | 2012 - 2015
National University of Ireland, Galway

These seminars for undergraduate students are designed to promote inquiry-based learning, to enhance practical scholarship skills in Politics & Sociology while engaging with real-world problems. Students work in groups under the guidance of a seminar tutor. They are introduced to reading texts critically, taking practical notes, gathering information and using the library, using the internet as a research tool, doing group assignments, giving presentations, preparing and writing essays, using academic language, revising and taking exams, preparing for future subject and career choices. This module is examined by continuous assessment, several assignments, and two extended essays.

Voluntary Teacher/Tutor | 2013 - 2014
Age Action Ireland

As a volunteer tutor for Age Action Ireland, I assist older people (55+) to learn basic IT, internet and email skills. The Getting Started programme helps more senior people bridge the digital divide, beat exclusion and isolation, and increase independence. Beginner courses encourage and help older students to learn simple IT tasks. More advanced learners may be interested in learning other skills such as how to use Skype, streaming, downloading & uploading photos, and other such online activities.

Lecturer in Environmental Sociology | 2015 - Present
School of Political Science & Sociology, University of Galway

My current position is as an undergraduate and postgraduate lecturer in Political Science and Sociology at the University of Galway, specialising in Environmental Sociology, Mobilities and Sustainability, and Digitalisation and Society Research. I'm the Convener of the Governance and Sustainable Development Research Cluster, A member of the Teaching and Learning Committee (TLC), Research Committee and Research Ethic Committee, Secretary of the Social Science Research Centre (SSRC), and a researcher with the Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change and The Ryan Institute.

"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery!"

(OTHER) INTERESTS

What I enjoy & how I relax
Sport brings out the best in people!

Team Sports

I am passionate about all team sports, particularly Football, Hurling and Gaelic Football. Sport doesn't build character; it reveals character!

The Friday Footie Crew
C.A. Bowers

Reading

I am an avid reader and enjoy fiction and non-fiction writing. However, recently the writings of C.A. (Chet) Bowers have excited and intrigued me most.

Eco-Justice Press
The family dog Belle!

The Family Dog

One of life's great enjoyments on a fine day was getting up early in the morning, having a strong hot coffee, and walking our family dog Belle. She passed away peacefully in 2021, aged 15.

See more of Belle
HTML code

Website Development

I also enjoy building and deploying websites using HTML, CSS, and various client-side and server-side scripts in my spare time.

See an example
a beautiful planet!

The Environment

My plea is relatively straightforward: we must do everything humanly possible to save Earth; it's the only planet with chocolate!

Beautiful Planet Earth
Cycling to work and play

Cycling

I walk daily and regularly cycle to work, and I find it both relaxing and therapeutic. It also keeps me (relatively) fit and healthy: and I'm doing my small bit for the environment.

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives!"

CONTACT ME

Please fill out the form below!

I grew up (& live) in Galway City on the western seaboard of Ireland, which lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay.


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