The Monaghan Sisters
Anna Monaghan
BSc Food Quality, Safey and Nutrition with Professional Studies, Class of 2018
Helen Monaghan
BSc Human Biology, Class of 2016 & Current Medical Student
Bio(s)
Hi, I¡¯m Anna, the eldest of ¡°The Monaghan Sisters¡± by all of 3 minutes and hail from Carryduff. Currently I am a final year PhD Researcher investigating the role of iodine in pregnancy and child development and hope to pursue a career in the field of public health. I didn¡¯t take the conventional route to where I am today, but after taking time out of academic study, working in the food sector (including as part of the obligatory student part-time jobs!) I am excited to hopefully receive my Doctorate in an area I have great passion and enthusiasm for. My main passion linked to nutrition and public health is young people and as such I do a lot of outreach work. Currently I am a STEM Ambassador, NI Secretary and UK Student Group Co-chair for The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) and also founded Queen¡¯s Food Society, QUB Foodies, during my undergraduate degree. Outside of all thing¡¯s nutrition and food related I love walking, yoga, being with family and friends and of course singing with my twin sister Helen.
Hey! I¡¯m Helen, the youngest of the Monaghan duo and I too can be claimed by Carryduff! Currently I am a final year medical student; the culmination of 8 long and cherished years at QUB! I am excited to qualify, albeit with a slightly heavy heart to leave the world of varied part-time jobs behind me that have gifted me with many experiences over the past 11-12 years! I am keeping an open mind career-wise but at present I have a keen and growing passion for psychiatry. As such, I have really enjoyed the time I have spent working as a healthcare assistant in Acute psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychiatry ICU. Away from the books, I love to spend time with my family and friends ¨C connection with people and nature is important to me. I love cold water sea swimming (without a wetsuit where I can stomach it), walking, singing, dancing, sharing food and laughter with those around me.
I have spent time in India and Sri Lanka, and I hope I am graced with more opportunities to travel in the years ahead. If and when time becomes more plentiful, I would love to pursue a Diploma in Musical performance as I think it would be great fun to study singing away from the classical emphasis of technique but more focus on the story and I¡¯d love to be able teach myself even a little bit of keyboard. Finally, I have always wanted to learn to jive so that¡¯s on my list!
TEDx Talk Title
Trusting the process
Overview of TEDx Talk
Both of us haven¡¯t had the smoothest journey to get to where we are today but what has helped us through (aside from an amazing support network) is self-perseverance, hope and the ability to focus on the bigger picture. Both of us are grateful to have learned a lot from our paths, always ¡°trusting in the process¡± to get where we are meant to be.