Kaitlin Haugh

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Forensic Science and Analysis

Galway City – Dublin Road

Where are you from?

I’m from a small town in County Limerick called Montpelier, and I attended St. Anne’s Community College in County Clare.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a qualified personal trainer at Matchbox Fitness in Limerick, where I help clients reach their health and fitness goals through tailored training programs.

My passion for fitness began at a very young age, deeply rooted in my love for dance. Growing up, I was captivated by Jean Butler and dreamed of dancing like her one day. That inspiration led me into the world of Irish dance, where I’ve had the privilege of becoming an All-Ireland finalist.

One of the highlights of my dance career was performing alongside Riverdance on the Gaiety stage in Dublin and appearing on national television. Over the years, I’ve been invited to perform at numerous events, not only across Ireland but also in the UK and the United States.

In 2024, I was incredibly fortunate to gain first-hand experience in law enforcement through an internship with the Nassau County Police Department in New York. During my time there, I had the privilege of learning from some truly remarkable and insightful individuals, officers, detectives, sergeants, and lieutenants, many of whom I still keep in touch with and now consider close friends. Their mentorship not only deepened my understanding of the field but also helped shape me into a more resilient, confident, and strong-minded person. The experience had a lasting impact on both my personal growth and professional outlook.

While in New York, I was also honoured to be chosen as a Rose for the New York Rose of Tralee Centre, a celebration of Irish heritage and community that I’m incredibly proud to be part of.

These experiences have shaped me into someone passionate, driven, and committed to growth, whether it’s in fitness, culture, or lifelong learning.

Tell us why you chose ATU.

I chose ATU because I found the Forensic Science and Analysis course to be one of the most comprehensive and well-structured programs available in Ireland. It stood out to me not only for its strong academic foundation but also for the practical, hands-on experience it offers. The course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a range of career paths in forensic science, both in Ireland and internationally.

I was particularly drawn to the opportunities for real-world application, including lab work, case-based learning, and potential industry placements. It felt like the ideal environment to grow both academically and professionally, and I knew it would give me the best chance to succeed in a field I’m passionate about.

What do you like about life in your campus location?

One of the things I really love about life on campus is the strong sense of community. From the very beginning, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing people who have become close friends and an important part of my college journey.

I also feel that because the class sizes are smaller, it’s much easier to build genuine friendships and get to know everyone on a personal level, which creates a really supportive and comfortable learning environment. That sense of connection extends to the lecturers too. I’ve built great relationships with them; they’re approachable, encouraging, and truly invested in our success.

The campus itself has a lovely setting with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great place to live, learn, and grow.

What advice would you give to a student thinking about coming to ATU?

My advice to any student thinking about coming to ATU would be to absolutely go for it. The learning environment here is incredibly supportive, with lecturers who genuinely care about your progress and are always willing to help.

As a visual learner who learns best by doing, I found the practical side of my course especially beneficial. ATU places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience, which really helped me understand and apply what I was learning in a way that suited me personally. You’re not just sitting in lectures, you’re in the lab, on your feet, and learning on the job, which makes all the difference.

What do/did you enjoy most about your course?

What I enjoyed most about my course was the 6-month placement. It was an incredible opportunity to step outside the classroom and apply everything I’d learned in a real-world setting. I gained so much hands-on experience, and it really helped build my confidence and professional skills. Being able to work in the field gave me a clearer idea of the career path I want to follow and showed me how the theory and lab work we do in class translates directly into practice. It was one of the most valuable parts of the course and something that truly set ATU apart for me.

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice/information would you give them?

Step out of your comfort zone and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Put your name forward for everything, even if it scares you. Volunteer, get involved, try new things, and push yourself to grow in every direction.

College is the perfect time to discover what you’re capable of, and you only live once, so make it count. Say yes to experiences that challenge you, because that’s where the real growth happens.

 Don’t hold back out of fear or self-doubt. Do everything you can to make yourself proud, because at the end of the day, it’s your journey, and you deserve to look back on it knowing you gave it your all.

Push your limits. Embrace the journey. Live with no regrets. What’s for you won’t pass you by.

If you are/were involved in sport, volunteering, working or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that?

Outside of my academic life, I’ve been fortunate to pursue a number of passions that have really shaped who I am today. One of the biggest parts of my life has always been Irish dancing. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to perform alongside Riverdance, an experience that not only allowed me to express my love for Irish culture but also introduced me to so many amazing people whom I now consider some of my closest friends.

Dancing in New York also opened the door for me to get involved with the New York Rose of Tralee, another unforgettable experience where I met so many intelligent and inspiring women. It was a celebration of Irish heritage, strength, and community, and I felt honoured to be part of it.

What are your plans after graduating?

After graduating, my biggest dream is to travel and see as much of the world as possible. I’ve always loved exploring new places and experiencing different cultures, and I’m determined not to let anything hold me back from living that dream. I also have a few career paths in mind, whether it’s working as a detective or in a forensic lab, I’m open to wherever life leads me. Another dream of mine is to one day open my own dance school. Dance has given me so much throughout my life, and I’d love the opportunity to share that passion and pass it on to the next generation. It’s not about being the best, it’s about inspiring others to find confidence and joy through movement, just like I did.

Whatever job or journey I end up on, I truly believe it will be the right one for me. I’m a firm believer in the saying, “What’s for you won’t pass you by,” and I know that with hard work, passion, and an open heart, the future holds amazing things.