Anne-Marie Freeley
Class of 2023-2024
University College Dublin
Masters of Materials Science and Engineering, Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering
Why did you choose ESTEEM?
I chose the ESTEEM Graduate Program to learn how to apply my technical background to develop commercially viable solutions to problems that will have a direct and meaningful impact on people’s lives. The ESTEEM Program's emphasis on hands-on learning and its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship align perfectly with my self-starting nature and my aspiration to be a change-maker and leader in my field.
What is your Capstone Project and why are you excited about it?
This capstone project will be working with Drone Response, a pre-revenue company whose research has been primarily funded by NASA and the NSF, specializing in the development of an AI-guided software platform for the safe and coordinated operation of multiple autonomous drones. This project will be conducting an evaluation of Drone Response's strategic recommendations and capabilities in Emergency Services and Public Safety Markets. The aim of this evaluation is to contribute to making missions safer and more dependable, ultimately helping Drone Response to save lives. As part of this Capstone, the student will work on marketing, financial modeling, and investment to support the successful launch and promotion of Drone Response’s product.
What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?
After completing the ESTEEM program, I would love to leverage my passions (engineering, science, and technology), to effect real change in the world. I have a keen interest in both the medical device sector and the fields of renewable energy and energy storage solutions, and I am excited to pursue a career in one of these industries. Either of these areas would be very complementary to my combination of Materials Engineering technical knowledge and the entrepreneurial and commercial know-how I am acquiring through ESTEEM.
What do you like to do in your free time?
When not working on assignments or my Capstone project, I am a firm believer in staying active and embracing the outdoors, especially before the Midwest winter sets in! I am a dedicated member of our ESTEEM Run Club, as well as the Notre Dame Field Hockey team. Recently, I have taken up volleyball and compete in the intramural leagues here at Notre Dame. Beyond sports, I am an avid traditional Irish music fan and play the tin whistle and fiddle (the Gaelic version of the violin). I get my traditional music fix here by playing with the Notre Dame Céilí Band! Here at Notre Dame, I have become a dedicated fan of the Fighting Irish! I love attending the football games with my ESTEEM class and meeting new people along the way. I am quickly coming up to speed on the rules of American football and I really enjoy supporting such a fantastic team! Go Irish!!