Meet the Class of 2024/25!
Abhiram Padavala
GLL
My name is Abhi, a recent graduate from Queen’s University
Belfast with a passion for sustainability and the circular economy. Growing up
in India, I developed a deep appreciation for efficiency, reuse, and recycling
in all aspects of life. With a bachelor’s in civil engineering and a master’s
in construction and project management, I have worked on refurbishment
projects, repurposing storm-damaged materials to reduce costs and waste while
maintaining aesthetics. I aim to drive larger-scale sustainable initiatives in
future projects. Joining 30 Under 30 is a valuable opportunity to learn
from pro-sustainability leaders and contribute towards transition to Net Zero
in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Alice Buchanan
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful
My name is Alice and I am currently working as an Environmental Education Coordinator at KNIB. This role involves encouraging teachers to participate in the Eco-Schools programme and environmental education, creating environmental educational resources to be used in schools and engaging organisations in environmental action through our delivery partners initiative.
Protecting the environment has been a passion of mine since I was very young by caring for animals and by choosing to become vegetarian to reduce my carbon footprint as a teenager. In present day, I have a keen interest in tackling fast fashion by organising swap shops in my local community and I have developed an increased understanding that climate action is a humanitarian action.
I am delighted to be a part of the 30under30 2025 cohort and I am excited to learn from renowned leaders and industry experts.
Chloe Craig
Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR
I am the Data Support Officer at
the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR), which is Northern
Ireland's Local Environmental Records Centre (LERC). The Centre is a
collaboration between National Museums NI, Northern Ireland Environment Agency
(NIEA) and the local recording community. I sit on the board of Ulster Wildlife
as a Trustee. I have a background in animal science, animal behaviour & welfare
and experience in ecological consultancy. I am excited to join the 30 Under
30 programme, enabling me to network with young people across different
sectors, who share a common goal to tackle the climate crisis!
Daniel Gammond
SSE Renewables
I am a Sustainability Analyst for SSE
Renewables, focusing on embedding sustainable practices and solutions into our
infrastructure projects. In my role, I look at a variety of sustainability
areas from carbon emissions to circularity to the social impact of our
projects.
I am very excited to join the 30U30 programme and am looking forward to expanding my knowledge, developing my skills and learning from industry leaders, experts and my cohort.
Emily Taylor
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful
I’m currently working as KNIB’s Biodiversity
Recovery Coordinator. My role involves leading on exciting projects centered
around environmental education, developing practical skills in gardening for biodiversity,
and advising on creating space for wildlife.
I previously worked as an Ecologist in private
consultancy for 3 years, carrying out protected species and habitat surveys. I
also have an MSc in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology.
With my passion for wildlife and NI landscapes,
I hope that joining the 30U30 programme will create potential for cross-sector
knowledge sharing and the development of solutions (especially nature-based
solutions) to address the climate and biodiversity crisis.
Emma O'Brien
Northstone Materials Ltd
Having completed a BSc in Environmental
Science at Ulster University, undertaking a year’s placement with Northstone
Materials Limited, I was lucky to have received an environmental graduate
position with NSM in which I work on their waste, water, biodiversity and
sustainability management, and everything else in-between. I’ve also had the
privilege of working alongside MPANI as a head editor for the ‘Wise use of
water guidance document’ for quarries.
The 30 under 30 programme allows for the opportunity to engage with other young people within the environmental industry and to learn from other industry professionals on how we can work collectively to improve our environmental impact.
Gavin McParland
Ulster University
I am a Power and Energy
Project Manager with Continu while also studying a masters degree in Energy
Storage at Ulster University. The main duties of my job with Continu include
assessing the feasibility of battery storage projects for commercial and
industrial projects, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects and
systems.
I’m excited to be
joining the ’30 Under 30 Climate Change Makers’ program to connect with like
minded individuals. As part of the 30 under 30 I’m particularly looking forward
to expanding my sustainability network and develop my leadership skills,
enabling me to develop and progress sustainable solutions in my future career.
Georgia Allen
Graduate
In addition to achieving my Bachelor's degree in Politics
and International studies, I have been an active participant in the
environmental movement since I was 16 years old. As a recent graduate, I am
ready to level up my teamwork skills, knowledge and foster professional
collaboration with my peers to make a difference. I am incredibly honoured to
be given the opportunity to learn from other young leaders, impressive
innovators and guest speakers alike. I also wish to learn more about what
different sectors can do to address climate change and how we, as young people,
can make our own mark and bring our own ideas to fruition.
Gina Black
Centre of Learning, Women in Business
I’m a Programme Coordinator at the Centre of Learning (Women
in Business) and an aspiring entrepreneur dedicated to driving change through
sustainability and innovation. My passion for environmental advocacy began in
childhood and has grown into a lifelong mission to champion ingenious solutions
for the climate crisis. I believe sustainable technology holds the key to
addressing worldwide challenges, and I’m eager to learn, share, and collaborate
with fellow changemakers. Joining this programme is an opportunity to amplify
my impact, connect with inspiring individuals, and help shape a future where
local actions create meaningful global ripples.
Hannah McKeown
CATAGEN
I work within CATAGEN's marketing and commercialisation function,
promoting Net Zero technologies and driving impactful decarbonisation projects.
I conduct market research to identify high-potential areas for CATAGEN’s
ClimaHtech technologies and develop strategies to attract scaling partners. My
background is in International Business and Project Management from QUB and UCD
Michael Smurfit, and I am also part of Hydrogen Ireland’s organising committee,
promoting hydrogen use across Ireland. I am eager to tackle the climate crisis
through collaboration and innovation, using this program to turn challenges into
opportunities and drive meaningful change. I look forward to connecting with
like-minded individuals, gaining insights to advocate for industry
transformation, and advancing CATAGEN’s mission to clean and decarbonise the
air.
Henry Ross
Pinehill Holdings Ltd & Coleraine FC
I am a property investor and co-owner of Coleraine Football Club, where I serves as a board member and plays an active role in steering the club’s future direction. I work closely with the other owners, board members, and management team to strengthen the club’s connection with the community and ensure its long-term success. Passionate about driving economic growth and social impact, I use my ventures to support sustainable development and foster collaboration. I am committed to creating lasting positive change for both businesses and the wider local area.
Jack Crone
Jan Dillenburger-Keenan
Queens University Belfast
I am
a post-doctoral research fellow at Queen’s University Belfast, working on
marine energy projects with a primary interest in utility-scale electrical
generation from tidal energy. With several years of experience in the tidal
energy sector, I am passionate about advancing this technology and bringing it
to Northern Ireland. I hold an MEng from the University of Southampton and an
EngD in Offshore Renewable Energy from IDCORE, a joint doctoral center between
the Universities of Edinburgh, Strathclyde, and Exeter.
Jessica Craig
Open University
I’m Jessica, and I’m a 19 year old environmental activist
and filmmaker. My journey in environmental activism started when I was 14 years
old, campaigning with Youth Climate Association Northern Ireland and Fridays
for Future.
I have a diploma in TV and Film production and I’m currently
studying combined studies in environment with Open University, as I hope to
combine my two passions in my career.
This year I had the opportunity to film and work with
indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon and Peruvian Andes and I’m
currently working on setting up an international project based on environmental
and cultural preservation.
I believe that 30 under 30 will provide me with an
opportunity to grow within my career in the environmental sector.
Lauren McKeown
KitchenSync
I am the founder of KitchenSync, a meal planning platform designed to reduce
food waste and promote sustainable living. Based in Northern Ireland, I am
passionate about tackling climate challenges through innovative, practical
solutions that make sustainability more accessible for households and
businesses. My mission is to empower communities to adopt small, impactful
changes that collectively contribute to a greener future. Being recognised as a
30under30 Climate Change Maker inspires me to continue driving forward ideas
that address environmental issues and connecting with others to join the
fight against climate change and build a more sustainable world.
Luba Leonova
Queen's University Belfast
My pivot towards sustainability began after completing my
bachelor’s degree in languages, with a dissertation on the impact of LNG
extraction on an indigenous community in the Arctic Circle. Inspired by this
research, I chose to focus my academic and professional future on sustainability,
alongside my interests in languages, culture, and communication. During this
time, I also worked part-time at IKEA as a Sustainability Partner, where I
focused on reducing food waste.
I am now pursuing a master’s degree in Leadership for Sustainable Development at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), where I am learning to design, develop, and implement sustainability strategies. I am excited about the opportunity to join KNIB’s 30u30 programme and connect with other like-minded young people who are committed to the future of our planet.
Maibh Shiels
Invest NI
I am a
Communications Executive at Invest NI, working within the Internal
Communications team. My role involves leading on our Environmental, Social and
Governance (ESG) communications, to make sure colleagues are aware of our
efforts to reduce climate change both within our organisation and through the
companies we work with, and their role in reaching our ESG goals.
I communicate
to colleagues on a number of other climate-focused initiatives, including the
pledges staff have taken on as part of their Carbon Literacy Certification,
initiatives from our Green Scene Environmental Group, and suggestions for
energy saving, reducing plastic use and more.
My hope is
that, by taking part in the 30 Under 30 programme, I will learn from peers and
experts so that I can better understand how to make impactful change within my
organisation and the wider community.
Max McCone
Mott MacDonald
I’m
a Mechanical Building Services Engineer at Mott MacDonald. Since 2018 I’ve
working on projects across a variety of industries including Aviation, Healthcare,
Education and Defence, and I recently led the Mechanical design for the newly
constructed Belfast International Airport Terminal Extension project.
Within my governing
institution CIBSE, I am the Global Vice-Chair of CIBSE Young Engineer’s Network
(YEN) and the Chair for Northern Ireland YEN.
I’m passionate about promoting sustainable practices and educating the next generation about climate change. I’m excited to meet, and learn from, the rest of the 2025 Class to create sustainable change in NI & beyond!
Megan McCamley
Business in the Community
I am an
Environmental Advisor at Business in the Community NI, where I lead the
delivery of Carbon Literacy Training to organisations across Northern Ireland.
In this role, I help businesses enhance their environmental knowledge, improve
their carbon reduction efforts and implement responsible business practices.
In 2022, I completed a Masters in Leadership for Sustainable Development at QUB, which has been instrumental in shaping my career in the environmental sector. I am excited to be part of this programme and aim to use this time to enhance my leadership skills, connect with like-minded individuals and drive climate action.
Michael Girvan
Mivan
I am the SHEQ Officer for Mivan Ltd, and currently have
the main responsibility for sustainability at the business. Within this role I
manage the scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions, and lead our decarbonisation
strategy and roadmap to net-zero by 2050. My time studying Land Use & Environmental
Management at QUB have well equipped me for my job, and have pathed the way for
a career in environmental sustainability.
As a member of this programme, my goal is to share my experiences in the construction industry and the issues faced, build connections within the wider sectors, and learn from the other members in our shared goal of tackling climate change and creating a sustainable future.
Michael McDowell
Greenhill YMCA
I work at an outdoor education centre in Newcastle where my main role is activity development. Alongside this I am responsible for training and support of our large volunteer instructor team as well as delivery of our outdoor activity sessions. I have a passion for all things outdoors but specifically bushcraft and hiking.
Currently I do my best to educate people on how amazing the world is and the value of nature, however It is my goal to someday have my own educational business where I can teach people about the environment and how special it is through experiences like outdoor activities. I am very excited to have joined to 30 under 30 programme as I believe it can help me to learn more about environmentalism and sustainability whilst inspiring me to take on the challenge of education.
Naomi Duncan-Todd
Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
I am a geography student at
Queen’s University, Belfast, and I am currently on my placement year with the
Northern Ireland Environment Agency. I’m 20 years old (turning 21 at the end of
December 2024) and I am from the best town in the west of NI: Omagh, Co. Tyrone.
I decided to join the 30 under 30 program because I want to help make a
difference in the world and I believe this program will provide me with the
skills and knowledge to do that. I’m excited to learn from renowned leaders and
industry experts. I’m also looking forward to connecting with other young
people who appreciate the importance of climate change.
Niall McGettigan
McAdam Design
I’m a
graduate from Queens University Belfast with a masters degree in Structural
Engineering with architecture. I’m currently working for McAdam Design as a
structural engineer. At McAdam we work with local communities to provide
sustainable projects, both higher education and infrastructure works.
Through my time at university, I specialised in sustainable material use achieving recognition at a national level for my work on sustainable concrete. I conducted research into integrating precast construction and adaptive structural elements focussing on achieving UK’s Net Zero 2050 target. I aim to promote sustainability in the industry and collaborate with other likeminded professionals on the programme.
Nicole May Hempkin
Queens University Belfast
I am an Environmental Assistant at Queens University, working in
the accommodation department. My role involves promoting and creating
sustainable practices and initiatives, aligning the values of accommodation
with the universities wider goals of achieving Net zero and engaging with
students. I graduated from Ulster University with a degree in Marine Science
before completing a master’s in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology
at Queens University. I am also a Marine Mammal Medic with British Divers Marine
Life Rescue.
I am so excited to join the 30 under 30 programme to learn from
industry experts and connect with likeminded individuals.
Orla Kearney
Arup
I'm a Sustainability Engineer at Arup Belfast with a background in Structural and Environmental Engineering. I specialise in whole life carbon assessment and carbon management, and I'm passionate about evaluating and reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects. I advocate for a holistic approach, including biodiversity, energy performance and resource management. I'm also heavily involved in community engagement and STEM, as I believe that education is key to tackling the Climate Crisis. I have previously been Chair of the IStructE NI&I Young Members Group and participated in IStructE global council, and I currently sit on the Engineers Ireland Northern Region Committee.
Orlaith Quinn
Mid Ulster District Council
After earning a BSc in Geography from Ulster University, I now serve as a Recycling, Education, and Data Officer for Mid Ulster District Council. In this role, I am passionate about advancing environmental sustainability and fostering responsible waste management practices throughout the district. My work emphasises education and community engagement, where I strive to raise awareness of recycling initiatives and provide tailored resources to schools, businesses, and residents. This ensures that waste disposal processes are both effective and environmentally conscious.
As a participant in the 30 Under 30 Programme, I am excited to connect with like-minded professionals in the environmental sector and develop new skills to support my career growth.
Ruchira Radhe Rangaprasad
Balantra
Hi! I am the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Balantra, where we create innovative liquid fibre sachets that can be added to any drink, delivering half of your daily fibre needs in just one serving. This venture has shown me how small, thoughtful actions can have a big impact on personal health—and it’s this belief in impactful change that drives my passion for tackling global challenges like climate change.
Joining the 30 under 30 Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful programme is an incredible opportunity for me to contribute to sustainability efforts. I am deeply committed to promoting environmental consciousness and advocating for lasting change that protects our planet for future generations. Through this programme, I aim to combine my skills in marketing with my passion for sustainability to inspire communities across Northern Ireland to take meaningful steps toward a greener future focusing on marketing in the food sector.
Shauneen Cavanagh
Gravity Architects
I am a Chartered Architect with a passion for sustainable design,
showcased through my work featured on the cover of Architectural
Digest (Mexico,
Italy and Germany) and featured in The New York Times. I’ve gained practical experience in Ireland,
the UK, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland, where I’ve delivered innovative and
impactful projects across diverse contexts, scales and typologies.
As a participant in the 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Climate Change-Makers Programme, I am excited to collaborate with like-minded people and industry experts to drive meaningful change and craft solutions for a sustainable future.
Sian Ogle
Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water
I am the Communications & Outreach Officer for the
Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water, a research centre addressing
climate, biodiversity, and water issues across the Republic of Ireland,
Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Traci Adams
Business in the Community Northern Ireland
I am an Environmental Advisor for BITCNI, responsible for managing the
Business and Biodiversity Charter and delivering Carbon Literacy training.
I have prior experience as an Ecologist in the Ecological Consultancy
sector, where I conducted protected species and habitat surveys, and provided
advice to infrastructure developers on how to minimise impacts on biodiversity. I also has experience as a Senior Assessor within the Third-party Risk
Management and ESG Compliance sphere. Having a BSc (Hons) in Zoology and a MSc
in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology, I am passionate about all
things biodiversity and loves to spend time bird watching.
